Lizares Mansion (Angelicum School Iloilo) | Iloilo City

The Lizares Mansion, officially known as the Angelicum School Iloilo, is a landmark heritage house in the Jaro district of Iloilo City. Built in 1937, it is one of the most prominent examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the Philippines.

Visual Characteristics

The mansion is a three-story structure characterized by its grand white facade, monumental columns, and intricate stone carvings. It features a sweeping horseshoe-shaped staircase at the entrance and extensive balconies. The interior is known for its high-grade hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and spacious social halls. During the Christmas season, the mansion is famous for its "Festival of Lights," where the entire facade is covered in thousands of LED bulbs.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: McArthur Highway, Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Access: Located along the main highway leading north out of the city.

Transport: Reachable via "Jaro CPU" or "Leganes" bound jeepneys. Taxis and tricycles are widely available.

Operating Hours: As it is a functional school, interior access is restricted. The grounds are typically accessible to the public during the Christmas lighting event (usually 18:00–21:00).

Fees: Entry to the grounds during the Christmas event may require a nominal maintenance fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The mansion was built by Don Emiliano Lizares for his wife, Conchita Gamboa, and their family. During World War II, the family fled, and the mansion was seized by the Japanese Imperial Army to serve as a headquarters and reportedly a place of interrogation. After the war, the Lizares family reclaimed it, but eventually sold the property to the Dominican Order in 1962. It was subsequently converted into the Angelicum School.

Key Highlights & Activities

Architectural Observation: Viewing the exterior Beaux-Arts details, which are unique for their scale in the Visayas region.

Christmas Festival of Lights: A major local tradition where the mansion becomes the center of holiday tourism in Iloilo.

Religious Landmarks: The property includes a chapel maintained by the Dominican fathers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: The compound includes school buildings, a gymnasium, a chapel, and open lawns.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are very strong.

Safety: The premises are gated and secured by school personnel.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time is during December for the evening light display. For architectural viewing, morning light provides the best clarity for the white concrete details.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that the mansion was designed to have its own power plant and water system during its construction in the 1930s. Locally, the mansion is subject to "urban legends" regarding its use during the Japanese occupation, with stories of hidden tunnels and hauntings common among students and residents.

Nearby Landmarks

Central Philippine University (CPU) – 0.5km South

Jaro Plaza – 1.5km South

Nelly Garden – 2.0km South

Jaro Cathedral – 1.6km South