Starting this Wednesday edition of The News Today we will be featuring the three houses which were given citation by the Iloilo City Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHC) for preserving its historical significance of its architecture and also for observing the ICCHC guidelines in conservation and preservation.
The Avanceña House
The Avancena House (now known as Camina Balay nga Bato ) stands in all simple modesty at # 20 Osmeña St., Arevalo, Iloilo City.
The house, built around 1860s, was originally owned by Don Fernando Avanceña, uncle of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Ramon Avaceña. Records show that this house played a major role in the history of Iloilo as it served as general headquarters of the Filipino revolutionaries against the Spanish government and American government.
The balay nga bato is characterized by its Geometric style that stands out mainly due to its simplicity of form and understated elegance. As the house ages, its original colors have become faded but the feeling of warmth remains even as its capiz windows soften the otherwise hardy and reserved brick and rubble wall of the first floor and piedra china slabs that cover the first floor.
Today, the Avanceña House is known as Camiña Balay na Bato and serves a dual purpose.: it houses the Mother Theresa North Learning Center on the ground floor and serves as residence of the Camiña family.