The Hizon – Singian House
Posted by on January 4, 2008
This is the second house that we checked out when we were in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines recently. A typical layout of what many Filipinos call the Bahay na Bato or the stone house. Notice that the house has two levels. The lower level is made of stone or in some cases concrete. Most of the time the lower level of these kinds of houses is used for office or business purposes. Many used it as convenience stores or sometimes as bodega or warehouse.
The second level of the house is where the family members actually live. Because during the colonial period there was no air conditioning system yet, what the people did was to raise the roof as much as possible so that more air can get in. Some houses, just like the Hizon – Singian’s mansion in San Fernando has a veranda where family members can perch see people walking by the street.
Notice the windows: Each windows slot is fitted with capiz shell. Early Filipinos used capiz shell because it still allows natural light to get in the house even if it is closed. A wise energy conservation method, I must say.
This is the Hizon-Singian House. The Ocampo House is the brown one beside it.
i’m eric hizon and i have a brother who’s name is george and he’s married to frida ocampo who’s from san fernando. but, our ancestral home is located in mexico, pampanga. we have relatives there but it has been a long time already since we’ve last visited them.