CASA DE SEGUNDA: A National Heritage House in Lipa
Casa de Segunda: A Historical Landmark in Lipa City
Casa de Segunda is a heritage house museum located in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. It was built during the 1860s and owned by Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, who was Dr. José Rizal’s first love. The house is a traditional bahay na bato, which was the home of the Filipino elite during the late 19th century and reflected the fusion of indigenous and colonial architecture.
Casa de Segunda or the Luz-Katigbak Ancestral House in Lipa by Roel Balingit via Wikimedia cc
The Luz-Katigbak family, who owned the ancestral house, has preserved it for over a century. Casa de Segunda has stood on the same spot for more than a century, symbolizing Batangas’ rich history while Lipa City continues to change around it. The house has become a popular tourist attraction for those who want to learn more about the history of the Philippines. Visitors can explore the house and see the various artifacts and memorabilia on display, including antique furniture, old photographs, and other historical items.
Casa de Segunda is named after Segunda Solis Katigbak, who was born to Don Norberto Kalaw Katigbak, the gobernadorcillo from 1862-83, and Dona Justa Metra Solis. Segunda grew up in a prominent family and was sent to Manila to study. She is regarded as the first love of national hero Jose Rizal, and the house has become a popular destination for those interested in learning more about their relationship.
History of Casa De Segunda
Casa de Segunda, also known as the Luz-Katigbak Ancestral House, is a heritage house museum located in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. The construction of the house started in the 1860s and was owned by Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, who was widely regarded as the first love of national hero Jose Rizal.
Luz katigbak House historical marker
The house is a traditional bahay na bato, which was considered the home of the Filipino elite during the late 19th century. It reflects the fusion of indigenous and colonial architecture. The house has stood through several colonizers, a couple of wars, and lots of children.
During World War II, the house was used as a garrison by the Japanese Imperial Army. After the war, the house was restored by the Katigbak family. In 1956, the house was renovated and converted into a museum.
Old photo of Luz Katigbak House
Segunda Solis Katigbak was born to Don Norberto Kalaw Katigbak, the gobernadorcillo from 1862-83, and Dona Justa Metra Solis. She grew up in a prominent family and was sent to Manila to study. It was in Manila where she met Jose Rizal, who was then studying at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. They became close and exchanged love letters. However, their relationship ended when Rizal left for Europe to continue his studies.
Architectural Design
Casa de Segunda is a traditional bahay na bato (stone house) located in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines. The house was built during the 1860s and was owned by Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, Dr. José Rizal’s first love. The house was renovated in 1956 by Paz Luz-Dimayuga.
Casa de Segunda wooden gate
The architectural style of Casa de Segunda is Bahay na Bato, a type of Filipino ancestral house. Bahay na Bato combines indigenous and colonial architecture, reflecting the fusion of Filipino and Spanish cultures. The house is made of stones and wood, the most common materials used in building Bahay na Bato.
Casa de Segunda has a floor count of two, which is typical for Bahay na Bato. The house is single-detached, which means it is not connected to any other structure. This design provides privacy to the occupants and allows for better ventilation and natural lighting.
The architect(s) of Casa de Segunda are unknown. However, the house was built during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, where the construction of Bahay na Bato was prevalent. The design of Casa de Segunda follows the typical features of Bahay na Bato, such as the use of capiz shell windows, wooden balusters, and intricate carvings.
The Luz-Katigbak Ancestral House photo via FB Page
Historical Significance
Casa de Segunda, also known as the Luz-Katigbak House, is a heritage house museum located in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. Built during the 1860s, it was owned by Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, who was Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love. The house has a historic aura that still resonates today.
The house was declared a National Heritage House by the National Historical Commission in 2011. It is a testament to the rich history of Batangas and the Philippines as a whole. The preservation of this house serves as a reminder of the country’s past and the importance of preserving its cultural memory.
Casa de Segunda is a museum showcasing the fusion of indigenous and colonial architecture, evident in the bahay-na-bato design. The house contains numerous artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the lifestyle and culture of the Luz-Katigbak family during the late 19th century.
In addition to being a museum, Casa de Segunda also serves as a marker of historical significance. It is a symbol of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and a reminder of the country’s colonial past. The house’s historical significance has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Inside the Casa De Segunda
Visitors to the Casa De Segunda are greeted with a beautiful courtyard featuring a fountain and fishpond. The entrance gate is made of wrought iron and painted in white, adding to the elegance of the heritage house. An entrance fee is required to enter the property.
Casa de Segunda- Zaguan Area Photo by Renz Marion Katigbak
The sala mayor of Casa de Segunda Photo by Renz Marion D. Katigbak
Upon entering the zaguan, visitors will notice the original narra planks that have been well-preserved over the years. The comedor, or dining room, features a long wooden table and chairs. The living room has antique pieces, including a chess table, ventanillas, and wooden window shutters.
The Casa De Segunda has various original furnishings, including a four-poster bed, a sewing machine, and a collection of religious statues. The house showcases the fusion of indigenous and colonial architecture with its high ceilings and intricate wooden carvings.
The Luz-Katigbak Family
The Luz-Katigbak family is a prominent family in the Philippines known for their contributions to the country’s history and culture. The family’s ancestral house, Casa de Segunda, is a testament to their rich heritage.
The Manuel Luz and Segunda Katigbak Family Chart Courtesy of Renz Katigbak
Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, Dr. José Rizal’s first love, built Casa de Segunda during the 1860s. The house was later inherited by their daughter, Paz Luz-Dimayuga, and passed down to her children and grandchildren.
The Luz-Katigbak family played a significant role in the development of Lipa City, Batangas, where Casa de Segunda is located. Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz, a lawyer and businessman, was instrumental in the establishment of the first bank in Lipa City, the Bank of Batangas. His daughter, Paz Luz-Dimayuga, was a renowned educator and philanthropist who founded the Lipa City Colleges.
Today, the Luz clan continues to honor their family’s legacy and preserve the history and culture of the Philippines through their advocacy and initiatives. Casa de Segunda, which is now a heritage house museum, serves as a reminder of their contributions to the country’s heritage and culture.
Casa de Segunda Photo by Renz Marion Katigbak
Casa De Segunda and Dr. Jose Rizal
Casa de Segunda is one of the most significant heritage houses in the Philippines, located in Lipa City, Batangas. It is also known as the Luz-Katigbak House, named after its original owners, Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, who was Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love.
Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, met Segunda Solis Katigbak when he was studying at Colegio de la Concordia in Santa Ana, Manila. Segunda’s family was one of the prominent families in Batangas, and they owned a vacation home in Lipa City, which is now known as Casa de Segunda. It is said that Rizal visited Casa de Segunda to court Segunda and wrote love letters to her during his stay.
Although Dr. Jose Rizal’s love story with Segunda Solis Katigbak did not end in marriage, it is an important part of Philippine history. Rizal’s visit to Casa de Segunda also shows the house’s historical significance.
Today, Casa de Segunda is a heritage house museum that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the 19th century in the Philippines. It has preserved the original architecture and furniture of the house, providing visitors with a glimpse of the past. The house also has a library that contains books and documents related to the history of Batangas and the Philippines.
Visitors can also see the room where Jose Rizal stayed during his visit to Casa de Segunda. The room has been preserved, and visitors can see the furniture, including Rizal’s bed and desk.
Casa De Segunda Today
Casa de Segunda has been turned into a museum showcasing the aristocracy’s history and culture during the Spanish era.
The ancestral house turned museum is a popular destination for tourism in Lipa City. Visitors can take Instagrammable photo shots in the vintage places and antiques, which are well-preserved in the house. The mannequins inside the house dressed in Filipiñana and old Español setting provide a glimpse of what life was like during the 19th century.
