A Visit to Iturralde Mansion in Quiapo

 

730 San Sebastian Street , Quiapo , Manila -Philippines

It was hot and sunny afternoon when we saw Mr. Paul Iturralde , one of the descendants of the clan cleaning the  Iturralde House.  I have featured this mansion way back 2014 when Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista Atbp. or simply called KKB conducted one of the heritage tours within Quiapo district.

 main facade with flag pole

This was possible due to the invitation of Mr. Nicky Legaspi, former art curator of National Museum who had a house beside this mansion. We saw him walking around C.M. Recto street during the fire incident at the University of the East ( S.H. Loyola). Since S.H.Loyola street is impassable the the tour group, We decided to pay them a visit.

A portion of the mansion will be use as  for the movie Gregoria de Jesus . He is quite busy cleaning and moving  furnitures elsewhere.

grand staircase made from hardwood

The compound is quite large with 2 other houses . The family is planning to restore the old mansion and will open the house as museum and center ( with library and resource center) . They are also planning to charge a minimal entrance fees to those who wish to see the family ancestral house and former Consulate of Monaco ( Monegasque ) used to be located.

 

Mr. Paul Iturralde showing vast collection of glassware set

We are among the first group of people to see the vast collection of turn of the century cabinets, sala set, old family photos , memorabilias , kitchen utensils , greeting cards , wooden santos and among many stuffs.

family photos

The family photos will soon be restored

 table with glassware set

Our group was given an exclusive tour of the mansion with large wooden staircase leading to the second floor and balcony area where there is an old flag pole which the flag of the Consulate of Monaco used to be hoisted.

art deco style furniture

We were led to several rooms with interesting furnitures and table sets. One table which is like a jigsaw puzzle and can be fitted into oval shape , round with corresponding chairs . When not in used , the table can easily be disassembled into a separate table .

wrought iron bed

The formal diplomatic relations between Monaco and the Philippines was only established about 10 years ago with the Philippines opening a consulate in Monaco.  But Monaco’s consulate general in Manila is the only Monegasque representation in the Philippines. The current Honorary Consul General is headed by  Mrs. Fortune Aleta-Ledesma.

• Monegasque Honorary Consulate General in Manila, Philippines2178, Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village,Makati City,Manila,Philippines
• (+63) 2 810-9729
  (+63) 2 812-1173
• FAX
• (+63) 2 844-3663
  (+63) 2 812-8895
• EMAIL
• fortuneledesma@yahoo.com
• OFFICE HOURS
• 09.00-17.00

 

bathroom tub

The bathroom tubs and fixtures were imported from Germany

Mr. Paul Iturralde holding the book

The author and Ms. Tina Paterno were given a complimentary copies of  “Treasured Home Recipes”  written and complied by Ms. Julia A. Iturralde in 2000 . Copies can still be bought at the Iturralde Mansion . The book contained several recipes from family members and acquaintances.  Some of the family heirloom recipes dates back to pre-war Manila .

It is a 72 page book with appetizers, snacks, cocktails,  merienda , drinks,salad,  soup varieties , main dishes and desserts. It was published by Fourway Printing Incorporated in 137 Aurora Boulevard , San Juan City .

For those who might be interested with this book,  contact me for details.