Casa Mariquit

Casa Mariquit is a heritage house museum in Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo, considered the oldest existing heritage house in Iloilo. Built in 1803 by Ramon Javellana as a bahay na bato, it was the home of Maria Mariquit Javellana Lopez, wife of former Philippine Vice President Fernando Lopez Sr. The house preserves original furnishings, antiques, and memorabilia, offering insight into Ilonggo elite life during the Spanish and American periods.

Visitors can expect a well-preserved two-storey bahay na bato with capiz shell windows, wooden floors, and antique-filled rooms. The ground floor is made of stone and brick while the upper floor is wood. Inside are original furniture, family portraits, vintage kitchenware, religious icons, and personal belongings of the Javellana-Lopez family. Guided tours explain the house layout, including living areas, dining room, bedrooms, and azotea, within a quiet residential setting in Jaro.

Built in 1803 by Ramon Javellana, Casa Mariquit is regarded as the oldest heritage house in Iloilo. It was home to Maria Mariquit Javellana who married Fernando Lopez Sr., who served as Vice President of the Philippines. The house survived World War II and has been maintained by the family, retaining its original structure and collections that reflect Ilonggo life from the Spanish colonial period through the American era.

The house is a notable example of bahay na bato architecture and Ilonggo cultural heritage, showcasing traditional construction, domestic customs, and lifestyle of a prominent Iloilo family. It serves as a cultural attraction that preserves local history, craftsmanship, and family heritage for visitors and researchers.