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- Notes - The Constantino house in Balagtas is another example of an old Spanish colonial house. The tiled roof traditionally keeps the stone house cool. The upturned gables suggest a Chinese influence. (Source: Philippine Ancestral Houses, Fernando Zialcita and Martin Tinio, 1980). This two-storey house stands on the left side of the main highway, coming from Manila, near the small bridge to Bigaa, Bulacan. It is owned by Dr. Felipe B. Constantino and his sister Julia, both living now in San Juan, Rizal and great grandchildren of the original owner. In or about 1850, Capt. Valentin Constantino, the gobernadorcillo of the town, built this house beside the Bulacan River. The woodwork is of thick, wide hard planks. The sliding wood sashes and the clerestory still hold the original panes of "kapis" shells. In those days, the white of eggs served to wet the lime and sand that cemented together the large stones for the house''s foundations, vaulting and archways. At the two corners of the house, fronting the street, are two lamp-like attachments at window level. These served as airy closets, or dispensas, where special wines, sweets and other delicacies were kept for visitors on special occasions. The original tiled roof (tejang tisa made expertly at the time in Mandaluyong) is still intact. In 1892 when his son Nazario Constantino was master of the house, Jose Rizal paused there on his trip north. Rizal''s visit cost him four months of imprisonment in Fort Santiago, as a suspected rebel. From 1896-1898, this house was used as the municipal building where eight Spanish soldiers were imprisoned. During World War II, it was occupied by the Japanese. After the war, the Constantinos rented it out as a school.
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