The architecture of the Philippines is a reflection of the country's historical and cultural heritage. Most prominent historic structures in the archipelago are based on a mix of indigenous Austronesian, Chinese, American, and Spanish influences
Etymology: The Filipino term báhaykúbo roughly means "country house", from Tagalog. The term báhay ("house") is derived from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian * balay , "public building" or "community house" while the term kúbo ("hut" or "[one-room] country hut") is from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian * kubu , "field hut [in rice fields]".
History: Classical period (Pre-colonial Era) Nipa huts were the native houses of the indigenous people of the Philippines before the Span iards arrived. They were designed to endure the climate and environment of the Philippines.These structures were temporary, made from plant materials like bamboo.
The advent of the Spanish Colonial era introduced the idea of building more permanent communities with the church and government center as a focal points. Colonial Era Some of these materials included bricks, mortar, tiles and stone.Finding European construction styles impractical in local conditions, Spanish and Filipino builders quickly adapted the characteristics of the bahaykubo and applied it to Antillean houses locally known as bahaynabato ("stone house") or bahayluma ("old house" or "traditional house").
Ancestral Houses of t he Philippines or Heritage Houses
Ancestral houses of the Philippines /Heritage Houses -are homes owned and preserved by the same family for several generations as part of the Filipino family culture.It corresponds to long tradition by Filipino people of venerating Ancestors and Elders. These houses that are deemed of significant importance to the Filipino culture are declared Heritage House by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP),
In 2009, the Congress of the Philippines passed the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or Republic Act. No. 10066 to further the protection the cultural treasures of the country which include houses under Built heritage .
Bahay na bato Bahaynabato or bahaynaluma is a noble version of bahaykubo with Spanish and some Chinese influence. Its design evolved throughout the ages but maintained its nipa hut architectural roots. Its most common appearance is like that of stilt nipa hut that stands on Spanish style stone blocks or bricks as a foundation instead of wood or bamboo stilts.
Earthquake Baroque is a style of Baroque architecture found in the Philippines, which suffered destructive earthquakes during the 17th century and 18th century, where large public buildings, such as churches, were rebuilt in a Baroque style during the Spanish Colonial period in the country .
EXAMPLES OF BAROQUE CHURCHES San Agustin Church 1586 Paoay Church 1694 Binondo Church 1596 Miagao Church 1731 Kawit Church 1624 San Agustin Church 1586 Paoay Church 1694 Binondo Church 1596 Miagao Church 1731 Kawit Church 1624
PLACES WITH ANCESTRAL HOUSES Vigan officially the City of Vigan , is a 4th class component city and capital of the province of Ilocos Sur , Philippines . According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 53,879 people. Located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon , facing the South China Sea , it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Aguinaldo Shrine The Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine is a national shrine located in Kawit , Cavite in the Philippines , where the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898.To commemorate the event, now known as ArawngKalayaan or Independence Day , a national holiday, the Philippine flag is raised here by top government officials on June 12 each year. The house is now a museum.
Loboc Church The San Pedro Apostol Parish Church commonly known as Loboc Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Loboc , Bohol, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran
Paoay Church The Saint Augustine Church commonly known as the Paoay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the Municipality of Paoay , Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building .
Saint John the Baptist Parish Church ( Liliw ) St. John the Baptist Parish Church also known as Liliw Church or Lilio Church, is one of the Roman Catholic churches in Liliw , Laguna, Philippines. Its feast is celebrated every August 29 known as the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. The church is known for its red bricked façade and baroque style architecture.