Video Credits: Sharon S Lopez via YouTube
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
Casa Feliz is one of the oldest ancestral houses in Juban, Sorsogon. It is located at Pan-Philippine Highway cor. L. Grajo St., AH26, Juban, 4703 Sorsogon, Philippines. Here is the detail of my unexpected visit to the place.
I was not included in the original order of those who will be joining the activities related to the SK Mandatory Training and or the SK Federation Orientation and Election. So I haven't been thinking about going out for the next few days. But on Friday, the manager announced some changes on the previously released orders. On a handwritten note, I was being ordered to assist the officer in the municipality of Juban during the conduct of SK Federation Orientation. Though surprised by the sudden changed in plans, I have to follow orders.
Sangguniang Kabataan or SK, which means Youth Organization is a part of the local officials in the villages in the country. During the previous election, the SK was not included in the election. After several years, the government once again decided to include the selection of SK officials in the election, thus the need to orient the new officials of their roles and functions as well as other relevant topics.
I left the house at 5 o'clock in the morning because I needed to join the "Brigada Eskwela" (Back to School) Motorcade which is a program of the Department of Education conducted upon the opening of the school year. Different government agencies joined the motorcade going to the municipality of Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon. But I did not reach the place because I need to go to the municipality of Juban.
Before entering the road to Gubat, Sorsogon, I need to get down from the vehicle in order to ride a passenger jeepney going to Juban. It took me a few minutes to reach the place. I am at the front of Casa Feliz at around 7:30 in the morning.
The Municipality of Juban
I have been passing this place for more than a year when I was assigned in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon. It was the farthest municipality in Sorsogon which is commonly called as the Hidden Paradise. However, though I always passed this place, this is the first time that I set my feet on its land.
It was noticeable that old houses were built almost touching the main road. This would be another problem once the government will implement road widening in the place in the coming days.
The Exterior
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
I came in very early so no one was around yet. I found a wooden stair which leads to the main hall. I saw some staff preparing the place for the event. They let me have a sit and asked if I would like to have some coffee. But I told them I am okay and will just wait for the officer assigned to the place.
The Interior
The living room was converted to a hall where can accommodate 50 or more visitors. This is where the SK orientation was conducted. There were 25 SK chairpersons representing the 25 villages in the municipality.
I decided to take a look around and was amazed to see some old pieces of furniture inside the place.
This old lovely chandelier caught my attention. It was made of a combination of bronze and ceramic-like base to which curling arms were attached. Each S-shaped arm holds the light bulb at the end. This 6-bulb chandelier attached to the wooden ceiling adds life to the function area.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
This antique floor length mirror sitting on the corner of the hall is simply beautiful.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
An old armchair with red velvet covered cushion mesmerized me. The detailed carving on the top rail is just awesome!
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
A 12-seater dining table was placed at the middle of the hall. This crocheted table runner shows how our elders' craftsmanship and great attention to details.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
A lovely wall shade was a perfect complement to the off-white wall of the place.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
This clipping from the Sunday Inquirer dated August 14, 2011, hold me momentarily as I browse through its content. This was written by Ma. Olivia Hubilla-Tripon, daughter of Lourdes Grajo Hubilla. This article expresses her gratitude on the given life to her mother.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
Another amazing thing is this painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus framed in a Narra wood with carved markings at the edge.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
I found this business registration named to Mr. Jesus N. Lasala, the current owner of Casa Feliz.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
Brief History of the Casa Feliz
The original owner of Casa Feliz was Don Lionzo Grajo who passed the ownership of the house to his son, Lionzo Grajo Jr. who sold the same to Lourdes Grajo Hubilla.
Currently, the owner of Casa Feliz is Mr. Jesus Lasala. Casa Feliz was converted to a lodging house with eight rooms and offers free breakfast to guests. the place is open for events, gatherings, parties, wedding receptions, and seminars among others.
Mr. Jesus Lasala made effort in the restoration of the place from its dilapidated state with the help of the National Historical Commission. The place was named after Dr. Teresita's mother, Felicidad.
Here is another video of the place showing its beauty despite its old age.
Video Credits: Sharon S Lopez via YouTube
Thank you for reading.
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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are that of the author and does not in any way represent the agency or department she currently belongs.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: The sites mentioned in this post are for information purposes only and links are provided for easy access. The author does not receive any remuneration from the said companies or sites.
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Written for Bitlanders
by Sharon Lopez
Date: June 04, 2018
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