Savoring History: A Visit to Balai Ortiz in Sibonga

If you've been here before, you probably know how much I enjoy spontaneous trips. I guess I'm also lucky and blessed to have friends who match my energy and are always down for whatever crazy plans I come up with.

Honestly, it wasn’t even a crazy plan when we decided to take a spontaneous out-of-town trip on an early Sunday morning. It all went back to a promise I made four months ago. On the first of November, Erika and I visited the Birhen sa Simala to pray and ask for guidance—especially since I was job hunting at the time. Before leaving, I told myself that once I landed a job and had some extra money, I’d come back to give thanks. And as Erika said, we never expected that promise to be fulfilled in just three months.

So on February 2, we woke up early to catch a ride to Simala. We didn’t plan much—we just wanted to offer our sincerest thanks to the Blessed Mary for the blessings she had showered upon us. We arrived 15 minutes before the shrine opened, but the queue was already long. I knew the Blessed Mary had many visitors every day, but we weren’t expecting such a large crowd that day.

After attending the first mass, we planned to head back to the city as we had other plans in the afternoon. However, for some reason, Erika and I suddenly felt so hungry despite all the snacks we brought that we could no longer wait until we got back to the city. With so many people around, finding a quick bite to eat was a challenge.

On the spur of the moment, we decided to look for a restaurant or café nearby, away from the crowd. That’s when I remembered a TikTok post I saw before about a place that was both a museum and a café—something we both enjoy visiting. Without a hesitation, we agreed to visit Heritage Cafe, also known as Balai Ortiz to grab brunch.

Unfamiliar with the place, we decided to ask one of the tricycle drivers if they could take us to Heritage Café. Fortunately, the café is well known among the locals, and they immediately agreed to take us there. From Simala, we headed down to Sibonga by tricycle. If I’m not mistaken, they charged us 75 pesos each for the fare.

The café/museum is located at the center of the Municipality of Sibonga, specifically on Sibonga-Dumanjug Road. If you're coming from the city, it will be on the right side of the road, a little past the Our Lady of the Pillar Church. There is an alley on the right where you need to turn, and there stands the magnificent old house that exudes elegance.

The café/restaurant is located on the ground floor of the ancestral house. There weren’t many people when we arrived, so we had the whole place to ourselves. The staff was very accommodating and friendly, making us feel welcome right away.

Since Erika and I wanted to satisfy our hunger first, we decided to order their breakfast meals. I found their prices reasonable, especially since we were on a budget. This trip was completely spontaneous, so we hadn’t really planned our expenses. I got the corned beef silog, while Erika chose the longaniza silog. We also added some warm soup, as we needed it after starting our day early. Their mongos was so good that we ended up ordering extra rice—it was one of the best I’ve ever had!

While waiting for our food to be served, we had the option to tour the museum upstairs for free. So, we went upstairs to look around. As we walked through the rooms, we were captivated by the intricate details in every corner—the carefully preserved furniture, the vintage décor, and the timeless charm that spoke of its rich history.

Balai Ortiz is more than just an ancestral home; it is a living piece of Sibonga’s past. Built during the Spanish colonial period, its grand design and intricate craftsmanship reflect the elegance of a bygone era. Once home to the respected Ortiz family, the house stands as a reminder of the town’s rich heritage and the lives of those who came before us.

Unfortunately, Erika and I didn’t get the chance to talk much with the staff about the rich history of this heritage house since we were in a bit of a rush. Still, as we wandered through Balai Ortiz, we could feel its deep historical significance in every detail.

Exploring the museum upstairs felt like stepping into history. The antique furniture, heirlooms, and carefully preserved artifacts silently told vivid stories of the past. Though we wished we had learned more about its history firsthand, simply being there, walking its halls, admiring its beauty, and imagining the lives once lived within its walls made the experience truly special.

As someone who loves ancestral houses and large windows, I was drawn to its warm and inviting atmosphere. The smooth, well-preserved wooden floors, intricate details, and bright natural light created a nostalgic yet homey feel. One of my favorite spots was the grand staircase, with its sturdy concrete steps and elegant railings that seemed to hold stories of the past. The cozy balcony was just as enchanting, offering a gentle breeze and a scenic view of the neighborhood.

Our visit to Balai Ortiz was short but meaningful. The house's beauty and history gave us a deeper appreciation for heritage homes. What made it even more special was the warmth of the place and the delicious food at Heritage Café. Our mouths still water whenever we remember the meal we shared.

This visit made me even more excited to explore more heritage homes and places I’ve never been to. There’s something special about stepping into spaces filled with history, where every corner tells a story.

I look forward to discovering more hidden gems—whether it’s an ancestral home, an old town, or a historic landmark. More than just sightseeing, I hope each visit leaves me in awe, teaches me something new, and deepens my appreciation for both the past and present.