Casa de España receives NHCP historical marker

ILOILO CITY — Casa de España de Iloilo, once a gathering place for the city’s Spanish community, was formally recognized with a historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Oct. 6.

The marker was unveiled at the heritage site at the corner of Sta. Rosario and Duran streets, a century after the building was constructed.

Built in 1926, Casa de España originally served as the clubhouse of Casino Español, an exclusive social club for Iloilo’s Spanish community.

The building was commissioned in 1922 by Don Emilio Vidal and designed in the neoclassical style by renowned architect Tomás Mapúa.

Its construction was led by American builder H. O’Leary.

At the height of its prominence, Casa de España was a center of social and cultural life, hosting balls, weddings, receptions and the annual Día de la Raza.

Among its prominent guests was President Manuel L. Quezon.

In 1935, Spanish Consul Fernando Reguera conferred the Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica on sisters Jovita and Ramona Avanceña at the site.

The building’s fortunes changed as Iloilo’s sugar industry declined and Spanish residents gradually left the city.

Casa de España was eventually abandoned and fell into disrepair.

Despite years of neglect, several original architectural elements survived, including Doric columns, urn planters, engraved friezes, chandeliers and wall lamps.

The chandeliers, originally donated by the Doran family, were restored and now hang at the building’s entrance.

A. Chan Realty & Development Inc. undertook the rehabilitation using historical documents, photographs, plans and surviving architectural elements as references while adhering to heritage preservation standards.

During restoration work in 2023, workers unearthed a time capsule that had been placed inside the building.

It contained newspapers, building blueprints, coins and a list of the original founders.

The items are now displayed in the property’s museum alongside exhibits on the building’s history and life during the period when it was constructed.

The restored Casa de España reopened to the public on Nov. 27, 2025.

The property now includes a museum, landscaped gardens and function halls that can accommodate weddings, reunions, exhibitions and community events.

Its rehabilitation combines the preservation of a historic structure with contemporary uses while maintaining its connection to Iloilo’s cultural identity.

Casa de España marked its centennial on June 8, 2026, with the laying of a new time capsule intended for future generations.

The centennial celebration also included the unveiling of a statue depicting a woman holding the Santo Niño.

At the historical marker ceremony, A. Chan Realty & Development Inc. Chairperson Ma. Teresa L. Chan and NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. signed the Certificate of Turnover and Acceptance.

NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo and ACRDI Administrative Manager Ma. Teresa Lagunilla served as witnesses.

Jose described Casa de España as a “precious artifact of the Filipino-Spanish heritage,” saying its significance extends beyond the structure itself.

He said the building reflects the social, cultural and diplomatic exchanges that took place there over the decades.

“Diplomacy is also built in spaces of encounter, conversation, and coexistence,” Jose said.

He stressed that the historical marker should serve as an invitation to better understand the building’s changing role in Iloilo’s history.

“Sometimes, this was a place of privilege. Sometimes, it was a place of celebration. Today, it can become a place of deeper understanding,” he said.

Jose added that Casa de España reflects the shared history of the Philippines and Spain and should continue to serve as a place for memory, dialogue and friendship.

Meanwhile, Chan said the recognition was significant for both the owners and the Ilonggo community because it strengthens efforts to preserve the city’s heritage.

“This is a very significant undertaking for us, and also for the Ilonggos, because this is our way of preserving the legacy of the city and to enhance its asset to invite more people to show how beautiful the city is,” Chan said.