NO superstitious explanation about Tuburan’s consistent silence, but something intriguing, nearly provocative, has kept this town amusing: an old house that links to the present, modern methods with traditional objectives in mind.

And the juiciest bit, almost like a glaring error that has left the rest wondering: the town is still conservative.

Yes, Tuburan is still conservative, like the traditional Maria Clara who covers her lips with an embroidered fan whenever she flashes her secret smile.

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Right smack in the middle of Tuburan’s heart is an old house that has all the secrets, the Tuburan Museum and Arcadio Maxilom Memorial Library, across the Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua.

Divided into three halls, this first municipal-based museum used to be the residence of Francisca Tabotabo, a prominent family name in the province, before it was turned over to the local government.

After a flight of oak stairs, you find the Documents Hall, which occupies the old living room. It has become the repository of manuscripts pertaining to Tuburan’s history and debris of broken clay pots dating to 1,000 A.D. It also includes the pact in 1965 between the “City of Tuburan” and the City of Springfield in Illinois as sister cities, sharing a common goal.

“Tuburan has never been a city. It was only a clerical error written on that document,” explains Necel Yamson, public information officer.

“The local government is looking into the possibility that the ‘sisterhood’ will be revived once more. It’s going to have a positive impact on our town,” she continues

On the cultural aspect, there were hints—stone-beaded bracelets, animal-bone necklaces bartered along the shores—that the townspeople were fashion forward. Apart from aesthetic value, fashion accessories were used in exchange for livestock shipped from Vietnam.

For antique devotees, the Ecclesiastical Hall is just right for you. Icons that were used in religious rituals are enclosed in a glass panel, safekeeping the Our Lady of Sorrow viewed in 1924 and the Immaculate Concepcion carried during dawn rosaries in 1920.

While an 1850 incensario (an iron case for burning incense) captures your attention, you’d end up dropping your jaw in awe at the sight of the lone monstrance (a vessel where the Eucharistic host is displayed), composed of 70 percent gold. A glimpse of how the early settlers lived is narrated in the Domestic Hall. As old as World War II, a complete set of brass cups and saucer (barely moved) is arranged on a side table, simulating an afternoon of hot chocolate.

It then leads to the Arcadio Maxilom Memorial Library, named after Tuburan’s general-in-chief who fought against the American invaders. (Yes, Gen. Maxilom Ave. in Cebu City is also named after him). In this museum, his bravery lingers in the memories of the people.

Just like any other study places, the books are available for loaning, a privilege that young students can enjoy. The museum is open on weekdays—no entrance fee—just spare some amount for donation.