Sagunda Katigbak is known to be Jose Rizal’s first love. This house built in 1880 is where she lived, and is very well preserved, complete with period furniture. The house is three blocks away from the San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City, Batangas.

Our travel-photography group came to visit and were regaled with stories by a descendant of Segunda, at the very beautiful courtyard.

The house is not one of the grand mansions in its time, although it can be said that the residents were prominent members of the community. In those days, houses of commoners were smaller, and generally made of light materials. This one is made of hard wood and concrete.

Casa de Segunda is typical of such beautiful old homes. Spacious, airy  with wide windows and “ventanillas”, those window-like openings below the window sills. Furniture is sparse. Drapes and curtains are de riguer. Huge planks of hard wood for flooring. And chandeliers on the ceiling. As one enters this ancestral home, a piece of history is re-lived. Mementos from those years are on the center table, plus photos of Seguna Katigbak, of Kose Rizal, as well as those of the family she made when she became Mrs Segunda Katigbak-Luz. The stairwell going up is solid, and stately.

The dining room is at the ground floor.

The huge staircase leads to the second floor living room and bedrooms.

There are only two bedrooms, both spacious and neat even with the bric a brac that makes the rooms interesting.

The azotea overlooking the courtyard is beautiful, and must have been witness to countless family get togethers under the stars.

Casa de Segunda is beautiful in its simplicity. Re-live a piece of history when you get to this part of Lipa in Batangas.