house = museum

Casa Manila Museum
General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila

They call it Casa Manila, which translates “Manila House”. Okay, everybody can figure that out. One might not know yet, however, that this “house” is actually a museum- one that is set-up in a way that the spirit of a colonial aristocratic Manila house would be captured. Complete with guest rooms, a dirty kitchen and a modest courtyard, the museum comes to life with valuable antiques from private collections.

Houses do tell a lot about the people who reside them. This house, albeit artificial, tells us more than individual personalities. Its entrance is essentially a warp zone that transports us to a certain era in a certain city’s history. If the restored walls of Intramuros and its old feel previewed colonial Manila’s facade. Casa Manila will show something more intimate, more personal.

This is the side that faces San Agustin’s patio.  Casa Manila entrance is on another side. I do not remember the fees anymore but it’s pretty cheap for such a showcase. I do not remember student discounts. The last time I’ve been in was around 2005 or 06. Photography is allowed in the courtyard only, where there is an adjacent snack bar of sorts.