The last several years had seen the city of Angeles in Pampanga shed its red-light reputation by showcasing its rich culinary culture and heritage. The result was a newfound interest among tourists in exploring many of its nooks and crannies to satisfy not only the appetite for food but also for historical curiosities. One of the popular places to visit in Angeles City’s heritage district was the Pamintuan Mansion.
Lakbay Norte 8 Goes to Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles | Pampanga
A Witness to Historic Events
Built in the 1880s by Mariano Pamintuan and Valentino Torres, the house became a setting for some of the country’s notable events. First, it served as a secret hideout of the Katipunan toward the end of the Spanish colonial period, and a little later, as a headquarters for General Antonio Luna.
During the Philippine-American War, the mansion became the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic following General Emilio Aguinaldo's decision to move the capital from Kawit, Cavite, to Angeles City, Pampanga.
It was from the window of the Pamintuan Mansion where Aguinaldo watched a military parade on the eve of the first anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 11, 1899. The next day, the anniversary was celebrated at the nearby Holy Rosary Church.
In November 1899, the city fell into the hands of the Americans, and the Pamintuan Mansion was used as a residence by General Arthur MacArthur—father of General Douglas MacArthur.
From Headquarters to Museum
During World War II, the mansion was used by the Japanese Imperial Army to house some officers and Kamikaze pilots. Following the war, it became a clubhouse of the United Service Organizations for a few years before it was turned into a small bed-and-breakfast hotel. The mansion was sold by the Pamintuans in 1959, and eventually, the local government of Pampanga leased it.
In the early 1980s, it became a branch of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas until it was turned over to the National Historical Commission on June 17, 2010, and a part of the house was transformed into a social science museum.
A Throwback to Magnificent Architecture
At first glance, the mansion's many curves and thin pillars would arrest your attention, as they instantly reminded you of similar nineteenth-century homes built during the Spanish occupation. After follow-up research, I learned that the house was inspired by homes in Toledo, Spain, heavily influenced by Moorish architecture.
An outer stairwell led visitors to the main door, where another grand staircase would take you to the second floor. Inside, you would find nine galleries showcasing historic items such as traditional clothing, artworks, and other artifacts depicting the social history of the Philippines—thus its designation as the Museum of Philippine Social History.
Around the vast interior of the house, you could still see several antiquated wooden furniture pieces, art nouveau-framed old family photographs of the Pamintuans, carved figures, ivory stones, and religious statues. A smaller spiral staircase opened to a rooftop tower that served as a veranda where you could view the town scene.
For an old house more than a century old, the Pamintuan Mansion was very well-maintained, considering the several times it had changed ownership and the colorful history it had witnessed. If only the walls of the Pamintuan Mansion could talk, they would surely go on and on telling endless stories.
