The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is located at 155-Lopez Jaena corner Mabini Street, Parian District in Cebu, Philippines. It is just a few steps away from the Parian Monument which is also known as Heritage of Cebu Monument and meters away from Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Considered to be one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House was built sometime between 1675 and 1700. It was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap and his wife, Doña Maria Florido. They had 3 children, namely, Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion Yap.
During the 1880′s, the oldest daughter, Maria Florido Yap, married a native from Obando, Bulacan, Don Mariano San Diego, who was Parian’s “Cabeza de Barangay ” (District Head) at that time.
Just a few years ago (2008), the old ancestral home was turned over to Doña Maria’s great great grandson, Val Sandiego. Val himself is known in Cebu at present times as an art collector, renowned choreographer and heritage icon.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
Old table with sunka-an
Left side of the house
Under his care, he started to search for ways in restoring the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House for he believes in the value of his ancestor’s home to the history and heritage of Cebu. And though there have been offers to buy the house from him, he still continues to ignore such proposals and vows never to sell this historical house in his lifetime.
Val and Ofelia Sandiego's Portrait
Blessed Mary with flowers made from fish-scales
The materials used for the construction of the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House were coral stones that were glued together with egg whites just like Baclayon Church in Bohol. The roof is made of “Tisa” clay which weighs 1 kilogram in each piece. The wooden parts were made of “balayong” and “tugas” (molave) which were considered to be the hardest woods of all time.
"Tisa" Clay Roof and Balayong Wood for Support
Well and its landscape
One of the century-old relics
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is open to the public everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. It showcases some old and new artworks, life size statues, especially of the Sto. Niño, furniture’s made of “balayong”, “molave” and “narra “. Most old items which are preserved here came from Carcar, Cebu. The entrance fee is P50.00 which includes a well-versed tour guide by the name of Lloyd Gonzaga who has been a close friend of Val and a member of the well-known Sandiego Dance Troupe.
Lloyd Galenzoga waiting for more tourists
Old birthing chair
The house for its priceless antiquities and century-old treasures of Philippine history hold secrets that will make us understand more of our past. With the knowledge this house offers, we will begin to truly understand how we became what we are today. For more reservation and more information of the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, you may contact them at (+63) (32) 515-9000, 513-8000 and 253-5568.
Old dining set
Old egg-beaters and iron
Sleeping Area
Dining Table
Antique Dining Set
About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is a Technology Blogger and Web Designer based in Cebu, Philippines. He sells Balloons and Party Supplies in Mandaue City, Cebu and explores the Philippines tourist attractions. During his free time he take pictures and write blogs. Check his website design portfolio and know more about him.
wow ang ganda.(^_^) kaso ang layo. sa cebu pa.:((
sna may discount ung entrance fee for students.
Beautiful. I lived in cebu for two years and never knew about this place. I hope I could visit this on our way to casa gorordo this march. I am taking my son with me so he would appreciate our history more. This is a beautiful place. I wonder if it is okay to take pictures here so I could blog about it.
Yes you can take pictures here!You can really take pictures
What about the furniture,? are they also as old as the house?
Rothel,
Some are as old as the house and some are not.
A real Heritage in Cebu.
how much po ang entrance fee?
Karen,
The last time I went there, it was P50.
I have been here and 50php is not bad enough
Even way better than Casa Gorordo, which is 40php upon entrance (discounts available for students – JUST HAVE YOUR ID!). Good thing to know also, that the tour guides, most, are scholars of the owner 
They are very articulate and knowledgeable with what they are saying 
The good thing about this place is that you can touch the antiques (be careful!) and take unlimited pictures!
is it open on sundays?
Hi Ditay,
Yes, it is open on Sunday.
I have been here this place!.. s0 nice!.. :*
so cool-here in the usa theres tons to see also-but as i age i will like to see cebu before the time comes i am not able to go overseas so easy.my plan is to go to cebu in april this year 2013-i was to manila 8 years ago so i know some how it is there-i always hear about good in cebu-and it is nice to see places like this-the walled city in manila intromourse-not spelled right but that was amazing place and the history-i hope to make it there and its great that ur doing this for the world—Michael Migda