Sunday, September 28, 2008 Feel at Home By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
HOSPITALITY has always been one of our race’s admirable trademarks. No wonder why foreign visitors would always like to make return visits to our culture-rich places. And yes, even Filipinos from different provinces are also served their dose of local warm-heartedness whenever they come here for a trip.
This quality is often reflected on how clients and architects plan and program spaces in a proposed residence. Oftentimes, if space availability still allows, there is always a provision of a guest room. In bigger lands of the more affluent families, a separate structure to provide shelter for visitors is built. That’s how caring we are to our visitors. We always want to make them feel at home.
In Lapu-Lapu City, just within the plaza complex where the monument of the great Cebuano hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu, stands, and opposite the famed sutukil restaurants is an unassuming abode for a not-so-ordinary guest. Called “Balay ni Gloria,” this single storey guest house was made for no less than the Philippines’ first lady president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The house is just the right size. Its austere look may be a contravention to the lofty status of its main guest and user but it is very successful in mirroring the simple way of life during the early days especially those prior to Magellan’s sojourn. “Native-ness” to the place is best exhibited in its planning, the building materials used and the craftsmanship employed in making the various furniture and decor. Having just a single storey, it shows respect to the importance of the place on which it stands by not overshadowing it.
It is hallowed ground indeed as it is the spot where natives first showed resistance against Spanish colonization.
Every April 27, the historic Battle of Mactan is re-enacted in full color along the shores where it actually took place. It has become one of the most anticipated events in the new highly urbanized city. Thus, the idea of the Balay ni Gloria came as a homey stop-over for the country’s Chief Executive as she immerses herself in the hoopla in commemorating the victory of Lapu-Lapu over Magellan.
Surely, nothing beats to experience history right smack in the actual site where the battle was won and history was made. More so, being sheltered comfortably and being afforded with a warm reception by its residents. Talk about raising one’s hospitality up a notch.
