BAHANDI

The Bahandi is a neighborhood organization known as the Baclayon Ancestral Homes Association. The association is composed of home-owners of Spanish colonial houses in Baclayon who banded together to spare their homes from demolition in a province-wide road-widening project sometime in 2002.

In Visayan, the local dialect, the word “Bahandi” means “treasure”. There are over 67 ancestral houses in Baclayon and some have offered their homes to the public as “homestays” where guests can avail of bed and breakfast for a day or longer.

Ancestral houses, some constructed as early as 1853, are within walking distance of each other and the Baclayon Church. The “homestay” program adopted by the owners help them to earn their keep which is generally geared towards the preservation of these heritage homes.

The homestay program seeks to provide visitors with accommodations and food; a place where one can work and live with a Boholano family and get to know firsthand the Boholano lifestyle and culture. Likewise, with foreign visitors, Boholanos can learn about foreign culture and form international friendships.

BAHANDI make their presence felt by organizing various cultural events and advocating the preservation of historical buildings in Baclayon. It is supported by Bea Zobel de Ayala, Jr. thru the Ayala Foundation who backs up these cultural events such as traditional singing contests, festivals and fiestas.

Traditional arts and crafts are also given support and further developed as well as holding educational campaigns on culture and history in schools thru exhibitions.

Baclayon Ancestral Houses

Bahay Kahayag,
Caballo House,
Cahambing House,
Ginete House,
Javier House,
Lerias House,
Manggubat House,
Mangrove House,
Oppus House,
Pates House

Related Ancestral Houses Articles

Clarin House dates back to 1840.
The Malon House is the largest heritage house in Baclayon.
The Villamor house was built in late 19th century in the geometric style
Abueva Ancestral House
Tagbilaran City Ancestral Houses
Rocha Suarez Ancestral House
Sitio Ubos
Talibon Houses

Photos courtesy of Ral_M

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