The
BAHAY NAKPIL BAUTISTA is a "living witness" of our history as a people, who loves peace and freedom, said
Dr. Tess Obusan, the Curator of the "Bahay na Bato" as it is popularly known in Quiapo. Dr. Tess Obusan, a product of the University of the Philippines and author of a book about the history of Quiapo and the historical sites within its vicinity and "The Roots of Filipino Spirituality", is the younger sister of Mon Obusan, a National Artist (Dance). The house was built by the famous architect, Arcadio Arellano in 1914.
This house owned by Dr. Ariston Bautista, who was among the original member of the propaganda movement of the La Liga Filipina in Spain along with Juan Luna and other Filipino scholars, became a home to Julio and Gregoria Nakpil. Julio, who was appointed as the Vice-President Supremo of the Katipunan by Bonifacio, fell in love with the latter's widow after the latter's death.
Gregoria De Jesus, otherwise known as "Oriang", the "Lakambini" of the Katipunan, keeper of Katipunan's secret, and Julio lived at Bahay Nakpil Bautista for the rest of their lives. One of their children took Gregoria's Ten Guildelines in Life by heart - Number 4: "Pagsikapang magkaroon ng ano mang karunungan na tumugon sa kanyang hilig upang pakinabangan ng bayan". Juan Nakpil, became the first National Artist in the field of Architecture.
(Dambana ni Oriang)
(The room of "Oriang", Gregoria De Jesus Nakpil, keeper of Katipunan's secret)
Among the artifacts of interest at Bahay Nakpil Bautista were the sala set used by those who attended the only meeting of La Liga Filipina organized by Dr. Jose Rizal when he returned to the country. Andres Bonifacio was among them. Other than the sala set, there are two (2) reclining chairs where Dr. Jose Rizal was seated while waiting for those who attended and you can sit on it!
(The reclining chair where Dr. Jose Rizal was seated while awaiting for the participants of the only meeting of La Liga Filipina attended by Andres Bonifacio; and, the sala set used by those who attended the meeting. At the background: Christoper Luga, taking pictures. )
(You can sit at the very chair where Dr. Jose Rizal was seated.)
Artifacts that can be found inside the Bahay na Bato belongs to different personalities, who have linkage with the Katipunan.
Ariston Bautista himself, like Rizal was imprisoned at Fort Santiago upon his return to the country. After the Filipino-Spanish and the Filipino-American War, he went back to practice his profession as a Doctor at the Philippine General Hospital.
On 2014 Bahay Nakpil Bautista shall celebrate its 100th year Anniversary as a "Home to the Katipuneros", a living witness of our history. Of all the houses or places declared historical site by the National Historical Institute, Bahay Nakpil Bautista maybe one of the most significant site. It represents not only a home to national heroes but, the very spirit of the Philippine Revolution itself - our identify as a people who loves unity, peace and freedom! Those who participated in the meeting came from the different walks of life with different religious belief, yet bonded together by a common cause. It was unfortunate that Dr. Jose Rizal was arrested afterwards, exiled to Dapitan and executed, leaving Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan no recourse but, to raise its arms against the Spaniards, the rest was history, the witness of which remains in this Bahay na Bato.
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The documentors with Dr. Tess Obusan (third from left): Roy R. Luga, of the Alimokon Cyber Advocacy, former Photographer Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Blogsite Writer/Designer Pilipinas Ngayon Na!; Volts Santillan, former writer, Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Former Producer 700 Club; and, Maribeth L. Vergara, a guest/observer. Not in the picture was Christopher Luga guest Observer/Photographer)]
BAHAY NAKPIL BAUTISTA
432 A. Bautista St., Quiapo, Manila
Landline: 3455755
Mobile: 09324807257
MUSEUM HOURS :
Tuesday to Sundays
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEES:
Individual Rates:
Children, Infant to 9 years Old - FREE
10 to 18 years old P 20.00
Adults - P 40.00
Seniors - P 20.00
Group Rates:
Children 10 or more, P 10.00
(Accompanying adult is free of charge)
Adults (20 or more), P 20.00
Seniors 10 or more, P 10.00
For Inquiries/Special Projects, contact:
DR. TESS OBUSAN
Landline: 345-5755
Mobile: 09324807257
email address: tessie.obusan@yahoo.com.ph
(Al Hajj Jameel RM Jaymalin with retired Col. Benny A. Letrondo during a press meeting at Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course Restaurant on February 17, 2012)
