Iloilo: Prominent families, the business sector, and local officials gathered to celebrate the centennial year of Casa de Espa±a Iloilo, marking the event with a time capsule-laying ceremony on Monday afternoon. Built on June 8, 1926, Casa de Espa±a served as the clubhouse of the Casino Espa±ol, a social club for the Spanish community in Iloilo. Founded as a venue for camaraderie and cultural continuity, it became a prominent institution reflecting the prestige and close-knit identity of the city's Spanish residents. It played a key role in shaping the city's commercial and social networks.
According to Philippines News Agency, the building was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and later served as a recreation center for United States soldiers after the liberation. Casa de Espa±a was purchased by the late philanthropist Antonio Chan, the father of businesswoman Teresa "Nene" Chan and singer-composer Jose Mari Chan. The building underwent renovation in 2023 as a tribute to their parents and was developed as an event center. Teresa Chan expressed the family's desire to contribute to putting Iloilo on the world map. She remarked that when the next generation opens the time capsule in 2126, they would gain insights into how people lived in this era.
The centennial time capsule included books by former senator Franklin Drilon, contributions from the city and provincial government of Iloilo, a letter from Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray, an image of Mama Mary from Jaro Archbishop Midiphyl Billones, and artworks from Antonietta Chan. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., in a message delivered by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, highlighted that Casa de Espa±a has stood as a symbol of enduring ties between Spain and the Philippines. He noted the discovery of a time capsule from 1926 during the restoration process, emphasizing the timeless connection it represents.
Defensor added that by burying the new time capsule, they are sending messages to those who will gather in the same place 100 years from now, hoping that the cherished values of friendship, respect, community, and peace will endure. Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as stated that the centennial milestone is a reminder that heritage is not only about structures but also about memories, laughter, friendships, and traditions that shape the identity of Ilonggos. She expressed her appreciation for the meaningful revival of the institution by the Chan family and her personal connection to the Casa de Espa±a Centennial Time Capsule Ceremony.
The centennial time capsule was placed at the pedestal of the statue of The Historian, a lady of Ilonggo and Spanish heritage, holding an image of Sto. Ni±o.
