Casa Gorordo: A Time Travel to the Past
Casa Gorordo was our fourth stop in our museum walk tour, in my recent blog I already have tour you to the University of San Carlos Museum along with its array of galleries, the Parian Monumental and Sculptural Tableau, and the Jesuit's House. Today, let's explore the history through the Gorordo Mansion.
Casa Gorordo was originally owned by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales, and was only bought by a Spanish Merchant Juan Isidro Gorordo. Then former first Filipino Bishop of Cebu Juan Gorordo once lived in the Casa. Then after, it was sold to the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), which made them the recent owner of the mansion.
It was made and conferred the title of "National Historical Landmark" by the National Historical Commission in 1991. It has underwent a renovation since RAFI acquired it, integrating interactive displays and digitalized presentation in the museum. The word "Casa" is a Spanish term for house, why Spanish? Because of its past owner who were also Spanish. Casa Gorordo has withstood two revolutions in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the 2nd world war.
It has been called "balay nga tisa" or tiled roof, a perfect example of a colonial house. Its architectural design is a combination of the eastern (Chinese) and western (Spanish) cultures. It depicts and symbolizes high social status way back before the colonial era.
Inside the casa are life sized paintings, intricate carvings, furniture, porcelains, and other antique objects which will really gave you a glimpse of the past. In the ground floor they have displayed religious relics, old objects which depicts the life of early Filipinos, the Cebuanos. I guess you have to try it yourself, it was really a better experience if you go there. Casa Gorordo will surely make you feel the Maria Clara at Ibarra vibes.
We all know that Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines, no wonder why Cebu has many historical landmarks present. Overall, my experience with Casa Gorordo was a blast, I commend there integration of technology in history telling, there large screens in the wall help us visualize the early life of Cebuanos plus they also have tablets for there visitors which will serve as your guide in roaming around the museum. Although these technologies are a good idea, it will be even more good if they employ tour guides which will explain how things work and everything inside the museum. All in all, Casa Gorordo is a must visit destination especially for those history and museum enthusiast.
That's all for today Hive Fam, I hope you've enjoyed reading. Thank you and have a nice day ahead. The museums are just waiting for your visits!😊