Yap-Sandiego, the treasure of Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines
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The Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home is referred to as "bahay na bato" which means a house made out of stone.
Yes, the house was made out of stone but not just ordinary stone but "coral stones" and they used egg white to let the coral stones stick with each other. Kinda odd but it works wonders, it is very evident in every churches built here in the Philippines during the Spanish era. All of the churches were made out of coral stones, and tons and tons of egg white used in order to have each stone stick.
The posts of the house were made out of Mahogany and mixed of other type of tree. Mahogany is one of the strongest, and best quality type of wood in the Philippines. The tables, chairs, bed and other furniture where made out of wood. Even the stairs and the floor (upper floor) were made out of wood.
Each item seen inside the house, there is a trace of being antique and some even faded its color due to time of which made it pretty amazing how the family preserved each item inside the house.
The flowers which can be seen beside the image of Mama Mary were made out of fish scales. Now, the flowers looked great, they were just colored and beautified recently.
The source of water was a well which was 15 feet deep. Until now, there is water but such is used for the plants and not as drinking water.
Outside the house facing the garden, there is a boat where the plants are placed. Such boat was the same boat used during the Spanish era.
There are a lot of natural calamities that came to Cebu, strong typhoons that flooded the Parian area and the whole Cebu and yet the house was kept standing after 3-4 centuries have passed. As to its counterpart houses made out of hollowblocks and fully painted already shown cracks at the sides or even inside the modern houses of today.
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House "Bahay na Bato" withstand the test of time. A house once own by rich families during the Spanish era just open its doors to the public 3-4 centuries after.
A treasure, a Cebuano heritage worth visiting for...
Things about Cebu City you may be interested in
Be the first who requests a site listing for this page.1. May 15, 2009 My tour in Yap-Sandiego, Cebu (Cebu City)
2. May 16, 2009 Yap-Sandiego, the treasure of Cebu (Cebu City) (

3. May 16, 2009 Why to visit Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home (Cebu City)
4. May 16, 2009 A 'must see' in Cebu (Cebu City)
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Read about Cebu City in our travel-guide
My tour in Yap-Sandiego, CebuWhy to visit Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home
Recommended Cebu City Guide
Cebu City History
History-wise Cebu has a significant history that amuses every curious visitor. He, who asks about how the city has become the first Spanish colony and remained so for 333 years, will get his answer by journeying down memory lane. Cebu has an interesting metamorphosis from being a quiet fishing community to becoming a busy trading port in 1521. It’s interesting how it was called by merchants various names like Sugbu, Zebu, Zubu and Sebu. After Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the city and later planted a wooden cross, the townsmen started embracing the religion of Christianity. Magellan was commanded by Spain to explore... Read more »
Recent reviews for Cebu City
Centuries old house in Cebu - May 15, 2009, by ultimatetravel
My students in HRM and Tourism Management, my hubby and I went out to a Field Trip and visited one of the oldest houses in Parian (a place where the richest people in Cebu lived) as what I have remembered what my history teacher discussed... Read more »
The best beach in Cebu - May 31, 2009, by ultimatetravel
I was really dying for swimming in a blue, crystal clear water and white sand beach. I never had a chance to experience it where we currently live. The beaches here at our home have brown sand, and the water is not clean at all, it's a... Read more »
Why to visit Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home - May 16, 2009, by ultimatetravel
This is the story of how my students, me and my hubby have gone to visit the house. I went to the different museums the day before our field trip. I tried to know the route and be familiar in going to the different museums for my hubby... Read more »
Experiences at Kawasan Falls - May 30, 2009, by ultimatetravel
Place For those who loved adventure and fun, this is the place to be. I highly recommend Kawasan Falls for nature lover out there. There will be a very long hiking from the main road towards the falls itself. A good exercise that is. When... Read more »
The best place in Cebu City - May 31, 2009, by ultimatetravel
Place Mountain top (which is the name that my husband gave to this place) is a quite place perfect for those who want peace and quite without the noise of the busy streets of the city, fresh air and a vast view of green trees, mountains, a... Read more »
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