The Casa Manila, also known as the Manila House, is a living museum depicting the lifestyle of an opulent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period.
Casa Manila's façade was inspired by a house built in the 1850s on Jaboneros Street in Binondo's Chinese district. The interior decor of the mansion reflects the taste of the late nineteenth century, with furniture and furnishings brought from Europe and China. Painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese pottery, and gilded furniture reflect the grandeur and richness of a 19th-century Manila home.
The house is entered via the zaguan, a large stone-paved hallway beneath the house that leads to the patio. The zaguan and patio are paved with Piedra China, or Chinese granite, which was previously used as ballast aboard Chinese commerce junks.
Spanish colonial structures in Intramuros often have an enclosed courtyard or patio. The patio cooled the rooms of the house that faced it. The caballeriza, or stables, is located at the far end and houses horses and carriages.
The house is entered via the zaguan, a large stone-paved hallway beneath the house that leads to the patio. The zaguan and patio are paved with Piedra China, or Chinese granite, which was previously used as ballast aboard Chinese commerce junks.
Spanish colonial structures in Intramuros often have an enclosed courtyard or patio. The patio cooled the rooms of the house that faced it. The caballeriza, or stables, is located at the far end and houses horses and carriages.
Entresuelo
The house's entresuelo, or mezzanine, has a waiting room for craftsmen, an office, and some bedrooms often reserved for extended family members such as unmarried aunts and uncles or grandparents. Occasionally, overnight guests used the entresuelo's bedrooms.
One of the entresuelo's rooms contains an exquisitely carved bed called Kama ni Ah-Tay. This bed was named after its carver, Ah-Tay, a well-known Chinese furniture maker in Binondo who sometimes carved calabasa or squash into the bed's posts as a trademark. Another room contains an elegant chest of drawers called a comoda. This chest of drawers is inlaid with bone, indicating that it came from Pampanga.
A capiya, or long seat, inspired by the church pew, was built for craftsmen and visitors who were waiting their turn to summon the landlord. To the right is the despacho, often known as the master's business office. Porcelain pedestals with potted plants add a delicate touch to the entresuelo.
The house's entresuelo, or mezzanine, has a waiting room for craftsmen, an office, and some bedrooms often reserved for extended family members such as unmarried aunts and uncles or grandparents. Occasionally, overnight guests used the entresuelo's bedrooms.
One of the entresuelo's rooms contains an exquisitely carved bed called Kama ni Ah-Tay. This bed was named after its carver, Ah-Tay, a well-known Chinese furniture maker in Binondo who sometimes carved calabasa or squash into the bed's posts as a trademark. Another room contains an elegant chest of drawers called a comoda. This chest of drawers is inlaid with bone, indicating that it came from Pampanga.
A capiya, or long seat, inspired by the church pew, was built for craftsmen and visitors who were waiting their turn to summon the landlord. To the right is the despacho, often known as the master's business office. Porcelain pedestals with potted plants add a delicate touch to the entresuelo.
Despacho
During the Spanish colonial era, affluent Filipino families gained wealth from a variety of sources, including trade, but the majority of their revenue came from provincial estates known as haciendas, whose landlords were known as hacienderos. As a result, the despacho, which is part of the entresuelo, serves as the primary chamber where the landlord conducts business. It is outfitted with lift-top desks, chairs, cabinets, and bookcases from the 17th and 19th centuries.
Private libraries were extremely unusual during the colonial era, but here they are lavishly displayed to highlight the family's literacy and knowledge. The escritorio, designed specifically for an office, has a double flip top so that business partners can work facing each other. The baul mundo, or travelling chest, has tooled leather covers similar to those found on Spanish sea chests. These 17th-century chests were intended for long-term storage or to protect valuable documents.
During the Spanish colonial era, affluent Filipino families gained wealth from a variety of sources, including trade, but the majority of their revenue came from provincial estates known as haciendas, whose landlords were known as hacienderos. As a result, the despacho, which is part of the entresuelo, serves as the primary chamber where the landlord conducts business. It is outfitted with lift-top desks, chairs, cabinets, and bookcases from the 17th and 19th centuries.
Private libraries were extremely unusual during the colonial era, but here they are lavishly displayed to highlight the family's literacy and knowledge. The escritorio, designed specifically for an office, has a double flip top so that business partners can work facing each other. The baul mundo, or travelling chest, has tooled leather covers similar to those found on Spanish sea chests. These 17th-century chests were intended for long-term storage or to protect valuable documents.
Caida or Ante-Sala
The caida, or antesala, is accessible via the house's second set of stairs. The caida was reputedly named after the ladies who "let fall" their skirts when they reached the top of the stairs. This chamber, also known as the antesala, was the major place for entertaining ordinary guests. Various ordinary activities can be carried out here, including midday naps, food, parlor games, and the occasional card game and gambling.
The staircase landing includes a bastonera where guests can put their hats and parasols when they enter. The caida has a stunning inlaid Sheraton side table from Baliuag, Pampanga, Viennese bentwood chairs, marble-top tables, and a European gilt-framed mirror that reflects the family's affluence. The diban was designed to function as a lounging chair and daybed. The diban's beautiful curves, caned seat, back, and arm rests suggest lazy afternoon naps, a welcome respite from the tropical heat and humidity of the Philippines.
The caida, or antesala, is accessible via the house's second set of stairs. The caida was reputedly named after the ladies who "let fall" their skirts when they reached the top of the stairs. This chamber, also known as the antesala, was the major place for entertaining ordinary guests. Various ordinary activities can be carried out here, including midday naps, food, parlor games, and the occasional card game and gambling.
The staircase landing includes a bastonera where guests can put their hats and parasols when they enter. The caida has a stunning inlaid Sheraton side table from Baliuag, Pampanga, Viennese bentwood chairs, marble-top tables, and a European gilt-framed mirror that reflects the family's affluence. The diban was designed to function as a lounging chair and daybed. The diban's beautiful curves, caned seat, back, and arm rests suggest lazy afternoon naps, a welcome respite from the tropical heat and humidity of the Philippines.
Interior Architecture of the House
The house is encircled by large opening windows. The window panes are built of capiz shells because glass was extremely expensive at the time. The wooden louvers, known as persianas, allow air to move inside rooms while preventing direct sunlight. Underneath the windows are movable panels known as ventanillas, which provide additional ventilation, particularly during the dry season. When the ventanillas were opened, tiny children could see the street below, which was especially useful during street parades or religious processions. On top of the windows are fixed transoms or espejo that let additional daylight inside the house or illuminate the interiors when the windows are closed.
The caida boasts a stamped metal ceiling, which was popular during the Victorian era. Other rooms in the house may have stamped metal ceilings or be painted in the trompe l'oeil manner. The interior walls are likewise painted, and some are ornamented in trompe l'oeil manner.
Calados are decorative features that also allow for air circulation between rooms. Calados can also be found on the tops of walls that separate rooms in some homes.
The small passage along the sides of the home is known as a volada. The phrase is derived from the Spanish word volar, which means "to fly," and alludes to the cantilevered walkway that runs along the window side of the home. When there were guests present, the staff used the volada as a walkway to get from one chamber to the next.
The house is encircled by large opening windows. The window panes are built of capiz shells because glass was extremely expensive at the time. The wooden louvers, known as persianas, allow air to move inside rooms while preventing direct sunlight. Underneath the windows are movable panels known as ventanillas, which provide additional ventilation, particularly during the dry season. When the ventanillas were opened, tiny children could see the street below, which was especially useful during street parades or religious processions. On top of the windows are fixed transoms or espejo that let additional daylight inside the house or illuminate the interiors when the windows are closed.
The caida boasts a stamped metal ceiling, which was popular during the Victorian era. Other rooms in the house may have stamped metal ceilings or be painted in the trompe l'oeil manner. The interior walls are likewise painted, and some are ornamented in trompe l'oeil manner.
Calados are decorative features that also allow for air circulation between rooms. Calados can also be found on the tops of walls that separate rooms in some homes.
The small passage along the sides of the home is known as a volada. The phrase is derived from the Spanish word volar, which means "to fly," and alludes to the cantilevered walkway that runs along the window side of the home. When there were guests present, the staff used the volada as a walkway to get from one chamber to the next.
Sala
Sala is the house's principal hall. It was where large and spectacular events were hosted. It is not true that only highly important people were entertained here, as the use of this hall was determined more by its size and the particular nature of the activities, as opposed to the smaller antesala, which can only accommodate ordinary activities. As a result, parties, tertulias (private concerts), soirees, and bailes (dances) were hosted here. Tertulias frequently displayed the musical abilities of household members.
The sala was designed to impress and display one's wealth, and it is outfitted to the highest standard. The sala is furnished with gilded 19th-century furniture from Europe, Louis XV-style settees and chairs, gilt-framed mirrors, excellent French furniture, crystal chandeliers, and alabaster pedestal lamps, to name a few, demonstrating the refinement and grandeur of a 19th-century Manila mansion. As an event venue, the enormous circular table and other furniture in the sala are typically removed during parties to provide room for dancing and merrymaking.
A square grand piano, sometimes known as a box grand piano among old-timers, can be seen at the far end of the sala. The square grand piano is popular in both America and Europe, and this example is likely from the early nineteenth century. A superbly cut glass and crystal candelabra sits above the piano, flanked by a finely woven manton de Manila. The furniture in this space is placed in a way that suggests a tertulia is about to take place.
Sala is the house's principal hall. It was where large and spectacular events were hosted. It is not true that only highly important people were entertained here, as the use of this hall was determined more by its size and the particular nature of the activities, as opposed to the smaller antesala, which can only accommodate ordinary activities. As a result, parties, tertulias (private concerts), soirees, and bailes (dances) were hosted here. Tertulias frequently displayed the musical abilities of household members.
The sala was designed to impress and display one's wealth, and it is outfitted to the highest standard. The sala is furnished with gilded 19th-century furniture from Europe, Louis XV-style settees and chairs, gilt-framed mirrors, excellent French furniture, crystal chandeliers, and alabaster pedestal lamps, to name a few, demonstrating the refinement and grandeur of a 19th-century Manila mansion. As an event venue, the enormous circular table and other furniture in the sala are typically removed during parties to provide room for dancing and merrymaking.
A square grand piano, sometimes known as a box grand piano among old-timers, can be seen at the far end of the sala. The square grand piano is popular in both America and Europe, and this example is likely from the early nineteenth century. A superbly cut glass and crystal candelabra sits above the piano, flanked by a finely woven manton de Manila. The furniture in this space is placed in a way that suggests a tertulia is about to take place.
Cuarto Principal
The other door in the oratorio leads to the master bedroom. The large size of furniture pieces is typical of old Manila around the turn of the century. The large mirrors, which were purchased from Europe, show the family's affluence. Take notice of the remarkable Aparador de Tres Lunas, which is defined as a wardrobe of three moons due to the three mirrors affixed to its doors.
Beside the bed is a magnificent comoda, or chest of drawers, constructed of fine-grained kamagong and narra from the early nineteenth century. On top of it is a detailed tableau of the Annunciation. Wealthy 19th-century residences frequently have religious icons with ivory heads and hands. These holy images, which are dressed in gold-embroidered robes, are known as de-vestir, or "to wear." To the left of the room, there is a mariposa sofa. This hardwood and cane sofa, known for its beautiful butterfly-shaped back, is modeled by the Victorian horsehair sofa.
The other door in the oratorio leads to the master bedroom. The large size of furniture pieces is typical of old Manila around the turn of the century. The large mirrors, which were purchased from Europe, show the family's affluence. Take notice of the remarkable Aparador de Tres Lunas, which is defined as a wardrobe of three moons due to the three mirrors affixed to its doors.
Beside the bed is a magnificent comoda, or chest of drawers, constructed of fine-grained kamagong and narra from the early nineteenth century. On top of it is a detailed tableau of the Annunciation. Wealthy 19th-century residences frequently have religious icons with ivory heads and hands. These holy images, which are dressed in gold-embroidered robes, are known as de-vestir, or "to wear." To the left of the room, there is a mariposa sofa. This hardwood and cane sofa, known for its beautiful butterfly-shaped back, is modeled by the Victorian horsehair sofa.
Comedor
The comedor or dining room has a long dining table that may comfortably seat eighteen people. The table's top is crafted from a single plank of narra wood. When entering the comedor, one may observe the enormous buffet table adorned with a giant mirror. The mirror creates the appearance of depth and space in the room. The vajilera, located on the opposite side of the comedor, stores precious crystal, porcelain dishes, and silverware when not in use.
The comedor or dining room has a long dining table that may comfortably seat eighteen people. The table's top is crafted from a single plank of narra wood. When entering the comedor, one may observe the enormous buffet table adorned with a giant mirror. The mirror creates the appearance of depth and space in the room. The vajilera, located on the opposite side of the comedor, stores precious crystal, porcelain dishes, and silverware when not in use.
Cocina
Off the dining room is a classic 19th-century Spanish colonial kitchen. One distinguishing aspect of the cocina is the banggera, or dishrack, where washed dishes are laid and allowed to dry in the sun. The paminggalan, or slatted-sided cupboard, is used to keep prepared meals and leftovers. Another status symbol is the nievera, or icebox. The nievera was a source of wonder back then, and only privileged families could buy it because ice in the nineteenth century was imported from the United States.
Off the dining room is a classic 19th-century Spanish colonial kitchen. One distinguishing aspect of the cocina is the banggera, or dishrack, where washed dishes are laid and allowed to dry in the sun. The paminggalan, or slatted-sided cupboard, is used to keep prepared meals and leftovers. Another status symbol is the nievera, or icebox. The nievera was a source of wonder back then, and only privileged families could buy it because ice in the nineteenth century was imported from the United States.
Letrina and Baño
The passageway to the left of the cocina connects to the baño and letrina. The letrina houses the toilet, which typically has two or more seats in larger homes! The bathroom has two baneras or bathtubs. These massive bathtubs, built of stoneware and imported from China, are most likely the oldest pieces of furniture in the house (pending verification). Contrary to common belief, Manila already had a functioning sewerage system and running water by the end of the nineteenth century.
The passageway to the left of the cocina connects to the baño and letrina. The letrina houses the toilet, which typically has two or more seats in larger homes! The bathroom has two baneras or bathtubs. These massive bathtubs, built of stoneware and imported from China, are most likely the oldest pieces of furniture in the house (pending verification). Contrary to common belief, Manila already had a functioning sewerage system and running water by the end of the nineteenth century.
Here are more details:
Address: Casa Manila, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Real Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday ( 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Contact Number: +63 285272961
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook Page: OfficialIntramurosAdministration
Instagram: intramurosph
Rates:
Regular Rate: Php 75.00
Discounted Rate: Php 50.00 (Applicable to children under 18, senior citizens aged 60 and above, students, persons with disabilities, and government employees. Valid ID required for discounted rate).
Note: As per security, no video recording is allowed inside the museum. Flash photography is not also allowed.
Address: Casa Manila, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Real Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday ( 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Contact Number: +63 285272961
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook Page: OfficialIntramurosAdministration
Instagram: intramurosph
Rates:
Regular Rate: Php 75.00
Discounted Rate: Php 50.00 (Applicable to children under 18, senior citizens aged 60 and above, students, persons with disabilities, and government employees. Valid ID required for discounted rate).
Note: As per security, no video recording is allowed inside the museum. Flash photography is not also allowed.
