“the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque” |
| Casa Narvas in Boac, Marinduque. Heritage House. |
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| Volunteer firefighters saving Casa Narvas (in photo), located only a few meters away from the burning Don Piroco Mansion. Photo: Pongkoy Manrique |
It was built in 1920, by Elias Narvas, a local
coconut trader in those bygone years, and was called ‘bahay na bato’ also characterized
by its massive red hardwood flooring, a balaustre and an azotea of Spanish and
Chinese influence. It’s design included capiz-shelled sliding windows and
stained glass walls.
Narvas’ wife was named Vicenta Miciano Narvas and the house is said to have been built in memory of Bartolome and Hilda Narvas, Elias’ parents.
During those years it became a hub for social and political
gatherings being in the town center. Some dignitaries both foreign and local
have dropped by this house to attend a ceremony or to be hosted for a while as house guests.
Among these eminent personalities were Leonard Wood who was
Governor-General of the Philippines from
1921-1927, former Philippine Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel,
Manuel A. Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.
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| Gov.-Gen. Leonard Wood |
An entry in NHI records also
stated that Manuel A. Roxas organized the nucleus of his Liberal Party in this
house. Roxas was the fifth President of the Philippines who served from 1946
until his death in 1948. Quirino succeeded Roxas when the latter died while in
office and was recorded as a house guest.
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| Pres. Elpidio Quirino |
Jose P. Laurel, who became president during the Japanese
occupation of the Philippines had been likewise, hosted by Casa Narvas.
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| Pres. Jose P. Laurel |
In its declaration of Casa Narvas as a Heritage House, the
NHI had stated that “as the venue of political meets and social balls, it
stands as testimony to the cultural and political life of Boac, Marinduque”.
It
also cited that “the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values
and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth
century in Boac, Marinduque”.
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| NHI marker at Casa Narvas |
