Filming location of the Philippine historical film Jose Rizal (1997)
Filming location of the Philippine modern TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra
Villa Angela Heritage House is a well-preserved 19th-century bahay na bato nestled in the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Built in 1873 by former municipal governor Agapito Florendo y Bonifacio, this ancestral home offers guests an immersive experience of Spanish-Filipino colonial living with its antique furnishings, capiz windows, and hardwood floors. Today, it serves as a charming historic stay, an intimate wedding venue, and a cultural destination in this UNESCO-listed historic city. Visitors can enjoy traditional Ilocano meals, go on heritage tours, and experience cultural activities like trying out traditional Filipino attire. With its warm hospitality and timeless ambiance, Villa Angela invites guests to live history, not just observe it.
5 Liberation Blvd, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2700
Villa Angela Heritage House is one of Vigan’s most iconic bahay na bato, built during the Spanish colonial era. It was built in 1873 by Gobernadorcillo Agapito Florendo y Bonifacio, a municipal governor, and his wife Doña María Villanueva. The home was passed to their eldest daughter, Joaquina Villanueva Florendo, who then passed it on to her niece, Angela Florendo Villanueva, for whom the house is named.
In 1986, Angela's son, Candelario Villanueva-Verzosa, and his wife, Purificacion Lahoz-Verzosa, began a restoration project to preserve both its structure and the ancestral artifacts. Villa Angela Heritage House was formally opened on December 24, 1988 to commemorate the couple's golden wedding anniversary. It was also one of the first registered ancestral houses in Vigan that was restored and played a role in the declaration of Vigan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Because of its distinct and well-preserved architecture, the heritage hotel has graced TV and film screens numerous times. The home’s stately interiors have appeared in several notable Filipino productions, including Jose Rizal (1997), Noli Me Tangere, and the modern TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra.
Villa Angela Heritage House is a classic example of 19th-century colonial Philippine homes, particularly the bahay na bato style, which combines native Filipino elements with Spanish colonial influences. While the upper floor was maintained to reflect the affluence of its original owners, the lower floor which was once the storage area, was transformed into dormitory-style rooms that accommodate larger groups.
Inside, Villa Angela radiates an atmosphere of old-world grandeur. The house features hardwood floors, massive narra beams, antique furniture, and pieces like butaka (traditional rocking chair), victrola (old phonograph), and an old harp. Capiz-shell windows diffuse sunlight into the rooms while ensuring privacy and ventilation, especially during the hot Philippine summers. Aside from the large sala (living room), the comedor (dining room) with a long table has also been retained.
At Villa Angela Heritage House, each room is carefully preserved to make guests feel as if they've traveled back in time. All rooms have four-poster beds, air conditioning, en-suite toilets and baths, heated showers, and a mosquito net to add to their vintage charm.
As a remembrance of his stay in Villa Angela, Tom Cruise has a photo with the owner of the house displayed in one of the main rooms in the house.
Villa Angela does not operate a full-scale restaurant, but it offers in-house meals upon request. Breakfast is usually included with accommodation and features traditional Ilocano and Filipino fare like Vigan longganisa (native garlic sausage), garlic fried rice and eggs, seasonal fruit, and coffee or hot chocolate. Meals can be enjoyed at the spacious dining area or at the outdoor garden upon request.
Vigan is a city with a rich culinary heritage. Aside from dining at the hotel, you can also ask the staff for personal recommendation on the best and must-try local restaurants and dining establishments.
Tom Cruise - American actor and film producer who stayed at the property during the filming of the action movie Born on the Fourth of July
For couples looking to tie the knot in a setting rich with history, romance, and old-world charm, Villa Angela Heritage House offers an unforgettable backdrop. Aside from its garden with large trees, the wooden staircases, arched windows, classic furniture, and ambient lighting provide a dramatic setting that's perfect for pre-wedding photoshoots. Guests can have their wedding at nearby churches like Vigan Cathedral and have the intimate reception at the hotel.
Villa Angela Heritage House also accommodates small to mid-sized weddings, private receptions, or celebrations in its courtyard or front garden area, depending on the weather. Make sure to coordinate with the hotel staff for event styling, catering, and floral arrangements for a memorable wedding day. You can also ask them for third-party supplier recommendations and request assistance in customizing packages.
As a living museum, Villa Angela Heritage House offers a rich setting for immersive cultural experiences that reflect the history, artistry, and traditions of Vigan. Within the hotel itself, guests can find a treasure trove of antique furniture, family heirlooms, vintage photographs, and religious artifacts, offering guests a personal and human connection to history.
Moreover, guests can immerse themselves by renting traditional Filipino attire and pose for photos on the grand staircase, balcony, and other areas of the house. The staff also offers guided tours that walk visitors through historic sites like Calle Crisologo and Vigan Cathedral, giving them a deeper appreciation of this UNESCO-listed historic city.
Embodying the spirit of Filipino hospitality, guests can ask for personalized recommendations for their itineraries, and the staff will also be glad to arrange reservations.
You too can have a fun experience reliving the past at Villa Angela Heritage House! Thank you, Diane and Albet Roble...
Posted by Villa Angela Heritage House on Thursday, November 7, 2024
Villa Angela Heritage House is open to hosting small celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. You can also coordinate with the hotel staff should you wish to have a cake or flowers delivered for a meaningful celebration. Depending on the availability, you can also arrange for a private dinner at the dining area or at the outdoor garden.
Iconic cobblestone-laden street with rows of Spanish-era houses, local souvenir shops, and restaurants. (5-minute walk)
Ancestral house turned museum dedicated to Floro Crisologo, a prominent politician from the area (5-minute walk)
19th-century mansion built in 1830, and is now a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits about Philippine President Elpidio Quirino (3-minute walk)
Laoag International Airport (LAO) is the nearest airport to the hotel and is a 120-minute drive away.
Partas Bus Terminal Vigan City is the nearest transport terminal to Villa Angela Heritage House, only a 12-minute walk.