This story is another Silay family secret. Sometime in the 50's an affluent family in Silay put a "maldicion" or curse on one of their daughters for marrying a man they did not approved of. It is said that the father placed a big handwritten notice in front of their house stating the name of the daughter and that she is "cursed and will never be allowed to come back and step inside the house for as long as she lives". This happened so long ago but the story never really died. It would come up in conversations but somehow as the years past, people forgot which of the old houses in Silay put up this "maldicion". Of course, the elders who saw it for themselves still remember the story vividly. In fact my mother was one of those who saw and asked about it when she first came to Silay, but was left wondering till today because nobody really told her anything except to say that a father was displeased with the marriage of his daughter. I myself don't remember this story and became curious after some people mentioned it. After a little sleuthing, I found out the names of the maligned daughter and what happened to her. She settled in Manila and from what I heard led a comfortable and happy life. Indeed the daughter never came back to Silay although she and her family would occasionally visit Bacolod where her husband has relatives. I don't know if she ever reconciled with her parents. My version only tells the simple facts. I really do not know the complete story and if ever there was anyone who does, it would be the relatives of the family and present owners of the house. However, they are very private persons and would not be the type to talk about family secrets. The people of the stories are long gone and the house itself has long been empty and recently, it was sold to a Chinese businessman who bought it for it's hardwood. The owners of the house did not sign the MOA with the NHI and NCCA and therefore is not listed among the protected heritage homes of the city. The last family who lived there (pro bono according to stories) were known tikoy makers until the mother died and they too left the place. Although I used to pass by this house everyday going to work, I never really paid much attention to it. Now that it is almost gone, I suddenly had this urge to immortalize it, even if only on paper.
photo above courtesy of Maricar Dabao |
photo taken last week |
Update: As of this morning, the second floor has been taken down.
Addendum:
Someone informed me that the signage had the word "Kamatayan" written before the maldicion...that's scary!
According to a reliable source, the daughter is still alive, albeit elderly and yes, she was eventually forgiven but only after the husband died.
Someone informed me that the signage had the word "Kamatayan" written before the maldicion...that's scary!
According to a reliable source, the daughter is still alive, albeit elderly and yes, she was eventually forgiven but only after the husband died.