Stay In This Art Deco Home In Samar And Travel Back In Time
Experience its rustic charm for as low as P1,300 a night!
(SPOT.ph) Calbiga in Samar is home to the Philippines' largest cave (Langun-Gobingob Cave) and one of the country's widest waterfalls (Lulugayan Falls). With its amazing terrain, it has become an adventurer's paradise. The best thing about it? Not a lot of people fly to this under-the-radar destination, so you get to keep the island to yourself for now, at least. Another indication that this tourism hotspot hasn't fallen to the hands of commercialization isÂa charming inn called Lola Rosa's.
The old house before restoration.
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The local accommodation sits on a property originally owned by American soldier Carroll Madison Atkins Smith and Calbiga resident Margarita Abelido Latorre. The two were married in 1904 and had two children, Carroll Jr. and Rosaâfor whom the house was named. Rosa was born in Cebu in 1908 and was married to Lope Caveiro Quimbo, also from Calbiga, before she turned 16. Their union produced 10 children. The house is now owned by Lola Rosa's grandson Reggie.
The Art Deco wrought iron grilles
Lola Rosa's Inn was opened to the public in 2012. The original part of the house was restored to keep its old design. The doors were sanded to reveal beautiful two-tone woodwork, the old latticework in the ceiling was highlighted with the display of pre-loved vintage chandeliers from Manila, and the sturdy floorboards are a testament to traditional Filipino craftsmanship.
Heirloom items like jars, figurines, and old family photographs are displayed in antique glass cabinets, transporting guests to the olden times. A three-storey annex was attached to the back of the old house to add more space and rooms.
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How to get there: From Tacloban City in Leyte, take a bus or van bound for Catbalogan City in Samar. Get off in downtown Calbiga along the highway. Travel takes about an hour.
Room rates range from P1,300 to P1,700. Lola Rosa's Inn is along Sto. Niño Street, Calbiga, Samar. For more information, send a message to 0917-852-4433 or [email protected].
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.
