Casa Gorordo Museum to reopen next week

CEBU, Philippines - The Casa Gorordo Museum will be reopened on November 29 after it was closed to the public for renovation in 2014.

Daniel Alatraca, museum's tour guide, personally toured some members of the media and other guests inside the newly-renovated facility during its soft opening yesterday which will last until November 26.

Alatraca showed the many things the museum can offer to the public. These include a virtual experience using digital age technology like tab, interactive exhibits and mini-theater.

 Casa Gorordo used to be the residence of Cebu’s first Archbishop Juan Gorordo. This historic house museum is now owned and managed by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. through its Culture and Heritage Unit.

 In a press statement, RAFI said that Casa Gorordo is a fine example of a Spanish-era colonial house known locally as "Balay nga Tisa" or "House with a Tiled Roof."

 The museum offers the public a glimpse into the lives of Filipinos in the Visayas from the late 1800s to the pre- World War II years.

 The Casa Gorordo house was built in the 1850s and originally owned by Alejandro Rosales Reynes. It was bought by Spanish merchant Juan Isidro Gorordo in 1853.

  Four generations of the Gorordo family have lived in the house, including Bishop Gorordo.

The museum house, after it was acquired by RAFI, underwent renovation between 1980 and 1981 and it was officially opened to the public on December 15, 1983.

 In 2005, a second major renovation was undertaken to replace aging elements of the house. In 2014, it was again closed to the public to undergo structural conservation and enhancement in its presentation.

 On its reopening in November 29, the new admission rates for local and tourists will range from P80 to P180 per person.

 Another attraction is the Casa Gorordo Museum Shop which offers museum-branded merchandise that cannot be bought from any other store.

It also has products from different parts of the Philippines, particularly from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Many of these products were made by artisans using traditional methods and craftsmanship but are designed for today's modern lifestyle.

After touring the Casa Gorordo Museum, one can have their coffee at their shop that offers not just coffee, smoothies, flavored tea, but also food like salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries. (FREEMAN)