Not all is lost in Biñan…

I hopped on my bike and went around Biñan looking for old houses. They’re still there, some of them. Sadly, most are just shells of what they once were. I remember the first time I saw the ancestral houses of Biñan a decade ago. Even then, there were already obvious signs of deterioration and neglect. That they’re still standing today is testament to their durability and resiliency. They were all built to last. Provided with proper care, they’ll definitely outlast  us all. Like they did to their original builders and past owners.
Most of the old houses in Biñan, with the exemption of some, are either abandoned, forgotten or demolished. The local government is clueless with heritage conservation. They could do so much better but they seem to not care. Well, they’re not alone. Most LGU’s really don’t have long term plans in conserving and protecting these kind of houses. If it were not for the desire of the descendants to keep their pamana (heritage) – the town would have lost them all sooner.
If things don’t change, Biñan would lose these architectural wonders soon. The biggest casualty so far is the Alberto mansion. Not only was it the childhood home of Rizal’s mother but in it lived a family who was so influential that one of them became the first and only representative in the Spanish cortes. They’re also among the first Filipinos to speak English. In that house lie so many secrets we haven’t uncovered yet. And now its gone.
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I’ve visited Alberto mansion several times in the past. I interviewed the owner twice. After the damaged caused by typhoon Ondoy, It was apparent that the place needed more than just a fresh coat of paint. It needs major restoration work. But no one’s willing to take the tab. Such projects are just not a priority in a town riddled with politics.
The house has to go.
The guy who inherited the house was honest admitting that he was not really doing financially well. I can feel his sincerity and his genuine love for the house. His stories about his Grandpa and his Papa provided me with a glimpse into the Alberto’s of the early 20th century. He understands his family’s history and what his house means to Biñan. But  he just doesn’t have the resources to fund repairing the house much more restore it.
So, one of the most historic house in Filipino historiography would have to go to the highest bidder. And don’t expect Biñan to do any bidding though.
Last news I heard was that Acuzar has bought the house (not the lot) and is in the process of relocating everything to his Bataan resort. I’m not sure if the local government has acquired a court order to stop it. Its private so I don’t think they can.
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The last word was that the house has already been dismantled from the inside. The exterior is still intact. Playing too late the hero, the local government has constructed a nice pathway with red brick pillars around the mansion (funded by RCBC). Why they haven’t done that earlier? Your guess is as good as mine.
No one wants to be perceived to be doing nothing. So people go around trying to make the impression that they’re doing something good for everybody. But truth be told – they don’t give a rat’s ass.
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Riding bike have its advantages. One of them is that you get to spend more time. Its easier to move around and its faster than just walking. I noticed that Biñan’s barrios have interesting names: Loma (hills), Platero (silversmith), Ganado (male cattle), Tubigan (water source), Zapote (marmalade tree), Soro-Soro (milk hedge, popular medicinal plant), Malamig (cold) and Bungahan (area for fruit bearing trees). Names can tell a lot about a place. The same can be said about human names.
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An old friend once told me that the true measure of how rich and cultured an old town used to be can be gleaned upon its old houses. Because their homes are expressions of their faith, culture and their arts.
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Some old Biñense families has defied the odds. Preserving their ancestral home’s old charm and appealing grandeur against the natural elements and the pressure of selling because of rising property values.
Maintaining ancestral houses is not an easy task as it requires patience, hard work and money (a lot of it). Since local governments rarely support such effort, I have nothing but admiration for these families.
My message to these proud Filipino families: Thank you.
I’m sure your ancestors would want you to keep these houses. By doing so you honor yourself, your ancestors and your historic town. Let the future generations of Biñense see the glory of their old town.
Mabuhay po!