GRACIOUS HOST

The entresuelo leads to the antesala, also known as caida which means “to fall”, referring to the stair landing that connects the two levels. Here in the antesala, visitors are entertained. It is also where the masters of the house take their merienda (afternoon snacks).

Sala mayor is the most important part of the house for it is opened to guests on special occasions only. Its contents—furniture, figurines, artworks— are used to show off one’s status in society. It becomes a grand hall where tertulia (late afternoon parties) and baile (ball) are held. Here, prominent guests of the masters of the house discuss the latest in politics, business and fashion, while the children lead the singing, dancing and playing of musical instruments.

Some of the aesthetic details of a traditional bahay na bato are used mainly for their function. The decorative wooden panels that adorn the walls of the antesala as well as other parts of the house circulate air between rooms. These are called

calado or carved wooden screen placed at the ceiling and hung one or two metres down. The exterior corridor by the windows is called

volada and is used by servants to pass through the rooms of the house, from the cocina (kitchen) to the

comedor (dining room) or from the antesala to the sala mayor, hidden from visitors.