Balay ni Tana Dicang

Bahay na Bato (House of Stone) or commonly known as Balay ni Tana Dicang was
constructed in 1872 and was finished in 1883, roughly 11 years of construction took place
including the years of soaking the wooden materials in salt water to ensure stability and strength
in building the mansion. It stands on a 4,800 square meter property along Rizal Street in Talisay
City and was influenced by the quintessential style of Spanish-Filipino architecture. The mansion
itself measured 800 square meters.

It was built for Don Efigenio 'Iniong' Lizares who was then the Kapitan del Barrio, equivalent
to a City Mayor, and his wife Doña Enrica 'Dicang' Alunan Lizares. When Don Efigenio Lizares
died in 1902, Doña Enrica Alunan Lizares took over his position, giving her the title "Kapitana".
She was called 'Tana Dicang' as her nickname. She also took over the responsibility as a single
parent, taking care of their 17 children. Tana Dicang was known to be an entrepreneur, taking
care of the operation of sugar production of the family and having a store in the ground floor of
their house to sell basic necessities. She was also a tailor who was well known for sewing
"Terno" which was a widely popular style of dress during that time. She also donated the
Efigenio Lizares Memorial School in commemoration to her husband. It was blessed in 1938.

The 2 storey mansion was made from various stones and wood such as narra, molave and
balayong. The mansion consists of a total of 18 rooms. The first floor was once a stockroom of
supplies and for their Carosa (Carriage) but was converted into a reception area for the guests,
also consisting of an art gallery for the local artist. The stairs are also made of wood in intricate
designs and carvings. The windows panes are made from translucent capiz shells. On the second
floor, the dining halls lightened by crystal chandeliers are used in special occassions such as
parties and dinner, separate bedrooms for boys and girls, a suite, a terrace, and Tana Dicang's
office were located. Secret rooms which lead to hidden passageways were also built. Almost
90% of the Lizares furnitures and belongings which are considered to be antiques are displayed
in the second floor of the mansion. Furnitures includes a vast array of old kitchenwares and
utensils, chairs and tables of different sizes, shapes and material, an organ and a grand piano,
paintings, and antique mirrors and wardrobes. The way the furnitures are positioned inside the
house are influenced by Feng Shui which Tana Dicang was so fond of.

During the World War 2, in her best efforts to save the mansion from the bombardment and
possible destruction of the Japanese, Tana Dicang accepted the Japanese soldiers to take refuge
inside the mansion. Up to this day, the mansion was properly taken care of with occasional fixes
and little renovations. Before, no outsiders or uninvited person can enter the premises of the
mansion, but last 2008, it became open for the public and was hailed as a lifestyle museum.

Many relevant and important people in the history are known to had visited the place. In
1938 during the proclamation of Bacolod as an official city, Tana Dicang invited President
Manuel L. Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña to have some coffee. In 2012, Harry K.
Thomas Jr., the U.S ambassador had lunch in the place and gave a seal of the United States of
America. Other famous people including Beauty Gonzalez and Cristalle Belo also graced the
corridors of the mansion.

In great efforts to preserve the past, the descendants of Don Efigenio Lizares and Doña
Enrica Alunan Lizares had contributed so much in showcasing what's inside the family mansion.
All the profits of one of the hacienda's of Doña Enrica was directed only for the preservation of
the family mansion as stated on her last will and testament. This historical place reflects the
glorious past of the Lizares family and the culture of what was once the old Talisay City in
which the younger generation can see the glimpse of the rich traditions and history which was
thankfully well taken care of as time goes by.