THE OLD HOUSES OF SORSOGON CITY

One of the treasures that Sorsogon Province posses are, it’s Culture and Heritage. Amidst the influence of modern technology that this Province is now oriented, the existence of it’s history, culture and heritage are still visible, even now a days.

The Province of Sorsogon is so rich with natural resources and manmade heritage that every Sorsoganon should be proud of. We have the majestic Bulusan Volcano and it’s lake, the white sand beach of Subic Island in Matnog, the caves of Bulan and Prieto Diaz, the Botong, Palogtoc and the Bayugin Falls, the Masacrot and the San Benon Hot and cold spring of Irosin and many more.

Relics of historical ruins or structures, that serves as evidence of the lives of the early Sorsogueños are still existed. Among this relics are the old church of Barcelona and Bacon , the ruins of old municipal building of Barcelona , the fortress of Bacon called “Baluarte” and the old houses.

The Municipality of Juban is well known for their old houses, old houses that are built during the Spanish occupation. But at this point of time I’m not going to post the old houses of Juban, but the old houses of Sorsogon City instead. Later I will post an articles about the old houses of Juban.

As I grew in Sorsogon, Sorsogon (now Sorsogon City) i.ve seen a lot of old houses around the City. But as the years goes by, some of this old houses, vanished due to some circumstances. Some was destroyed by natural calamity, specially typhoon. The others were demolished by their owner and was replaced with new buildings.

But there are four old houses in Sorsogon City that are still standing, even this time. And this four old houses are our featured topic today.

THE OLD HOUSE OF THE GILLEGO’S

This old house was located at Burgos Street, Talisay Sorsogon City, in front of St.Louise de Marillac formerly Collegio de la Milagrosa. I’ve personally interviewed one of the heir of the said house, and he is Mr.Abilio P. Gillego or “Tiyo Bil”.

According to Tiyo Bil, their house was built through the effort of their parents,Don Roman and Doña Magdalena Gillego during the early 1900’s (1904 or 1905).

Tiyo Bil said that, there are nine siblings in the Family. Their eldest was born on 1909, while he was born on 1927. Tiyo Bil’s story was filled with enthusiasm, “Sorsogon was a very peaceful place during those times, everybody is safe and secured.” He said..He and the other siblings spent their childhood and youth’s in that house.

During the Japanese occupation (1941 – 1945), the Gillego Family choose to stay in their house rather than to evacuate and leave their house like the other Sorsogueños did, in fear of the Japanese soldiers. Tiyo Bil even pointed to me the place where the Japanese soldiers have their check points, just near their house.

Four years of Japanese occupation, but the Gillego’s stayed on their house. Finally the war was about to end when the American Troops arrived to liberate the Philippines from the invading claws of the Japanese Army. The Gillego Family were forced to leave their house for a while to evade the excessive crossfire between the American Troops, the Japanese and the Guerillas. But according to Tiyo Vel they don’t leave that far, they’re just somewhere in Bitan-o ( a nearby street).

Finally the war is over, but the house of the Gillego’s remain standing amidst the terror of the second world war.

1950’s, another decade for the Gillego’s abode. The strength of this house was tested when the strongest typhoon of the decade hits Sorsogon, the “Typhoon TREX”. Hundreds of houses within Sorsogon, Sorsogon was destroyed by this Super Typhoon Trex that hit the Province during the 1950’s. The house of the Gillego’s prevails the test of time for the second time.
Tiyo Bil pointed to me the portion of the house (somewhere in the kitchen) that was slightly torned by the said storm.

Four decades (1960,1970,1980 and 1990) passed, and now it’s a new millenium, the year 2000’s, but the old house of the Gillego’s still standing triumphantly after the pressures of the test of times. I couriously asked Tiyo Bil how they maintained their old house, he said “ they did some repairs, but they see to it that the original structures of the house, remains as is..” Tiyo Bil pointed to me the crooked post of the house, and he said “ try to hammer a nail into that post and let us see if the iron nail penetrates?" .. The carvings on the ceilings are so amazing, it's silently testify the aged of the house.

Finally, our conversation (me and Tiyo Bil) has come to an end. I thanked him for spending his precious time just to tell me the story of their old house. I’ve learned something from Tiyo Bil’s story, and that is to be strong to the test of thetime, just like their Family and their House.

For pictures of the Old House of the Gillego Family, please visit our Sorsogonweb Gallery...look for it under the category of the Old Houses. Thank YouTO BE CONTINUED