The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is located at 155-Lopez Jaena corner Mabini Street, Parian District in Cebu, Philippines. It is just a few steps away from the Parian Monument which is also known as Heritage of Cebu Monument and meters away from Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Considered to be one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House was built sometime between 1675 and 1700. It was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap and his wife, Doña Maria Florido. They had 3 children, namely, Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion Yap.
During the 1880’s, the oldest daughter, Maria Florido Yap, married a native from Obando, Bulacan, Don Mariano San Diego, who was Parian’s “Cabeza de Barangay ” (District Head) at that time.
Just a few years ago (2008), the old ancestral home was turned over to Doña Maria’s great great grandson, Val Sandiego. Val himself is known in Cebu at present times as an art collector, renowned choreographer and heritage icon.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
Old table with sunka-an
Left side of the house
Under his care, he started to search for ways in restoring the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House for he believes in the value of his ancestor’s home to the history and heritage of Cebu. And though there have been offers to buy the house from him, he still continues to ignore such proposals and vows never to sell this historical house in his lifetime.
Val and Ofelia Sandiego's Portrait
Blessed Mary with flowers made from fish-scales
The materials used for the construction of the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House were coral stones that were glued together with egg whites just like Baclayon Church in Bohol. The roof is made of “Tisa” clay which weighs 1 kilogram in each piece. The wooden parts were made of “balayong” and “tugas” (molave) which were considered to be the hardest woods of all time.
"Tisa" Clay Roof and Balayong Wood for Support
Well and its landscape
One of the century-old relics
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is open to the public everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. It showcases some old and new artworks, life size statues, especially of the Sto. Niño, furniture’s made of “balayong”, “molave” and “narra “. Most old items which are preserved here came from Carcar, Cebu. The entrance fee is P50.00 which includes a well-versed tour guide by the name of Lloyd Gonzaga who has been a close friend of Val and a member of the well-known Sandiego Dance Troupe.
Lloyd Galenzoga waiting for more tourists
Old birthing chair
The house for its priceless antiquities and century-old treasures of Philippine history hold secrets that will make us understand more of our past. With the knowledge this house offers, we will begin to truly understand how we became what we are today. For more reservation and more information of the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, you may contact them at (+63) (32) 515-9000, 513-8000 and 253-5568.
Old dining set
Old egg-beaters and iron
Sleeping Area
Dining Table
Antique Dining Set
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
articles are good but it would be better if you include your sources.
This is one of my favorite place that I really love to visit again, I live in Davao but I love traveling Cebu for some historic places, and very peaceful place, hopefully, I can complete my blog writing about my travel in cebu from my own blog site as well ( http://www.travelersbookupdates.com/ ).
How much is the entrance fee as of today?
25 pesos
Was there a couple of weeks ago. i’ve seen the lady ghost in blue dress upstairs. She was standing behind me in the mirror.
hahaa… i was there last month.. ive seen very creepy objects surrounded by antic furnitures
We were there yesterday and nobody guide us. There are guys sitting next to the table but didn’t even care to greet or acknowledge our presence. We walked around but no idea of what it is all about the place except for the information outside and the clippings on the wall. The place is really amazing for it is well preserved ancestral house.
Thank you for these observations, I hope this will reach them soon. What I notice is that these tour guides takes care of big groups (such as educational tours, or tourists) and just disregard individuals unless they ask.
Sir/ma’am!
Is it allowed to use the house as our setting for our play Rizal?
Highly recommended! A touch of history and time travel back to the rich culture of the past. A great source of pride for the clan, cebuanos and the Filipinos.
Hello Mark, can I use some of the photos from this page? I’ll publish it in our link – Ancestral Houses in the Philippines in Facebook? I will appreciate your permission. Thanks.
Hi Sir Ernesto, it’s OK but please have the proper credits. Thanks!
Do we need to make reservations in advance?
Is this open on Sunday?
So, how much does it cost to visit this house. I have been looking at several sites and not found what it costs. Also, my granddaughters from America will be visiting. Can they also avail of student discount?
Entrance fee is P50. I’ve visited the place in November 2016.
a genuine unadulterated piece of pinoy culture and history . well worth a visit and unlike so many western places , not under glass you can ,feel , touch ,smell, the past,,,good and bad , amazing
ang ganda naman. kelangan pa po ba magpareserve dyan bago makapasok? or pwede drop by lang?
nakita ko na to nung nag tour kami sa cebu nung 2010 ,, heheh wala lang so cool… sana mapunta ulit ako dito
so cool-here in the usa theres tons to see also-but as i age i will like to see cebu before the time comes i am not able to go overseas so easy.my plan is to go to cebu in april this year 2013-i was to manila 8 years ago so i know some how it is there-i always hear about good in cebu-and it is nice to see places like this-the walled city in manila intromourse-not spelled right but that was amazing place and the history-i hope to make it there and its great that ur doing this for the world—Michael Migda
I have been here this place!.. s0 nice!.. :*
is it open on sundays?
Hi Ditay,
Yes, it is open on Sunday.
I have been here and 50php is not bad enough 🙂 Even way better than Casa Gorordo, which is 40php upon entrance (discounts available for students – JUST HAVE YOUR ID!). Good thing to know also, that the tour guides, most, are scholars of the owner 🙂 They are very articulate and knowledgeable with what they are saying 😀 The good thing about this place is that you can touch the antiques (be careful!) and take unlimited pictures!
how much po ang entrance fee?
Karen,
The last time I went there, it was P50.
A real Heritage in Cebu.
What about the furniture,? are they also as old as the house?
Rothel,
Some are as old as the house and some are not.
Beautiful. I lived in cebu for two years and never knew about this place. I hope I could visit this on our way to casa gorordo this march. I am taking my son with me so he would appreciate our history more. This is a beautiful place. I wonder if it is okay to take pictures here so I could blog about it.
Yes you can take pictures here!You can really take pictures
yeah ! theres a lot of historical places that you can found in cebu try to explore it ^_^
wow ang ganda.(^_^) kaso ang layo. sa cebu pa.:((
sna may discount ung entrance fee for students. 😀