Santa Ana, Manila is one of the countrys historically and culturally rich heritage areas. Once the site of the Kingdom of Namayan, which ruled over present-day Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, and the districts of Pandacan and Paco, Santa Ana evolved during the Spanish era as the enclave of wealthy and prominent Manileños. Grand houses were built along the shores of the Pasig River, where residents could enjoy the cool breezes and the convenience of easy travel along what was once the major thoroughfare through Manila and its suburbs. Today, very few of these grand houses have survived as witnesses to what life once was among the elite families of Santa Ana during Spanish and American Colonial Eras. There was once the grand Arcache Residence which was said to have been built by the Dy Buncio family and the famous Marcial and Jessie Lichauco Residence which has recently been designated as a heritage site. Not many know, however, are acquainted with this very grand house built by a German merchant marine for his family during the American Colonial Era. According to stories told by his descendants, said German merchant marine, named Wilhelm Ick, jumped ship in Masbate and fell in love with a sixteen-year old island girl. Thereafter, he brought her and her mother to Manila where he built this beautiful mansion for her on a one hectare lot in Santa Ana along the shores of the Pasig River. This was where they raised their large family and where the family stayed for many years. Before portions of the property were expropriated by the government, the property had its own pier where boats could dock, in addition to tennis courts, a bowling alley, and a bahay kubo where Herr Icks Masbateña mother-in-law, a comadrona who could not quite get used to city life, stayed.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 00:07:18 +0000
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