Clarin Ancestral House in Bohol

Bohol speaks a lot about the olden times. Many portions of this island province are yet to be exploited. That is why you will love going around there while getting the feel of those years of our ancestors.

Aside from natural resources left untouched, there are other structures that were preserved in the province of Bohol. Churches are one and ancestral houses are another. There are countless ancestral homes found all around Bohol. Some of them are aged centuries-old, back to the days of the Spanish regime. Clarin Ancestral House is one of those Spanish-style old homes that were duly preserved to pose as tourist spots for the present generation to see and explore.

Clarin Ancestral House was built in 1840s. It is situated in Laoay, a municipality that is about 18 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Tagbilaran City. It was primarily owned by a former Bohol governor by the name Don Aniceto Velez Clarin. Don Aniceto’s family has a very rich background in politics. His son, in fact, won the seat on the 11th Senatorial district. Their descendants followed through, becoming mayors, governors, and whatnots.

The old house is now duly maintained by a descendant from the Clarin family. It was recognized by the National Historical Institute as a heritage site and was converted into a museum filled with the family’s collections of age-old possessions.

The ground floor of Clarin’s Ancestral House was made into a café that serves native delicacies from Bohol, no less. It entertains walk-in and booked guests any time of the day. The pleasure of dining against a stunning backdrop is the major allure of Café Olegario, the name that was given to the café.

You must not settle to café Olegario when visiting Clarin Ancestral House. This 167-year-old home has more to boast on the upper floor. Take for example the intricately-designed wooden furniture that has not lost its glow through the years. There are also huge collections of Maria Clara-inspired gowns, Barong Tagalogs, jars, lamps, kitchen wares, and books.

Clarin Ancestral House shows off the greatness of Filipino and Spanish fusion in terms of design and home style. Each and every item found inside the house imbibes the culture that raised the very owners of the house.

Entering Clarin Ancestral House costs less than USD1. That means travel time is your only investment to take a peek at the wondrous design of this ancestral home. Plus, of course, some cash that you will spend on the café. But the torta Laoyan and hot chocolate does not come with a hefty price so you need not to worry about hurting your budget too much.