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A Philippine Historical Committee marker notes that the Syquia Mansion was constructed in 1830 and subsequently became the residence of a Philippine President and his spouse, Alicia Syquia (I don’t understand all the contents of the marker, as it’s in Spanish, so I’m including a photo of the marker at the bottom of this post, just in case somebody could translate the entire thing . . . though I fear my Spanish I and II teacher would kill me).

Facade of Syquia Museum

The Syquia Mansion was also declared as a Heritage House by the National Historical Institute in 2002. While I don’t know the exact meaning of a Heritage House, it’s safe to assume that it’s an important house. It is, after all, the residence of the 6th President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino. He served as President from 1948 to 1953.

The door is open, for free, to visitors or tourists. Various photographs of Pres. Quirino, as well as various artifacts that provide a glimpse of the man’s past, are displayed at the ground floor. A single wooden stairway leads to the second floor, pretty much like the Malacanang of the North. I believe one could go through all the rooms without passing a door twice, also like the Malacanang of the North. Just to be clear, though, the Malacanang of the North was constructed more than a century after the Syquia Mansion.

Portrait Pres. Elpidio Quirino

Reception area of Syquia Mansion

I noticed something peculiar, looking at the list of Quirino’s children — they all died on 12 February 1945. A quick search revealed that when Quirino was captured by the Japanese in 1945, the Japanese killed his wife Alicia and and their three children.

More Photos at Gallery.

The Syquia Mansion is old and beautiful. That’s all I could say. I’d be stretching my capabilities, and your indulgence, if I pretend to give a detailed description of the mansion’s architecture. I can’t. Better go there and see the beauty of Ilocos for yourself.