The Baguio condominiums of today could be the cultural heritage of tomorrow. This is what happened to the three old structures in Baguio City, namely, the Colegio del Santisimo Rosario (Diplomat Hotel) Ruins in Dominican Hill; the Laperal House in 14 Leonard Wood Road; and the recently added Peredo’s Lodging House in Saint Joseph Village. The National Museum of the Philippines declared these three as ‘Important Cultural Properties.”
What is an ‘Important Cultural Property’? According to ‘National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009’ or the Republic Act no. 10066, it should have an “exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance to the Philippines, as shall be determined by the National Museum and/or National Historical Institute.” As an ‘Important Cultural Property,’ the government has an obligation to provide funding for its protection, restoration and conservation. What made these landmarks become worthy of an official heritage marker? Let us have a brief Baguio History 101 regarding these structures below:
According to Mysterious Britain & Ireland website, during the 20th century, this two-story edifice, formerly named ‘Collegio del Santissimo Rosario,’ served as a seminary of the Dominican Order, and then converted into a vacation house due to lack of enrollees.
The building had a dark and bloody past during the World War II. It became a refugee camp for those who want to hide from Japanese soldiers but they were later found out. There was a rumor that several nuns and priests were beheaded there, and babies were said to be massacred near its fountain.
It was restored in 1947 by Tony Agpaoa and he revived it as a hotel, hence the name ‘Diplomat Hotel.’ Its operation shutdown when Agpaoa died in 1987. The government renovated it in 2012 and it is now called “The Baguio Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park.”
Laperal White House
DoonPoSaAminPH says this Victorian-styled house was originally owned and built by the Laperal clan in 1920. During the World War II, the Japanese forces claimed it and they used it as a temporary garrison. The house had been a witness to brutal killings of men who were thought to be spies. Women were not spared and were mercilessly sexually assaulted inside.
In 2007, business tycoon Lucio Tan bought it. It was then restored and maintained. The house was later turned into a gallery in 2013 where Filipino artists could showcase their bamboo and wood crafts. This was through the efforts of Tan Yan Kee Foundation and the Philippine Bamboo Association. It is still operates to this day for the entrance fee of Php50.
Peredo’s Lodging House
According to Manila Bulletin, the National Museum declared it as a heritage site last December 28, 2015. Another Victorian-inspired structure, the 101-year old two-story house was built in 1915 and owned by Roque and Rita Peredo. It was able to withstand two world wars, American and Japanese colonial invasions, natural disasters and 14 years of dictatorship. It became a refuge to relatives and friends when the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Baguio City in July 16, 1990.
It is quite admirable that our government was doing its part to preserve these historical sites, even though there were lapses just like the ‘demolition’ of the Army and Navy Club and the ‘national photobomber’ Torre de Manila. In the case of the Army and Navy Club, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) gave Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corp. permission to be converted to a boutique hotel. However, NHCP issued a ‘cease and desist order’ (CDO) because the developer tampered with the main building without the agency’s permission, reported by Rappler. While the Torre de Manila, as pictured below, is indeed an eyesore to the public and is said to be had violated zoning rules.
Army and Navy Club after clearing operations
Torre De Manila behind Rizal Monument
It would be 50 years or so before condominiums in Baguio City or other landmarks in the country could achieve a historical significance. But why do we have to save these historical structures? Try to imagine this: hundreds of years from now, future societies would be the ones excavating and exploring the places where we lived. Discovery after discovery, they will look in awe and say, “So, this was the life of our ancestors.” This is what we felt when archeologists discovered the Parthenon of Greece, the pyramids of Egypt and the Colosseum of Rome. If these structures were not preserved, or worst, destroyed, what would be our legacy to the future generations? Or will we just accept the demise of our cultural identity and let our “footprints” be washed away because of neglect?
I love life and all things about it! How about you?