Batanes: House of Dakay
Lola Ida reads her Reader’s Digest edition
Just over the town of Ivana, stands the oldest stone house in Batanes known as the House of Dakay. Built in lime and stone in 1887, it is the only 5 structures that survived the frightful earthquake in September 13, 1918 which literally leveled the the whole town of Ivana to the ground. Most of the structures like the shutters and floors still retains the original materials. Only the thatched cogon roof has been changed every thirty years since 1917. It is a small impressive structure which earned a UNESCO heritage building title.
House of Dakay, the oldest stone house in Batanes
The house was built by Luisa Estrella who left it to her favorite nephew Jose Dakay Estrella. Now the only living descendant there is Lola Florestida Estrella now 82 years of age. She’s a celebrity on her own right in Batanes as she may have been the most photographed personality there. She jovially welcomes visitors to her house and readily poses to cameras which she seemed to have been accustomed to do. She once narrated that growing up, she didn’t really stayed there in Batanes. They’re family stayed in Visayas for a time and later she went back home.
HLola Ida at the Door
When I last went here, I also ran an errand for my good friend Oggie who asked me to deliver a copy of an Issue of Reader’s Digest where she had a picture. He promised to give it to her if by any chance he comes back. Since I was going there earlier I volunteered to give it to her personally. When I showed Lola Ida the page where her picture was, I saw a delighted smile on her face. Despite being the most photographed person in Batanes, she sadly admitted that she rarely saw the photos that was taken of her even if it was published or not. It’s a saddening thought that some of her takes have even won awards, some photographers even get paid for their photos of her while she gets nothing.
Though Lola Ida never really expected anything in return from her hospitality and openness to have her picture taken, I wish people could also see her condition. She’s not rich and she’s getting old. In times she also needs medicine and food but money comes in short. Even the simple thing of bringing something as simple as a memorial of a reader’s digest issue can paint a smile on her face.
Tags: Batan, Batan Island, Batanes, People, Structues, UNESCO
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Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm 
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August 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Nice scenes… Hehe
I hope this semestral break ay makapunta ako dito..
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
hay, still on my wishlist talaga yang batanes…someday…ang mahal pa kasi ng airfare
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
wait for me batanes. we’ll meet soon.
the bricks they’re using in building their houses seems like a coral stone.
just like how other pre-colonial buildings were built.
August 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
i remember oggie’s post on her. Thanks for sharing something like this. Ill definitely look for her when i visit batanes. Combining travel and outreach is somethng we can aim.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Lola Florestida is now part of my must-know people in Batanes. I just realize now that when I travel, I should bring some items which I could give to locals who help me or who make my stay more enjoyable. Simple for me, but maybe the gesture means so much more to them.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Nice stone house. I like how simple it was built and wondering what does inside look like.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
wonderful story. is she living by herself there?
August 26th, 2008 at 10:57 am
thanks for bringing the reader’s digest issue to her wulfriend
just the thought of making her smile is enough to make me happy. i’m also happy that your readers would pay her a visit as well. while she doesn’t live alone in the house she can make do with basic provisions.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I’m still looking for that wonderful day…a day that will bring me in Batanes………..
August 26th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thanks Lionheart! Hoping that you could visit on your sem-break.
Medyo me kamahalan nga airfare Tutubi, but I think worth it din sya. Right now there are 2 competing airlines flying there on alternating days.
Lime and stone are similar to the pre-colonial churches JP. That may be the reason why this house stood the test of time.
True Dom, somehow the joys of travel can be complimented with some outreach to give something back to the places we have visited.
That’s true Barrycade! Mababaw lang naman kaligayahan ng ibang tao. I’m sure just the gesture of giving is big enough for them.
The inside is just basic square house Kyels. No divisions whatsoever. Most of the furnishings are on side walls.
Thanks Photocache. I think she lives with her grandchildren if I’m not mistaken.
Buddy Oggie, thanks as well for entrusting me with that issue for me to give her.
We’ll never know Eric, maybe one of these days we’ll find you flying to Basco.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
it’s impressive how this house is maintained. i love how you framed and captured her inside that house. pati mood and atmosphere noong lugar kuhang-kuha mo. her persona is so peaceful. ang galing mo talaga magtimpla ng camera setting even with the uneven spread of light.
October 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hi!
I’m going to Batanes on Oct. 6 - 10.
I’d like to give something to Lola Ida. Any suggestions on which medicine/food I should bring?
Thanks much.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
can Lola Ida speak Tagalog? i’m planning to give her medicines when i come to visit Batanes.