PAINTED HISTORY WALK – 4 OF 6

Lola D. and Vicente San Nicolas House was once a beautiful Spanish-style house built by Francisco P. Cruz after World War II.  It was originally built as a soda fountain and ice cream shop on the ground floor with family living quarters above.  After the Cruz family moved out, the ground floor served as a dental clinic called “Hospit Haya.”  In the 1960s it was bought and occupied by Lola Diego San Nicolas and Vicente San Nicolas.  Lola was the daughter of Joaquin S.N. Diego, Inalahan’s long-time commissioner (mayor) from the 1950s through mid 1980s.  Lola operated the village post office for several years, assisted by her husband and daughters.   The house fell into disrepair after the family moved away, and further deteriorated with each typhoon.   

"Balentino" serenading his sweetheart at her window

The painting above the curved balustrade and staircase is a whimsical depiction of the local song about Balentino serenading his sweetheart at her window – a typical courtship practice from the Spanish influences of the pre-World War II era.

House Front - showing Clinic doorway, Post Office window and boxes

The paintings on the front doorway of the building show activities from the time it served as a clinic.  The next scene depicts the post office window with Lola and her husband; and the center of the building shows the postal boxes and activities of those who gathered there.  I fondly remember Tan Dona’ who lived across the street, who always dressed in the customary Mestisa dress.  The girl “sniffing” her hand is giving the traditional sign of respect, called “ma-nginge’” which means to “smell” or take in the essence of the respected elder.

Dressing for morning Mass

The two right front windows depict typical daily activities that took place early to mid-1900s – women and girls dressing up for church, and men and boys preparing to go fishing and farming.

Preparing for farming and fishing