Casa de Segunda

Casa de Segunda

     Inspired by Sir Christian l Lakad Pilipinas' blog posts of Historical Houses from his Taal series, we also went on a trip to this house called Casa de Segunda (named after Segunda Solis Katigbak) in Lipa, Batangas. Like Pinto Art Museum, we had to ring a bell to let the homeowners know we're outside. We paid a minimum amount of 20php to tour the place. :p

Strong, sturdy

National Historical Institute Marker

     Casa de Segunda Katigbak was the ancestral house of the reputed first love of our National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Katigbaks was a prominent family in Batangas, the house is located at 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City, Batangas. At present, the house was transformed by Didi Dimayuga, a great granddaughter of Katigbak into a museum. The casa was declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets, and persons of learning and distinction. - from WikiPilipinas

Zaguan = silong

Luz - Katigbak Family

     On the first floor, framed photos of the Luz - Katigbak family are displayed as well as a bust of Manuel Luz, photo albums, native fans and a compilation of stories of the family. It felt cold inside the house even if it was really hot and sunny outside.

     This two-storey ancestral house is a typical "bahay na bato", which reminds of the country's past history. On the left side of the house is a dining area with a long wooden table. The door at the end leads to the dirty kitchen.

Comedor = dining room

Colorful paintings

     The dining area is not that spacious but is open so it feels like the outside, where the fountain is, is an extension. The atmosphere therefore is one that is refreshing and casual. The floor tiles give the room some color and character, in addition to the colorful paintings on the wall.

     On the way to the second floor is this big window with colorful glass tiles. This gave the space some light and color, in contrast to the dark wooden staircase. This is a nice feature and makes the room cooler since it can be really hot during the summer.

Salas de Casa de Segunda

Butaka = lounge chair

Good ole' piano

     The second floor is more spacious and airy with the tall white windows. This is a good place to relax and read, with good natural lighting and ventilation. They also have a piano by the corner and it got us imagining how the sound would reverberate in the big room.

Chess table

     This piece struck us the most because of its rich history. It's amazing how this piece was preserved even after so many years -- the cracks make it special and historical! It's nice to have a part of Rizal (even if it is just a simple chess table) be tangible to us, at this time/ decade.

     We then headed to the bedrooms at the second floor.

 

Four-poster bed with arenola :D

Balcony

     The two bedrooms both had four-poster beds, a dresser (painidora) and a big cabinet or 'tucador'.

Azotea

    Now, let's go down memory lane and discover what they called the different objects before. :) 

Gasera = gas lamp

Bastonero = rack for hat and cane

Tampipi = suitcase made of bamboo

Maquina de Mano = hand operated sewing machine

     After exploring the whole house, time to relax and think about our discoveries -- at our favorite spot, the fountain under the shade of trees. ^_^

Fountain

A Glimpse of The Golden Past

Historians ;p

   
     It was nice to look around such an old house, one that was preserved along with its rich history. It got us thinking how Pinoys back then lived a simple and carefree life, with just the necessities and less of the wants/desires. The family who owned the house is admirable for maintaining it, and for sharing it with others like us. :)

Casa de Segunda, an ancestral house

     Casa de Segunda echoes the timeless qualities of Lipa reminding both residents and visitors alike that those olden days of prosperity need not be a distant memory.

Casa de Segunda

198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City, Batangas

Contact Numbers: +63 918 9415410

784 1952