‘Signs of Life’ revives Iloilo heritage house

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The 104-year-old Celso V. Ledesma House opened its doors to the public May 16 for “Signs of Life,” an open house event that transformed the historic structure into a venue for contemporary art, sound installations, and cultural encounters as part of National Heritage Month.

Organized by TRIP, the event featured artistic “interventions” spread throughout the ancestral house along Ortiz Street in Iloilo City’s Calle Real Heritage Zone.

Through sound, video, text, and visual installations, participating artists reimagined different parts of the house and explored how heritage spaces can continue to evolve and remain relevant in contemporary society.

The exhibit invited visitors to experience the century-old structure not only as a historical landmark but also as a living space shaped by culture, community, and modern life.

Featured artists included 3PMSiesta x Cupster, Carl Lorenz Cervantes x Kikik Kollektive, Inshallah Montero, Margaux Blas, Marrz Capanang x Tin Buenavista, Miguel Lopez, SPAAAWN, and Zippy St. Thomas.

Music performances by Sound Advice, Jazzy Jesus, and Job were also staged during the open house, while NCTR showcased craft works.

The “Provisions” segment featured contributions from Riza Mercado, Renante Berame, Veronica Santos, Monica Delavega, and Melisa Ho.

Martin Jamora, one of the heirs of the house, said the initiative aimed to introduce heritage spaces to younger audiences and those immersed in social media culture.

“We love all things that are old and we want to preserve them, but we’re talking to a different audience now. So we thought of ways on how to open this 104-year-old heritage to them, and that is why we have ‘Signs of Life,’” Jamora said.

“So it is a mishmash of the old and the now,” he added.

The event coincided with the unveiling of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines historical marker for the Celso V. Ledesma House on May 16, 2025.

This year’s National Heritage Month carries the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future,” highlighting efforts to preserve cultural landmarks while engaging younger generations.

The open house ran until 7 p.m. on May 16.

Guided tours at the house will continue every weekend throughout May, while the installations will remain on display until the end of National Heritage Month.

Interested visitors may book tours through the Facebook and Instagram pages of “The Celso V. Ledesma House.”