via Philippine Inquirer, 27 June 2021: A 200-year-old colonial building in Pangasinan province is finally restored. It was once the seat of power for the Spaniards, and in more recent times had its roof blown away from a cyclone.
As soon as the massive door of Casa Real (Royal House) is opened, one is transported to the era when Spaniards ruled the country and government buildings had spacious halls, when intricately designed high ceilings were accented with elaborate chandeliers, and floors were covered with handmade Machuca tiles.
Like most Spanish edifices, Casa Real is built with bricks and stones with ornate ceilings and staircases made of piedra china (granite stone) with wooden balustrades. From the outside, Casa Real with its wide veranda, is as imposing and as stately when it was constructed 200 years ago.
