CASA DE SEGUNDA

Casa de Segunda is one of the historical attractions in the Philippines specifically located in Lipa,
Batangas. Lipa is a city located in the province of Batangas, Philippines. Lipa City is a major
recreational, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center in central Batangas
province. It is one of the most well - known place in Batangas wherein Casa de Segunda is located.
It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich cultural significance. The house was built
in the 19th century and has been preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and
heritage of the Filipino elite during the Spanish colonial period.

Casa de Segunda, also known as Luz - Katigbak House is a heritage museum built during the 1860's
has quite a story to tell. It was in this bahay-na-bato that the family of Manuel Luz and Segunda
Luz-Katigbak grew up in the 19th century. Luz-Katigbak House was one of the houses built by Don
Norberto Calao Katigbak, a gobernadorcillo, from 1862 to 1863. The architect(s) of Casa de
Segunda are unknown. Katigbaks were one of the prolific families in the province - attributing
part of their wealth to the coffee industry, being one of the major business ventures before. He
was known to own big parcels of land in Batangas. He was married to Doña Justa Mitra de San
Miguel-Solis. The house was Don Katigbak's gift to his daughter, Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak.
Donya Segunda Luz-Katigbak’s name may sound familiar to some as Jose Rizal’s first love.

The Luz-Katigbak Family Tree (by Renz Katigbak)

Casa de Segunda honors the memory of Segunda Solis Katigbak, the first love of revolutionary
novelist and Philippine national hero, José Rizal. Rizal described her charm and beauty in his
journal entitled Memorias de un estudiante de Manila: “She was short, with expressive eyes,
ardent at times, and drooping at other times, pinkish, a smile so bewitching and provocative that
revealed some very beautiful teeth; with an air of sylph, I do not know what alluring something
was all over her being…She was not the most beautiful woman I had seen but I had never seen
one more bewitching and alluring...I have already heard about her and that she was going to get
married to a relative of hers. Indeed, I noticed a tall man neatly dressed who seemed to be her
fiancé.” Thus, ended his first love.

Manuel Metra Luz who came from one of the most prominent families of Lipa. The Luz clan was
a family of businessmen, poets, and scholars. Manuel married Segunda at the young age of 16 in
1879. They were blessed with nine equally bright and gifted children namely: Cristeta, Manuel
Jr.,, Flora, Justa Inez, Arsenio Nicasio, Valeriano, Maria Paz, Julio, and Fernando. These nine
children had passed on these gifts and talents to their children and grandchildren, some of whom
prospered and became successful in their chosen fields. Among the descendants of the Luz-
Katigbak couple are: Sculptor Edgardo Luz Katigbak (one of the sculptors of the Cry of Balintawak,
son of Justa Luz), Architect Alfredo Luz and National Artist Arturo Luz, (a pair of brothers, sons
of Valerio Luz) Fashion designer Gerry Katigbak (grandson of Cristeta), Painter Tensie Dimayuga-
Bello (granddaughter of Paz), and Sports broadcaster Chino Trinidad (great-grandson of Flora
Luz).

The house is a traditional bahay na bato, a type of Pilipino ancestral house, which was the home
of the Filipino elite during the late 19th century and reflected the fusion of indigenous and
colonial architecture. Casa de Segunda has a floor count of two, which is typical for Bahay na Bato.
The house is single-detached, which means it is not connected to any other structure. This design
provides privacy to the occupants and allows for better ventilation and natural lighting.
The house exhibits a blend of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish influences. The house is made of
stones and wood, the most common materials used in building Bahay na Bato, and showcases
Spanish architectural influences while still retaining tropical elements. Its stonework and patterns
add character to what could have been a typical Spanish-age “bahay na bato”. It reflected the
fusion of indigenous and colonial architecture. Many patters scattered around the house. From
the diamond-tiled floor to the intricately painted ceiling, the house is just filled with little joys,
with capiz shell windows, intricate carvings, and a large ground floor supported by sturdy
columns. The interior of the house is adorned with antique furniture, chandeliers, and other
period pieces, giving visitors a sense of the opulence and elegance of that historical period.

Old photo of Luz Katigbak House

During World War II, the house was used as a garrison by the Japanese Imperial Army.Partly
damaged by the Second World War in 1942, the house was remodeled in 1956 by Segunda
Katigbak’s daughter, Paz Luz Dimayuga. The grandchildren of Paz, who were born and raised
here, restored the house in 1996 to its original form and grandeur, its fountain, fishponds, and
orchards. It was repaired in 1956 and was declared as national historic institute. The house was
declared a National Heritage House by the National Historical Commission in 2011.
It is a testament to the rich history of Batangas and the Philippines as a whole. The preservation
of this house serves as a reminder of the country’s past and the importance of preserving its
cultural memory. The house contains numerous artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the lifestyle
and culture of the Luz-Katigbak family during the late 19th century.

In cooperation with the National Historical Commission, Casa de Segunda, having been declared
a heritage house, is proud to honor these outstanding men and women who had contributed to
the remnants of the past- be it in the cultural, historical, and the arts – “All echo the timeless
qualities of Lipa reminding both residents and visitors alike that those olden days of prosperity
need not be a distant memory.”

REFERENCE:

- https://alchetron.com/Casa-de-Segunda
- https://outoftownblog.com/casa-de-segunda-a-national-heritage-house-in-
lipa/#google_vignette
- https://www.scribd.com/presentation/435761583/CASA-DE-SEGUNDA-pptx
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_de_Segunda
- https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/the-latest-arts-culture/79196/casa-de-segunda-
heritage-house-a4362-20190922-lfrm