Elegant and Timeless. Those are the two words apt to describe the remarkable Gala-Rodriquez Ancestral Mansion in Sariaya, Quezon. Built in the 1930’s, this beautiful ancestral mansion aged gracefully and radiates an air of mystery once seen.
With its Art Deco style by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil, the house built by Dr. Isidro Rodriguez is a testament for his love to his wife Doña Gregoria Gala. This beautifully designed mansion is the Doña’s dream house and a gift from her loving husband. Sadly, two days before their family are to move in their dream house, the ailing Doña Gregoria passed away.
Intricately designed walls and tapestries decorate the house exquisitely. The veranda and the terrace are decorated with colorful glass windows that add to the vibrant feel of the mansion. Numerous bedrooms, two dining halls and lovely living rooms complete this house that is somewhat modern for its time.
A curious part of the Gala- Rodriguez Mansion is a secret door on the floor of the dining room that leads to the cellar. This is where Carmen, the beautiful daughter of Don Isidro and Doña Gregoria, hides whenever the high ranking Japanese official, who was captured by her beauty, tried to visit her.
Today, the Gala-Rodriguez Ancestral Mansion has maintained its timeless beauty and is open to the public for a nostalgic tour. It is also open for venue rentals for occasions like weddings, birthdays and other functions.
A special package and guided tour can be arranged one week in advance through:
(02) 359-6279/ (042) 525-9095/ 0947 8818909
To get there:
By Bus/public transportation
From Manila, take the Sariaya, Quezon bound bus.
Regular commercial buses ply the three-hour Manila-Lucena route. Bus terminals are located along EDSA-Kamuning in Quezon City, Araneta Center in Cubao, Buendia-Taft Avenues and EDSA in Pasay City.
On Private Car
via South Luzon Expressway
From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Calamba exit. Pass through the towns of Calamba, Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, Luisiana and then to the Province of Quezon.
Special thanks to the Department of Tourism for inviting us on this Culinary and Heritage trip to Quezon Province.
