Casa de España reopens historic clubhouse in Iloilo City

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Story and photos by Mariela Angella Oladive

The restored Casa de España de Iloilo officially reopened to the public on November 27, reviving one of Iloilo City’s most iconic heritage landmarks.

Located at its original site at the corner of Sta. Rosario and Duran streets, the building reclaims its historic presence nearly a century after it first opened.

Constructed in 1926, Casa de España originally served as the clubhouse of the 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.

In its prime, Casa de España was a center of cultural prestige, hosting grand events such as balls, weddings, and the annual Día de la Raza.

The venue welcomed prominent guests, including President Manuel L. Quezon.

Over the decades, the decline of the sugar industry and the departure of Spanish residents led to the structure’s abandonment and deterioration.

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

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

The rehabilitation was led by A. Chan Realty & Development Inc., which adhered to strict heritage preservation standards.

During the inauguration, Nene Chan spoke on behalf of the family, sharing the vision behind the restoration.

She recounted how her father, Antonio “Tony” Chan, started out as a kargador at the Iloilo port and later became a businessman who acquired the property.

“It is our hope that this facility will, just like in older days, serve as a social hub for the community, and as a venue where guests can celebrate their most cherished moments,” she said.

She added that Casa de España aims to be “a social anchor where people gather and foster a sense of community and continue to celebrate the meaningful traditions of life.”

The reconstruction team worked with local architects and conservation specialists, using original fragments, photographs, and historical research to ensure authenticity.

The project followed the guidelines set by the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council.

A time capsule was unearthed in 2023 during the restoration, containing newspapers, building blueprints, coins, and a list of the original founders.

The contents of the capsule are now on display in a museum within the property, alongside exhibits tracing the structure’s history.

In contrast to its past exclusivity, the restored Casa de España is now open to the public.

It includes a museum, landscaped gardens, and function halls available for weddings, reunions, exhibitions, and community events.

The project is being hailed as a model of adaptive reuse, blending heritage with modern function while preserving Iloilo’s cultural identity.

Among the guests at the inauguration were former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray, former governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, and other government officials and partners.