The 6th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino, was born Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Married to Alicia Syquia, the Syquia Mansion was actually the ancestral house of his wife.
Table of Contents
A Brief History
Marker
Born in Vigan on November 16, 1890, Elpidio Quirino he graduated from Grade School and High School at schools in Ilocos Sur. He earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines and served as the Secretaries of Finance and the Interior to Manuel L. Quezon, before the latter became the first President of the Republic of the Philippines.
He served as the 6th President of the Philippines from April 17, 1948 to December 30, 1953. However, during this period, it was his daughter Victoria who acted as the first lady at the tender age of 16 because his wife and three other children were killed during the Second World War.
The Syquia Mansion
Exterior
The mansion was considered to be one of the biggest houses during its time. Even today, it dwarfs many of the old and new houses around it. Located at the corner of Calle Quirino and Calle Salcedo, it is one of the best preserved places in Vigan.
Living Room
One of the things that sets it apart from others is that the house is still used by the descendants of its former owners. This would explain why some areas, such as the kitchen, have modern equipment that are used during visits.
In addition to the kitchen, a close look at some of the chairs, as well as a bathroom sink in one of the rooms, appear to be later additions. Being functional, it provides owners few modern conveniences.
Bedroom
There are many pictures of former family members scattered around the mansion, including those of President Elpidio Quirino, First Lady Victoria Quirino, and their Chinese ancestors.
However, it is a small copy of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium in the sala, or living room, that may be the thing that captures the attention of discerning tourists. Fitting right in with the rest of the antique furnishings, this particular one was painted by Pedro Respall back in 1911.
Room
Perhaps one of the most puzzling items in the mansion can be found above the main dining table. What looks to be cloth hanging from the roof is actually an ingenious method to shoo flies away when family and friends sit down for a meal. The household help would pull a string which would swing the thick material back and forth to blow away insects.
Bathroom
Another interesting design is the small hallway found near the front windows of the mansion. This space was used by the household help to slip in and out of the sala without disturbing quests.
Overall, the mansion is very beautiful. And if it still looks good today, I wonder how it may have looked all those years ago when people still used Calesas to get from one place to another.
Final Thoughts
Staircase
One of the more interesting things about the history of the mansion can be found in one of the rooms on the second floor. Our guide indicated that the Syquia family name is actually an amalgam of two Chinese names – Sy and Kia. Over the years, they might have evolved into Sy-Quia before assuming the final spelling of Syquia today.
The Syquia Mansion has quite a bit of history tucked within its walls. Being the home to occupants bearing two names, it would find itself attached to the name of the 6th president of the Philippines. Best of all, it still is a functioning home to the original family’s descendants.
Must Do’s
- Take your time to enjoy the rich amount of memorabilia.
- Check out the cloth fans over the main dining table.
- 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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