Even with 7,107 islands, the Philippines isn’t a very big country with approximately 300,000 square kilometers. The combination of the small area and many islands may actually have been instrumental in the rise of prominent families. And when it comes to Vigan, one of the well-known families belong to the Crisologos.
Table of Contents
The Museum
Office
The museum is dedicated to the memory of former Congressman Floro S. Crisologo who represented Ilocos Sur at the time of his assassination on October 18, 1970. Apart from involving a prominent member of the province, what made the incident even more shocking was that it took place inside the Vigan Cathedral during Sunday mass.
To keep his memory alive, the Crisologo family opted to transform their ancestral home in to a museum. It continues to be run by the family with the help of some volunteers.
Office
I was actually surprised because of the large amount of memorabilia on display. Those of you who visited the Rizal Shrine, which was also José Rizal’s house, may be wondering why the Philippines’ national hero has fewer items on display.
Well, this is not the case. It may help to note that items related to José Rizal’s past are scattered throughout several countries, and not only in the Philippines. On the other hand, the benefit presented by the Crisologo Museum is that it has everything in one spot so it may look like it has a lot more to offer.
[Nonetheless, it was still rather surprising to see this much memorabilia.]
Ground Floor
Car
Considered a mansion in its time, it is still big by today’s standards. Composed of two levels, the ground floor displays a couple of Calesas. It also has the bullet-ridden car in while Carmeling Crisologo, the family matriarch, was riding. She survived the assassination attempt and named her son “Bullet” after the incident.
Farm Equipment
Also on the ground floor are various displays of farm equipment, such as a pair of carts that would have been pulled by carabao, or water buffaloes back. Interestingly, carts like this can still be seen in some modern farms, like that of the Santa Elena Farm, because they are still a very practical form of transferring produce.
The ground floor also houses the office of Congressman Crisologo. Set a little closer to the entrance, this is most like the place where he received business guests.
Second Floor
Bedroom
Just like many of the homes during its time, the second floor was devoted to family matters. The bedrooms of the parents and children can be found here, as well as the sala.
Sala or Living Room
The kitchen, complete with a wooden refrigerator can also be found close to the family room. Interestingly, there are cabinets built into the wall behind the refrigerator. This is something I rarely see because similar cabinets tend to be composed of huge wooden ones that are not anchored down.
Kitchen
The pièce de résistance of the entire museum, at least for me, has to be that long dinner table found in the dining room. The length is like something out of old Hollywood movies because it can seat as many as 22 people comfortably; with the patriarch and matriarch of the family sitting at opposite ends.
Dining Table
Speaking about those 22 guests, if you also look closely at their seats, you may notice how ornately carved they are. Finding one seat that is handcrafted like this today, if you can find it, would probably cost a ton of money, let alone 22 chairs.
Finally, much of the ceiling is still covered in thin slats of painted wood. However, I did notice that fluorescent bulbs were added to the ceiling. Judging from their spread, it appears that the museum can be used in the evenings.
Final Thoughts
Wooden Refrigerator
How well-known is the family, you ask? Well, the most famous street in Vigan today is Calle Crisologo, so that may be an indication on how close its ties are to this centuries’ old city.
With the conversion of the ancestral home to a museum, the objective of keeping the memory of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo appears to be successful, judging from the number of people who visit the place on a daily basis.
Sala or Living Room
Well, time for me to get going. By now you probably may have concluded that Vigan City is more than just a bunch of old houses. So, I hope you can still join me as I go through the other hidden wealth this old city has to offer.
Before I forget, entrance to the museum is absolutely free. However, they are grateful for any donations. As one can surmise, keeping such an old house in good condition requires all the help it can get.
Must Do’s
- Take your time to enjoy the rich amount of memorabilia.
- Check out that long dinner table in the dining room.
- Provide a donation if you can, every little bit helps.
Must Don’ts
- Do not touch any of the displays as they are irreplaceable.
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