Another name for the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is "Balay nga Bato og Kahoy" or "stone and wood house." It is made from coral stone and wood, which were common materials during the Spanish period. The wooden floor and its wide windows give a feeling of going back in time, a memory of the province during the colonialism era. Even though it has been standing for more than three centuries, it remains strong and almost undamaged despite going through many calamities.
As you enter the house, you will be greeted by the statue of saints and other religious images. Every corner of the house is filled with antiques, old family photos, ancient paintings, and wooden furniture that bring alive Parian history in Cebu. In the center of the house is a long table with porcelain pieces from the 1600s. They were used in the daily life of the Yap-San Diego family.
Parts of the Ancestral House
The house is divided into three main parts: the lower floor, upper floor, and the garden.
Lower Floor
The floor of the lower part is made of gravel instead of wood. Here are located two main rooms: a spacious hall and a back room. The wooden stairs going up require the wearing of shoe covers to maintain cleanliness and protect the wooden floor above.
Upper Floor
Upstairs are several rooms with antique furniture and chairs. There are also crochet decorations reminiscent of houses in Goa, as well as old wardrobes that were common in those times. One of the fun parts are the old chairs with long arms that are rarely seen today. From here, the garden below can be seen providing a fresh view.
Garden
The garden is full of plants that provide fresh air. It is a great place to relax and feel the fresh breeze while savoring the quiet atmosphere of the past.
How to Get to the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House?
To get to the spot, you can take a taxi or multicab from Cebu City terminal to Marina Mall. From there, ride a multicab or jeepney with a “highway” sign and tell the driver to drop you off at Maguikay. Arriving in Maguikay, take a jeepney with the sign "catedral" or "colon" that will take you to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral or Colon Street. From there, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is an easy walk.
It is located in the Parian District of Cebu City, close to other historical sites such as the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. It is a great place to visit for those who want to explore the city's rich history.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. The entrance fee is ₱100 per person, a small amount for a wonderful trip back in time.
Best Time to Visit
It is better to visit the house in the off-peak season or on days when it is not crowded, to enjoy the quiet exploration inside. Avoid going during holidays or vacations so as not to be disturbed by the number of people.
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is more than just an old house; it is a silent witness to the history of Cebu. Every furniture and corner of it has a story: stories that connect us to the past times of our ancestors. It serves as a reminder of the rich culture and history of our country.
If you love history, architecture, or simply want to experience life during the Spanish era, it is well worth a visit. Although the place is not big, one hour is enough to glimpse its beauty and antiquity. This is a rare opportunity to see the mixed culture of the Spanish and Chinese in the Philippines.
Don't forget to bring a camera because every part of the house is an Instagram-worthy sight. From antiques to old decorations, your feed is sure to be filled with photos with history.
If you are traveling to Cebu, don't forget to include the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House in your itinerary. It is not just a house but a hundred years of history that will give you a unique view of the culture and lifestyle of our ancestors.
Some say the entrance fee is expensive, but I can say it's worth it. It is an honor to visit, enter the oldest Chinese house in the Philippines.
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