Discovering Classics at the Casa Gorordo Museum

Built around the 1850's, the house was purchased by the Spanish merchant Juan Isidro de Gorordo in 1863. It was home to four generations of the Gorordo family, including Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu 1910-1932. Later, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), which is located just across from the museum today, acquired and restored it, and in 1963, it opened as a public museum. It has been recognized as a National Historical Landmark for its historical significance.

---

While looking at Google Maps for my previous blog about Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, I spotted a nearby attraction. I hadn't noticed it before because I rarely went out alone. Now that I'm exploring more, I didn't want to miss the opportunity of visiting it.

The place is actually bigger than I thought. It has a large open space inside and even a Bo's coffee.

I only had to pay 50 pesos as a student. There is a promo that they mentioned: for only 200 pesos each visitor, you already have a guided tour for both the Casa Gorordo and the Saulog exhibit at the Kabilin Center which is situated beside the museum. I wasn't aware of the establishment until recently. However, I opted to explore Casa Gorordo first. I guess you already know what my next blog is going to be about after this, haha, probably.

The first items that I saw are mostly items of devotions, especially the ones that are used during certain celebrations or seasons like Semana Santa (Holy Week).

There are farmer equipment mostly made out of wood, like coffee bean grinders and cacao presser. I found out that coffee was not a big industry in Cebu before so the tools used for processing the beans were made out of balayong wood.

As for the cacao beans, they are smashed using the wooden presser that later on shaped into tablets, locally known as tablea.

On the left side, you can see Salakot (Sarok hats) which are farmers' and laborers' head wear. Sundang (bolo with sheath) and guna (bolo) are also displayed there. It's interesting to see these items because my grandfather has these bladed tools. Below them is a wooden plow and carabao yoke. And on the right side, you can see a spinner, cotton gin, limestone and wooden mortar and pestle, and tuba (coconut wine) containers.

The next section is what made me really excited. There are series of scale models depicting different modes of transportation.

---

I didn't know that there was a train in Cebu. It's said that the Cebu Railway Train transported passengers and commodities traveling from both the north and south towards the city.

Bisaya Land Transportation Bus

---

I learned that only animal-drawn carriages, carts and sleds were available in Cebu before the American Occupation. So, when the Americans arrived, the Cebuanos were introduced to motorized land transportation. The Americans made a great contribution and improved the lifestyle of the Cebuanos, as well as Filipinos in general.

It's so interesting that tartanilla dates back to the Spanish Colonial period, and it's amazing to witness that the tartanilla can still be seen today in downtown Cebu City, especially along Leon Kilat Street.

Tartanilla (Carriage)

Seeing these stirred my curiosity, like how they lived before the American occupation, before everything was improved.

Just near the stairs is where these old house posts are displayed. The Casa Gorordo is one of the houses that used different types of hardwoods. The most commonly used was molave, which is locally known as tugas. It was just then that I learned its local name.

I've only seen a folding screen in royal movies before, but I'm glad that I noticed one in the museum, even though it was in the dark side of the dimly lit area on the ground floor.

When I took this picture, it really reminded me of the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House because they have similarities. Their ground floors are both made of coral stones and the second floors are both hardwood. But, I think the Casa Gorordo's architectural structure is more influenced by Spanish styles.

The second floor of the house is just exquisite. I'd definitely want to have a home like this. It may look simple and old-fashioned to others, but it's sophisticated for me.

The first rooms near the stairs I entered are mostly bed rooms. There are old pictures of the Gorordo family and even a baby crib.

---

The next room is a prayer room. Given the deep religiosity among the Cebuanos, it's evident that this house, once home to a Cebuano bishop, served as a place of faith.

---

So much has changed since then. I couldn't help but compare the clothing from the past to the clothing today—totally different. Although the baro at saya is still present in the modern time, it is only worn during certain Filipino celebrations.

The bathroom of the house is blocked off so you can't go further inside, and there's a closed room nearby that looks like it could be a girl's bedroom because you can see a vanity through the small opening of the door. Unfortunately, I didn't go in there since it was closed and I assumed it was restricted.

The traditional Filipino board game,sungka , is displayed on the table alongside cards and mahjong tiles. I also noticed that the cards are different from what I typically see these days. The cards on the table range from A to 7, and there are b, d, k cards. It made me wonder what card game they used to play back then.

---

---

Looking at this antique clock made me imagine their lives before. It's like I time-traveled and pictured myself living in the house.

There are more antique items in the next room.

It was amusing because I remembered the clock from the Beauty and the Beast movie when I saw this one in the museum. This house tells many stories of the past, like a tale as old as time, even though the people who once lived in it are no longer present today.

There are old books as well, which are intriguingly well-kept. Most of them are Spanish encyclopedias.

Jose Rizal's Notable Works: Noli Me Tangere & El Filibusterismo

Register of Parian Families

Old Map of the Philippines

This area is what I loved the most- it made me imagine Gorordo's family having a supper together. The atmosphere just felt intimate and elegant.

The last room in the corner is filled with glassware and items that are new to my eyes.

---

The balcony of the house is surprisingly large and has a refreshing atmosphere.

---

I appreciate the Gorordo House, now turned into a museum. Visiting places like this makes me reflect on the past. It's amazing to see that there are traditions and cultures that persist despite how many years have passed. The place truly has many stories to tell, along with rare antique items, emphasizing the rich culture and heritage of Cebu. It's a place of classics and elegance and I'm becoming prouder as a Cebuana the more I discover the rich history and culture of Cebu.

I hope you can visit the museum too and share it with others!

Before I forget, here's an advanced reminder: no flash photography or videos allowed. You're not allowed to touch the artifacts and sit on the chairs, except for those on the balcony.

---

I hope you enjoyed this historical adventure blog with me. Until next time, sweeties!