Baguio's White House

trying to picture how it looked like back then is kinda hard with the banners on it's entrance :P

Filipino horror flick aficionados, "ghost hunters" and those whose curiosity over the years have been piqued by the alleged mysterious goings on in the city may have heard of #4 Laperal a.k.a. The White House (movie linked here).

The Laperal house was built in the 1930's, a fusion of Spanish and American architecture incorporating Art Deco Elements.

the living room ceiling. I'm guessing a chandelier once hung in the center rather than the conspicuous energy saving bulb

beautifully maintained Spanish styled hardwood staircases take you to the 2nd floor and the attic

It was formerly owned by the family of Tarcila Laperal-Mendoza; the 93-year old matriarch belongs to a landed family which had properties in Mendiola, Manila, and in Baguio City.(the same owners of the controversial Arlegui St. home near Malacanang, where President Cory and Ramos resided in.)

the bamboo exhibit is housed in the dining room

The White house is currently owned by tycoon Lucio Tan; the property is approximately 3,500sq.m. and is currently being used to house a bamboo carving exhibit.

bamboo art

...and the skilled carvers who make it in house

I have always wanted to see the interior of this house. Not to see if there are restless spirits hovering behind it's walls, but to admire it's construction.

the brightest spot in the home is surprisingly the attic. This would have made a perfect sunroom (typical 1930's house characteristic) or a children's playroom (if not for the widow's walk surrounding the room, 3 floors up from street level)

looking down from the attic/sunroom

the narrow stairs going down from the 3rd floor

They seriously do not build houses this way anymore. While I do appreciate a modern, minimalist look, the appeal of this Colonial revival home was just too good to pass up.

MAX explores the 2nd floor

a look at the pasilio (hallway)

Similarly, our old family house in Malabon was built around the 18th century(older than this house). To even get a chance to glimpse, even for a minute, what the walls have seen through the years would've been priceless.

art deco iron works cover the windows

For all the talks about the lady in white who allegedly haunts the entrance, all I could see was the somewhat whimsical geometric patterns on the wood and iron works that is common with art deco. 

my kids Kix and MAX felt surprisingly at home in this place

Upon entering the home, the typical gloom of lacquered hardwood floors, ceiling and walls was what caught my eye. 

wonder how it looked with it's original furnishings...

Thoughts of cocktail parties and family gatherings by the living room or it's occupants glancing outside what seemed to be three casement windows were impressions left in my mind's eye.

beautiful light from the living room windows bask what seems to be a  Rococo Revival canape and it's matching hardwood coffee table

The second floor had spacious rooms, huge bathrooms and small closets. There were even fireplaces that may be found in some of the rooms, perfect for those old Baguio nights.

MAX, crashing on the bed in the master's bedroom

feeling like a peeping tom :P looking into one of the many bathrooms of the place

small closet space..who would've thought that in a big place like this?

Kix doing ghoul impersonations in one of the fireplaces :p

If you've got time on your hands to spare, make a quick stop to see the Bamboo Art and a gem on it's own, #4 Laperal (Leonard Wood Road). Admission is 50 PHP.

"mumu" (ghost) ready with a cross on his shirt :p

the master's bedroom, complete with a fireplace and it's own balcony

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!