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Brief Property History
Villa Angela was built in 1873 by Gobernadorcillo Agapito Florendo y Bonifacio, and transformed into a charming country inn in 1988 by descendants of the family who continue to run the house until this day. Villa Angela stands proudly on a 2,000 sqm lot as one of the best preserved and shining examples of a Vigan Heritage House in the Northern part of the Philippines.
Facing a Challenging Year
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic risks. Coupled with this, the country is also prone to tropical cyclones which generally produce heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding of large areas.
In 2022 and 2023, Villa Angela faced several challenges caused by its seismic and geographic position. On 27 July 2022 at 00:43 UTC (8:43 a.m., local time), a Mw 7.0 damaging earthquake occurred in northwestern Luzon Island, causing havoc in nearby towns one of which was Vigan, home of Villa Angela.
Part of the roof on the second floor which was made out of clay tiles (tejas) collapsed, damaging the kitchen on the first floor. Luckily no one was injured but it left a dent in the ancestral home’s structure. Villa Angela had to build a temporary structure outside its garden area which currently serves as its kitchen. The other parts of the house remained intact and were certified safe. Plastering was done on minor cracks and some weak posts were reinforced. Villa Angela still has yet to rebuild a functional kitchen to maintain its glory.
Villa Angela had barely recovered from the July 2022 earthquake when another natural disaster hit just exactly a year after, last July 2023. Typhoon Egay moved across the North of the Philippines causing water seepage in one of the rooms on the ground floor. Because the groundwater table in Vigan City is high, the organic brick walls become damp and are prone to efflorescence and molds. If the water seepage remains untreated, water damage can corrode the plumbing and destroy the first floor’s ceilings and walls.
A French drain and proper trenches need to be built to ease dampness and channel water away from the heritage building. Brick walls need to be treated with lime wash to strengthen them
An Appeal for Financial Help and Support
The effect of Typhoon Egay is the more critical problem that Villa Angela is currently facing. The water seepage problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible to prevent this historical house from incurring further damage. We appeal to all heritage enthusiasts and supporters to assist in raising the required amount to properly restore and arrest the current water seepage problem. Your contribution to this effort is greatly appreciated and will be an essential component in the restoration and protection of this 150-year-old heritage property.
Property Name: Villa Angela
Location: Vigan City, Philippines
Crowdfunding Goal: $1,500
Deadline: On or before January 31, 2024
Restoration Details: To fix the water seepage problem in one of the rooms on the ground floor to prevent further damage of corroding the plumbing and destroying the first floor’s ceilings and walls
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage City and unbeknownst to many, Vigan is an island, which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers – the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period. Popular sites include Calle Crisologo, which is located in the Mestizo district- the old quarters of the city, The Syquia Mansion Museum, Plaza Salcedo's Dancing Fountain, Padre Burgos House, and the National Museum of the Philippines. Nearby is the Bantay Church Bell Tower. Of special note are the Hotel Luna, which houses an extensive collection of art, including La Mandolinera by Jose Luna, as well as the centuries-old Sta. Maria Church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edward II Ragpala
JM Cervantes
Ana Tateshvili
Christine Yu
Damien Bachelet
Win $150 travel credit with a single contribution of $50 or more! Eligible for future stays at any OHH property.
Meet Emmeline Verzosa, the proud custodian of Villa Angela, a historic property that spans generations. Former Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women, Emmeline now oversees this cherished home passed down through her family as president of the family corporation and manager.
