Avanceña Camiña Balay nga Bato: A Home That Preserves Iloilo Heritage

 

The Avanceña Camiña Balay nga Bato in Villa de Arevalo is one of the most respected heritage homes in Iloilo City. Built in 1865 in a district historically known for its weaving traditions, the house continues to show how families lived with purpose and craftsmanship. Visitors come not only to see old rooms and antiques but to feel how the past remains present in a home that has been cared for across four generations.

A House Built With Skill and Tradition

The house was designed by Anselmo Avanceña for Don Fernando Avanceña and Eulalia Abaja. It followed the form of the bahay na kubo but used stronger materials as the family grew more prosperous. The lower level is built with river rubble and sand lime plaster, while the upper floor is made of hardwood and wide planks. The entire structure stands on twenty four tree trunk pillars that once symbolized the family’s status in the community.

The house is a clear example of the arquitectura mestiza or bahay na bato style. Large ventana and ventanilla windows provide light and airflow throughout the day. The capiz shells glow softly when sunlight enters the rooms. A steep staircase leads to the main floor, and a single piece hardwood door remains one of its most remarkable features. These details show the level of craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century in Iloilo.

A Family Home That Keeps Its Heritage Alive

In 2011 the Camiña family opened the house to the public with the idea of sharing their heritage. Renovation took years of work because large old forest timber is no longer easily found. The family strengthened the structure while keeping its original layout and character. The result is a home that remains faithful to its history yet safe for present day visitors.

Weaving is an important part of the house’s story. The family revived traditional Ilonggo weaving and displays local fabric and crafts inside the home. Another highlight is the tsokolate prepared in the kitchen. The cacao used for the drink comes from thousands of cacao trees planted by the family to support tablea production. The tsokolate is brewed in cast iron jugs and whisked with a guava wood batidor. Visitors enjoy the drink with toasted bread while learning about the house and its traditions.

A Heritage Home Recognized and Preserved

In December 2015 the National Museum of the Philippines declared the Avanceña Camiña Balay nga Bato an Important Cultural Property. This recognition reflects the home’s value to the country’s architectural and cultural heritage. The layout shows how Ilonggo families once organized their homes, with an oratorio before the master’s bedroom and rooms connected through side doors. The azotea comedor at the back of the house serves as a dining area where guests can enjoy local dishes while looking out toward the garden.

The home also carries its river history. Before roads became common, the family used the river beside the house to transport goods on boats. This connection to trade shaped the growth of the community and the lifestyle of the families who lived here.

Today the Avanceña Camiña Balay nga Bato remains a living heritage space. Visitors experience not only the architecture but the food, weaving, and stories that have been preserved with care. The house stands as one of Iloilo’s strongest symbols of identity, showing how heritage can remain alive when it is valued by the people who inherit it. It continues to welcome guests into a world where memory, craft, and family pride come together in quiet and meaningful ways.