NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS

SUBCOMMISSION ON CULTURAL HERITAGE

CULTURAL MAPPING PROGRAM

Mapping of Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Category: Government and Private Built Structure and Commercial Establishments

NAME OF IMMOVABLE HERITAGE: Fule-Malvar Mansion

PHOTO:

1920 1939

2023

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. TYPE:

[ ] CAPITOL BUILDING [ ] GOVERNMENT AGENCY BLDG [ ] FORTRESS

[ ] MUNICIPAL/CITY HALL [ ] BRIDGE [ ] PRISON/CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
[ ] BARANGAY HALL [ ] DAM/DIKE [ ] POWER PLANT
[ ] FIRE STATION [ ] RICE MILL [ ] FACTORY
[ ] POLICE STATION [ ] SUGAR MILL [ ] COCKPIT
[ ] LIBRARY [ ] ICE PLANT [ ] LABORATORY
[ ] BAKESHOP [ ] GYMNASIUM [ ] RECREATION/SPORTS CENTER
[ ] WINERY [ ] HOTEL [ ] RECREATION/SPORTS CENTER
[ ] MARKETPLACE [ ] TRAIN/BUS STATION [ ] MUSEUM
[ ] STORE [ ] AIRPORT [x] OTHER _ INSURANCE COMPANY_
[ ] BANK [ ] SEAPORT
B. OWNERSHIP [ ] PUBLIC [x] PRIVATE

C. ADDRESS/LOCATION/COORDINATES (Longitude & Latitude):

Rizal Avenue, San Pablo, Laguna 4000 Coordinates: 14°04’17” N, 121°19’21” E

D. AREA: 1. Total Land Area: 2. Structure:

E. YEAR CONSTRUCTED/ESTIMATED AGE: 1915 (108 years)

F. OWNERSHIP/JURISDICTION: Eusebia Fule & Potenciano Malvar (1915); National Life Insurance
Company (1969); Philippine American Life Insurance Company (1988)

G. DECLARATION/LEGISLATION: It was declared a historical site and renovated in 1990

II. DESCRIPTION

A. Physical Description

Fule-Malvar Mansion, also known as the white mansion, bahay na puti, or Fule-Malvar
Ancestral Mansion, is located in San Pablo City and has historical significance since it was the
location of important events during the Philippine-American War. San Pablo City's Mansion acts as a
visible reminder of the history of the city and its involvement in the fight for Philippine independence,
adding to the region's cultural legacy.

The mansion's structure is symmetrical, with a central entry surrounded by windows on both
sides. This type of symmetrical pattern is typical of American colonial architecture. There are
educational plaques or historical markers near the entry or on the veranda that offer facts about the
mansion's history, architectural importance, and prominent inhabitants. The Fule-Malvar Mansion's
facade incorporates aspects of history, culture, and architectural beauty, making it an aesthetically
appealing and historically significant monument in San Pablo City.

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
 When visitors enter the residence, they frequently feel as if they are walking back in time
since the interior is meant to mimic the historical period in which it was created, 1915. The rooms are
decorated and equipped with furniture and accessories from the time period, giving guests a look into
the way of life at the time. Given its historical relevance and the people connected to it, such as
General Miguel Malvar, the mansion contains historical items, mementos, and displays that give
visitors an opportunity to explore its extensive past and historical significance.

B. History of the Structure (Write the history of construction, use/function of the building over the
years, history of intervention)

The Fule-Malvar Ancestral Mansion is located in San Pablo City, Laguna. It was designed by a
Spanish architect named Abelardo La Fuente. The mansion was constructed in 1915 in the Romantic-
Classicism architectural style. It is the residence of Dr. Potenciano Malvar and Doña Eusebia Fule.
The house was handed to their nephew and nieces, sold to the National Insurance Company in 1966,
then acquired by the PhiLam Life Insurance Company in 1988, and restored in 1990.

III. STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH STRUCTURE

There are several stories in San Pablo City, including those shared by local informants who
have been interviewed. One of those is that, according to the informants, he and a group of friends
once toured the Fule-Malvar Mansion, a reportedly spooky location in the provincial town of San
Pablo City. They discovered a room with a fascinating collection of ancient mirrors, each eliciting
nostalgia and amazement upon entering the mansion. One of his friends played a role by
impersonating a ghost, creating a sense of levity. However, the mirror began to shake and creak,
causing the room to darken. Everyone in the group was frightened, he added, since the darkness and
murmurs filled the room, creating unsettling surroundings.

The lingering feeling that the mansion had played tricks on them remained, as if the mansion
was aware of their presence and played a ghostly charade for its own enjoyment. He also stated that
he has not returned to the mansion since that day, and his encounter with the wobbly mirror remains
etched in his memory as a surreal blend of humor and horror.

Moreover, according to the informant story, the Fule-Mavar Mansion was also made to scare
the younger students of San Pablo Central School so that the students would not go there, which is
located behind the mansion. That's why it serves as a haunting reminder that unexpected moments
can blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, even in the darkest and strangest
places.

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
IV. SIGNIFICANCE

Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, scientific, social, socioeconomic, socio-political,
spiritual and then explain

Historical: The Fule-Malvar Mansion was built in 1915 by Dr. Potenciano Malvar, a prominent doctor,
and his wife, Doña Eusebia Fule. The mansion was initially built as a family residence and is
recognized for its outstanding architectural design, which is a combination of American and Filipino
influences. It has a large veranda, hardwood flooring, elegant columns, and detailed woodwork. Dr.
Poteciano Malvar was the only sibling of General Miguel Malvar, a significant figure in Philippine
history, and was associated with the mansion during this period. During the Philippine-American War,
he was one of the last Filipino generals who surrendered to American forces.

Dr. Potenciano Malvar also accepted the people of San Pablo, Laguna's honor as the Grand Old Man,
and then served as a medical officer during the Philippine-American War. In 1909, he was elected to
the Philippine Assembly as a deputy. Up until 1912, when he was appointed governor of Laguna.
Furthermore, in the year 1940, he was the first mayor of Laguna's first city, San Pablo.

Doña Eusebia Fule-Malvar, the great old lady of San Pablo and the wife of Dr. Poteciano Malvar, is
known for her grace, dignity, and active participation in community affairs. This lady equally belonged
to the poor as she did to the rich. In addition, she was one of the active leaders who helped
reconstruct San Pablo Church after World War II. Eusebia Fule and her husband, Potenciano Malvar,
were a part of the family who built the Fule-Malvar Mansion in early 1915, and their legacy will always
be linked to the preservation and acknowledgement of this historic building.

Socioeconomic: The local government has declared the residence a heritage site; when the mansion
is available to the public, it can attract tourists, resulting in further economic activity in the area. This
type of tourism can also provide jobs for residents, therefore improving their socioeconomic well-
being. The preservation of such historical sites may have a good socioeconomic impact by developing
a sense of belonging, involvement, and connection to their community.

Social: Occasionally, the Fule-Malvar Mansion has been made accessible to the general public for
guided tours and cultural celebrations, allowing guests to understand its importance in terms of both
historical and architectural significance. The mansion also functioned as the center of a variety of
activities and political meetings.

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
Socio-political: The mansion is historically significant since it was associated with General Miguel
Malvar, a notable figure in the Philippine-American War. The mansion served as a hideout for Malvar
throughout the war, and his presence there gives the location socio-political significance. Additionally,
the Fule-Malvar Mansion served as a temporary residence for various visiting presidents over the
years, including Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel Roxas, Ramon Magsaysay, and other prominent
dignitaries and government officials.

Aesthetic: The Fule-Malvar Mansion in San Pablo City, Philippines, is famous for its one-of-a-kind
and visually beautiful architectural structure. The residence was built during the American period and
was designed by Abelardo La Fuente, a Spanish architect. Its aesthetics are a fusion of American and
Filipino influences, resulting in a style that highlights the beauty of both cultures. It is a combination of
many architectural styles; the design is more beaux-arts with Art Nouveau and Moorish architecture.

The mansion's wide veranda is one of its most notable features. The veranda offers a beautiful view
and is adorned with elegant columns and balustrades, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The mansion's
beautiful woodwork, which includes ornamental carvings and details on doors, windows, and other
features, lends the structure a refined appearance. Hardwood flooring gives not only functionality but
also warmth and a timeless charm to the interior of the house.

The mansion's rooms have high ceilings that give them an air of grandeur and space. These features
are not only attractive to look at, but they are also useful for ventilation and cooling in the tropical
environment. Furthermore, the residence has well-kept landscaping and gardens, which create an
inviting environment for guests, and due to its distinct attractiveness and the feeling of antiquity it
conjures, visitors are frequently drawn to it.

V. CONSERVATION

A. STATUS/CONDITION OF STRUCTURE: (Describe the physical condition of the structure)

[ ] Excellent
[x] Good
[ ] Fair
[ ] Deteriorated
[ ] Ruins

Remarks:

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
The mansion's condition is decent considering that it is 108 years old, and despite its minor cracks,
damages, stains, and missing parts, the Fule-Malvar Mansion's architectural beauty will always be
evident.

B. INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE:

1. [ ] altered 2. [ ] moved
[x] unalterated [x] original site

C. CONSTRAINTS/THREATS/ISSUE:

The Fule-Malvar Mansion's proximity to the road, where all of the pollution, trash, and waste are
present, has an adverse effect on the building's attractiveness and cleanliness owing to the
environmental impact. Due to its all-white construction, this kind of building is quite an appealing and
eye-catching attraction, making it prone to vandalism or other forms of destruction by those who visit.
Furthermore, because it was built several decades ago, any severe natural catastrophes pose a
threat to this type of legacy.

D. CONSERVATION MEASURES: (Describe the conservation measures taken at the level of the
community, provincial and/ or national)

The Fule-Malvar Mansion has undergone preservation and restoration over the years to
maintain its historical and architectural value. Various people, groups, and government agencies have
sought to secure its preservation as a historic site. Even if it is maintained throughout the years, it will
slowly deteriorate. Since there are few fractures evident in the walls, pilasters, ceiling, and roof eaves,
the exterior of the building is the most concerning.

Historic building damage can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including natural catastrophes,
aging, a lack of maintenance, or other unfortunate events.

VI. LIST OF SIGNIFICANT TANGIBLE IMMOVABLE HERITAGE (Within the premises of the built
heritage)

No. Name of object Photo Year produced or estimated age

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
 1. Baluster Est. more than 100 years old

2. Column Est. more than 100 years old

3. Fountain Est. more than 100 years old

4. Lamp Post Est. more than 100 years old

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A
 5. Window Bars Est. more than 100 years old

VII. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S: Floriano Tolentino (Resident), Christian Angelo Escoses

Resident) & Cornelio Jaraplasan (Security Guard)
REFERENCE: None

NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER: Althea J. Chiva & Gracezel Joy G. Dela

DATE PROFILED: 9/16/2023

Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Municipality/City of San Pablo
Province of Laguna
Region IV-A