Loay, located in Bohol, is one of the most progressive towns in the province, blessed with both natural and historical riches. Its attractions never fail to disappoint and definitely is one of the stops any adventurer should make if they make a trip. Clarin Ancestral House is one of the town’s proudest attractions, a landmark bridging the past to the present.

Clarin Ancestral House Heritage

The Clarin Ancestral House was the residence of Don Aniceto Velez (former governor of Bohol), and his son, Jose Butalid Clarin (former president of the Senate). The house has a traditional architectural design that was built in 1840. Now, this typical Boholano house has been declared by the National Historical Institute as a heritage site. The descendants of the Clarin family are now the ones who own and maintain the ancestral house.

Visitors can view the collections of the Clarin family displayed inside the house. Most of the exhibits are numerous artifacts dating back to the American era. There are antique jars, lamps, and rocking chairs; a huge pot filled with American era centavo coins; kitchenware and furniture.

The living quarters are located on an elevated floor made of huge wooden planks. The house's roof is made of nipa. The windows around the house can be opened, thus allowing sea wind to circulate and ventilate the house. The bedrooms have old and richly carved wooden beds and a collection of old Filipina dresses and barongs.

There is a sword of a swordfish nailed on a wall. The house also houses a small library where one can find books containing histories of the Philippines, legal works, a very large dictionary of the English language, and a copy of Hitler's Mein Kampf.

How to get there

From Manila, the trip to Tagbilaran takes about an hour or so by plane. By sea it takes a little over a day.

Buses, jeepneys, and multicabs ply the interior route to and from Tagbilaran City. Vans and taxis are also available for travel outside Tagbilaran City. From the city, you can use public transport to get you to the town of Loay.

Near accommodations in Tagbilaran:

•    The Peacock Garden - Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines 6301
•    Amorita Resort - Easter A. Lim Drive, Brgy. Tawala, Barangay Tawala - Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines 6340
•    Panglao Blue Water Beach Resort - Panglao Island, Danao Beach - Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
•    Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa - Bas Dako, Candabong, Anda, Bohol, Philippines 6311
•    Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa - Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bolod Beach - Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines