Quezon Heritage House

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind the walls of the Quezon Heritage House? Here in the heart of Quezon Memorial Circle, stands a time capsule. It’s a testament to the life and legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon. The Quezon Heritage House isn’t just a building. It’s a resurrected home, painstakingly moved from its original location on Gilmore Street in New Manila. This house witnessed both joyous celebrations and quiet moments of contemplation for the Quezon family. Imagine the year 1927. The Quezons move into this very house, offered to them after Manuel Quezon contracted tuberculosis. The nearby Santol Sanitarium made the location ideal. They purchased the house on an installment plan, eventually acquiring three adjacent properties. The Quezon Heritage House became their weekend retreat, a sanctuary from the pressures of political life, until their escape to Corregidor in 1941 amidst the looming threat of World War II. The Quezon Heritage House stood silent until 1945. The family returned after Manuel Quezon’s passing in 1944. It once again became their weekend haven, later occupied by Maria Zeneida Quezon-Avanceña until health issues prompted her move to Alabang. Time marched on, and the house faced potential demolition in 2012. Then-Mayor Herbert Bautista stepped in, orchestrating the house’s deconstruction and reconstruction here in Quezon Memorial Circle. About 60% of the original structure, including original narra beds, cabinets, mirrors, doors, grills, and some stained glass panels, were carefully preserved and incorporated into its rebirth. The relocation, a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its history, cost a staggering ₱10 million. The Quezon family graciously donated furniture and fixtures, adding another layer of authenticity to the Quezon Heritage House. Today, the Quezon Heritage House stands as a Local Heritage Site, designated by Ordinance No. SP-2428 in 2015. Inside its walls, you’ll find more than just historical artifacts. You’ll find the story of a family, a president, and a nation interwoven. It’s a story that complements the political narrative showcased in the Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine. Here in the Quezon Heritage House, Doña Aurora Quezon established the Philippine National Red Cross, a testament to her compassion and dedication. She also had her own room on the ground floor, a space for quiet reflection as she aged. The second floor holds the original bedrooms of President Quezon and his wife. They maintained separate rooms due to the president’s illness, a poignant detail that humanizes the figures of history. The adjacent social hall, with its distinctive round columns, Fu Dog sculptures, and Caryatids, adds another dimension to the Quezon Heritage House complex. The original rectangular pool, now a fountain, provides a calming centerpiece to the grounds. The glass doors etched with bamboo and iron-wrought leaves serve as a beautiful, yet unconventional, entryway.