November 16, 2010

Pride of place

The interiors of the Legarda ancestral house is a perfect example of American colonial era home design in Manila. I will not be the only Manileño to say that it reminds me of my own grandmother's house. What I find absolutely amazing is how everything—from the furniture to the bric-a-brac—is wonderfully preserved. It is to the Legarda family's credit that the younger generations resisted the urge to modernize the home (well, except for the air-conditioner, that is).

living room of La Cocina de Tita Moning, the ancestral home of the Legarda clan


The living room has two sets of seating. The one above flanked by family photographs, and another directly across, above which hangs the centerpiece of the room: a painting by Filipino artist Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo (21 February 1855–13 March 1913), a contemporary and close friend of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal. Titled "La Inocencia," it is still in its original Art Noveau frame and is believed to be a painting of Hidalgo's mistress in France. • LEGARDA ANCESTRAL HOUSE #2

living room of La Cocina de Tita Moning, the ancestral home of the Legarda clan

11 comments:

Photo Cache said...

It is simply a delight to visit these houses. It would be like stepping into another time altogether.

Leif Hagen said...

It's very cozy, warm and homey! It would be very comfortable to sit there with friends and a glass of vino!

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Very interesting. I am sure the AC has helped with the preservation of the bric-a-brac.

George said...

It's wonderful to see the interior furnishings of a home so well preserved. I agree the air conditioning could have helped preserve the bric-bracs.

Ken Mac said...

i love all this history

Olivier said...

belle salle et merci pour l'histoire (enfin pour ce que j'ai pu traduire ;o)) )

Kaori said...

I love houses that have family portraits on the walls! They look like a very big family, too :-D

Cezar and Léia said...

Oh Hilda!
I do love that PIANO!
Charming decoration indeed, thanks so much for sharing!
Léia

Halcyon said...

It does look very much like a grandmother's home! Nice shots. I love all the bric-a-brac.

Rob Siemann said...

t reminds me very much of my own grandmother's house as well, in northern Germany. Funny.

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of my history class, but this time with kind thoughts about the colonialists and the colonial era.