The Yap-Sandiego ancestral house located at 155-Lopez Jaena corner Mabini streets in Cebu’s Parian is reputed to be the oldest residential house in the Philippines. The house was built during the late 18th century and owned by Chinese merchants, Juan Yap and his wife Maria Florida with their three children.

The Yap-San Diego Ancentral House is also known as Bahay na Bato which means "A house made of stone." Truly, the house was made out of coral stones and egg white was used to let the coral stones stick with each other.

The house was once used as a boarding house for students studying at nearby universities but when Mr. and Mrs. Sandiego acquired the ownership, the house was brought back to its original state of interiors.

At present, the house functions as a lifestyle museum depicting the kind of living of the Spanish era. The house features antique furnishings made of wood, religious icons, statues etc. Outside the house, there are a couple of wonderful features - a must see for visitors. There is the 15-feet-deep well, used as the source of water centuries ago and the Spanish boat displayed outside facing the garden.

Throughout the years, it's amazing how The Yap-San Diego Ancestral house was able to withstand several calamities that hit Cebu. it is indeed a treasure, a Cebuano heritage worth visiting.

Source: TavelGrove