I've been to Zambales several times in the past, be it bumming on its stretches of gray-sand beaches with its enticing blue waters, learning how to surf, or just enjoying the view of its imposing mountain ranges. Knowing that there are still a lot to see in this province, we decided to experience its historical side by visiting former President Ramon Magsaysay's ancestral house as a side trip on our way back to Manila after a weekend of surfing in Liw-liwa.
You wouldn't miss this modest but appealing two-storey structure as it stands just along the national hi-way of the town of Castillejos. As the ancestral house of 7th President of the Philippine republic, it was restored and converted into a museum in 1990. It was greatly damaged by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 and was re-constructed and renovated in 1999 by the National Historical Institute.
The NHI marker says:
Sa bahay na ito ginugol ni Ramon Magsaysay, ikapitong Pangulo ng Republika ng Plipinas at kilala sa taguring "The Guy" ang mabungang taon ng kanyang buhay. Ipinamana nya ang mga katangian ng masikap na paggawa, pananagutang sibiko para sa pangkaraniwang tao at makabayang gawain para sa bayan at mga mamamayan.
Muling ipinagawa ng mga inapo ng Pangulong Magsaysay, 1990. Napinsala nang malaki nang pumutok ang Bundok Pinatubo. Hunyo 1991. Muling isinaayos ng Pambansang Suriang Pangkasaysayan, 1999.
We were not able to enter the house as it was already closed when we arrived. We forgot that most government museums close at 4:00 PM. Hahaha! Anyway, we're still happy to see the house even from the outside. It is still an enriching journey into the past.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you're coming from Manila, take a bus bound for Iba, Zambales. Tell the bus conductor to drop you at the Ramon Magsaysay house in the town of Castillejos. It is on the left side of the national road leading to Iba, Zambales.
ALSO READ: Top Things to Do in Subic and Zambales: Tourist Spots, Sample Itinerary and More!
This is part of our surfing weekend experience in this "not so well-known" surfing spot in Zambales, that happend last January 14-15, 2012. Come, join us as we enjoy the waves of Liw-liwa. | |
 Map By: Wikipedia |
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sayang naman sir hindi umabot!
ReplyDeleteI look up to the late Ramon Magsaysay so much. Sana nga magkaroon na ng pelikula based on his life. Buti na lang there was an effort to restore it after the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Kaya pala nakasimangot ka sa last photo kasi napagsarhan na kayo hehe
ReplyDeletemy parents hailed from zambales and I consider it as my second home (actually I'm here right now) . Too bad I can't express my love for the province in my blog. I dunno why but everytime I try to write about it, I fail...
ReplyDeleteenriching experience. sana nakapasok kayo no. :D sayang! but okay lng din un :D nice photos po!
ReplyDeleteGood job for those who maintaining the house.
ReplyDeleteI like the color of the paint, lamig sa mata. Sayang di na kayo nakapasok.
ReplyDeletesayang, it would have been really great if u were able to enter his house. based on the looks of the exterior, the house looks well-maintained. sana, ganun din sa loob. i hope all the ancestral houses in the country, especially the ones from the important people of history, are being preserved properly.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been great kung nakapasok kau sayang lng nabitin sa time. well maintained ung house =)
ReplyDeleteIt looks quite big. Sayang di kayo nakapasok!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they managed to keep a lot of Magsaysay memorabilia inside.
Let's re-visit this when it's open Don Mervs.
ReplyDeleteHi po. Would anybody know what are the contact numbers of Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House Admin because we would like to book for a group tour? Thank you so much. God bless and nice article.
ReplyDelete