Casa Manila
Located inside Intramuros just opposite the San Agustin church, Casa Manila is a replica of Spanish colonial mansion of late 19th century Manila. It is filled with period furniture and furnishings of Philippine, Chinese and European origins. Wander through the archways and past fountains, admire the local materials (hardwoods, shells), view the huge rooms which occupy three floors. Casa Manila vividly recreates the rich merchants's way of life in nineteenth century Manila.
On the ground floor level is the PUERTA PRINCIPAL (main entry gate, made of heavy wood) which opened into a ZAGUAN (corridor) though which "carruajes" (carriages) could proceed to the PATIO and deposit their passengers. The PATIO was a source for the house of sunlight during the daylight house and of cool air at night. It has fountains and a granite pavement and would have been surrounded and overhung by fragrant flowering plants. Also on the ground floor is the CABALLARIZA (stable), where the house owner's carriage would have been garaged. Carriages were an important status symbol in the 19th century: the bigger the carriage and the more horses needed to pull it, the higher your social status.
The first floor contains a OFICINA / BIBLIOTECA (office/library), complete with a "caja de hiero" (safe) and "baul" (treasure chest) in which money (gold and silver coins) were kept. This floor also had some DORMITORIOS (bedrooms), which were used not for sleeping at night but also for the siesta during the day. These bedrooms were typically occupied by elderly grandparents and unmarried aunts and uncles.
As we walk up to the second floor, we pass a mural of Philippine scenes (nipa huts, covered boats on a meandering river, and mountains). At the top of the stairs is a hat-and-cane rack. The ANTESALA (anteroom) – also known as the CAIDA – is the first room. In this room the family would relax. Opulent European furnishings speak of the family's wealth, culture and foreign travel. The next room is the SALA (living room). This room is immense, spacious and airy. The floors are made of hardwood (such as narra). Capiz (shell) windows with wooden blinds or louvers run right along the walls on all sides of the room. The ORATORIO (prayer room) is a small room used for the family's Catholic devotions. Beyond it are several DORMITORIOS (bedrooms) for the husband and wife and their children. At one end of the ANTESALA is the COMEDOR (dining room) that features a large rectangular table in the center and sideboards. Next to the dining room is the COCINA (kitchen).
