Roger The Ruins Tour Guide - (Vlog #64) - Trip to Philippines - 1/2/14

Summary

The script delves into the history of the Mariano family and their grand mansion, built in 1920. It recounts the family's lineage, the mansion's destruction during World War II, and its restoration by a descendant, Mr. Raymond. The mansion is now a tourist attraction, symbolizing the family's heritage and resilience. The narration touches on their sugarcane plantation, the tragic deaths of family members, and the mansion's unique architectural features, including its use of egg whites in cement. The story reflects on pride in family legacy, historical challenges, and eventual preservation of cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The mansion being discussed was built in 1920 and is now 93 years old, with a rich historical background.
• 🔥 During World War II, the mansion was burned to prevent Japanese forces from using it as a headquarters.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mariano, a key figure mentioned, had two marriages and fathered 13 children across both marriages.
• 🚜 Mariano was a wealthy landowner, owning a 440-hectare sugarcane plantation.
• 🛏️ The mansion had ten rooms but only four were bedrooms, with specific rooms for boys and girls.
• 🍳 The construction of the mansion involved traditional techniques, such as using egg whites in the cement mixture, similar to other historic buildings in the area.
• 🏗️ The mansion's design incorporated materials like hardwood floors and special tiles imported from Spain.
• 📜 The family had a long lineage, with members holding notable positions, including a former governor.
• 🌅 The mansion has a special viewing room called 'Belvedere' where the family would gather to watch sunsets.
• 🌍 The mansion was restored and transformed into a tourist attraction by Mr. Raymond, a descendant of the family, in an effort to preserve its history.

Q & A

Who was Mariano and what was his significance?

Mariano was a notable figure who had a large family, owning a vast sugar cane plantation of 440 hectares in Negros. He was married twice and had 13 children in total. His wealth and land ownership played a significant role in his family's status.

What happened to Mariano's first wife?

Mariano's first wife, Maria Braga, tragically passed away along with their child after complications from childbirth.

How many children did Mariano have, and what was unique about his family?

Mariano had a total of 13 children. His family was unique in its size and prominence, with some of his descendants, like a former governor, achieving notable positions in society.

What happened to the mansion during World War II?

The mansion was burned during the Japanese-American war. Guerrilla forces deliberately set it on fire to prevent the Japanese from using it as their headquarters.

What is unique about the construction of Mariano’s mansion?

The mansion was built with materials like hardwood floors, thick wooden beams, and hand-painted tiles from Spain. It also used a unique mixture of cement and egg whites, similar to methods used in historical churches.

What is the 'special room' in the mansion referred to in the transcript?

The special room is known as 'Velvetine,' a small room upstairs in the mansion that offers a beautiful view. It was a gathering spot for the family to watch the sunset.

What significant historical restoration has been done to the mansion?

Mr. Raymond Harvey Diana, a descendant of Mariano, restored the mansion, transforming it into a tourist attraction to preserve its legacy and historical significance.

What materials were used in constructing the mansion’s walls?

The walls of the mansion were made of cement mixed with egg whites, a technique that gives them a smooth marble-like finish, often used in the construction of old churches.

Why is the mansion considered a tourist attraction today?

The mansion is now a tourist attraction because of its historical value, unique architecture, and its role in local history, especially during World War II. Mr. Raymond restored it and opened it to the public to honor his family’s legacy.

What was the original purpose of the mansion during Mariano’s time?

The mansion was originally a family residence for Mariano and his large family. It had spacious rooms, a family room, and a master bedroom, reflecting the wealth and status of the family.