A Visit to The Quezon Heritage House
As a homeschooling family, we are always on a look out for places to go visit for our “field trip.” While it is true that we can practically learn a lot and even “go” places through the internet, there is still nothing like being there, in person. The subject Araling Panlipunan, for our homeschooler, has been of interest to him, mostly. In fact, he almost always gets 100% in his PACE tests, I wish I could say the same for his Filipino subject. The Philippine history surprisingly enamors our little guy that he picks up on a lot of his lessons as it makes its way in our daily conversations, which compels me to brush up on my history. 🙂
When I got home yesterday and announced that I just got us a place to visit next: The Quezon Heritage House at the QC Memorial Circle. I asked our homeschooler what he remembers about Manuel L. Quezon, because frankly I’ve forgotten a lot of things about him save for the things that our tour guide reminded us earlier that day. I asked my son if Quezon was the first president of the Philippines. He matter-of-factly said, “No, he was not! Emilio Aguinaldo is.” He proceeded to say, “Aguinaldo was like George Washington of America. Like Washington, Emilio Aguinaldo was the commanding General of the army before he became the President.” And all I can really say was, “Oh, okay! Let’s go visit The Quezon Memorial House soon!” That little guy retains a whole lot of information from his Araling Panlipunan, subject, for sure.
The tour of the Quezon Memorial House reminded me a lot of our Philippine History. My son has visited quite a few museums and historical places overseas, I believe it is only right for him to visit our own historical places. I didn’t know until yesterday that the Quezon Memorial House was open for tours like this. It’s impressive that Quezon City is getting the word out on the city being tourist-friendly as it celebrates its 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary this October 2015.
The Quezon Heritage House is open to the public from Tuesdays thru Sundays, 9AM to 4PM.
Quezon Heritage House Rules
- Visitors must enter in clean, proper attire.
- No food, beverages, candy or gum are allowed inside the Heritage House.
- The Heritage House is a smoke-free facility.
- Cellphones and gadgets are should be placed in silent mode during the guided tours.
- Do take photos.
- Touching of paintings, furniture/fixture and exhibits are not allowed. Damages, breakages and vandalism shall be charged to the guilty party.
- Hats, caps and bandanas must be removed inside the Heritage House.
- Tours inside the Heritage House are encouraged but aimless roaming inside the house is strictly prohibited.
Learning About the Quezon Family
The Quezon Heritage House is also known as the Quezon family’s Weekend House. It used to be situated in No. 45 Gilmore Street in New Manila, until it was transferred to the QC Memorial Circle. Aside from the place where the Quezon family regularly spends time at the end of each week, it is also where President Quezon would go to recuperate from Tuberculosis.
President Manuel Quezon and Dona Aurora Quezon
The first room our tour guide led is in was Dona Aurora’s room.
The Quezon Family Tree
Two of the names Dona Aurora was called back in the day were, “Ang Aming Mabunying Lakambini ng Mahabang Pasensya” and “Ang Aming Lakambini ng Maalab na Katapangan.” The former, for being with the President all through his illness and the latter for the all out support she’s given the president that led to our independence.
When you are faced with history like this, it somehow eases the pain of seeing our country’s predicament. But it can also be discouraging to realize where all the blood and efforts of our past heroes have come to. But then again, this has also the makings of being a springboard for us to still hope. Hope for our country’s good future. Redemption, please, I would tirelessly pray.
And a selfie on Dona Aurora’s closet. On the right is her sassy four-poster bed. A gift from their American friends.
Before we even got to ask, our tour guide explained away why the president and his first lady had separate rooms. It was because of President Quezon’s illness, Tuberculosis, which eventually took his life. Unlike Tuberculosis in our age, back then, it was practically a death sentence to be diagnosed with the disease.
Manuel L. Quezon’s favorite dish was Cocido Espanol. I took note to take a picture of it, who knows I might have the chance to try it out myself. 🙂
A record of Mrs. M.L. Quezon’s Personal Deposits
As I showed our son the rest of the photos (there’s a lot more), we agreed that we should soon schedule our field trip there soon. Apparently, we don’t have to fly and go far to get a good taste of our nation’s history.
Quezon City’s 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Festivities
October 10: 4-7PM Diamond Jubilee Mardi Gras at Tomas Morato Area
October 10: 7-11PM QC Grand Parade of Lights (Day 1)
October 10: 8AM-3PM Blogathon
October 11: 7-11PM QC Grand Parade of Lights (Day 2)
October 11: 7-12MN QCROCKS@75 at Quezon Memorial Circle
Incidentally, as Quezon City celebrates its 75th anniversary, the local government has cooked up a series of festivities (listed above). Each of which are scheduled on October 10 and 11, 2015 and has been crafted to leave a mark on the city’s 75 years of cityhood. Happy 75th anniversary, Quezon City!
