The Story of Casa Minerva

​I was once asked by a blogger guest what the story of my house is.  I sent her a 3-part text message. Yes, it was rather lengthy and upon reading it again, I thought it felt sad.  So I asked her to edit it so it wouldn't depress her readers.  But it later occurred to me that there might be some people who can relate to my story, especially those who suffered the loss of a parent.  Hence, I now share with you the unedited version of the story of Casa Minerva.  I hope that this will make you appreciate my house better.

The house was built by my Dad in 1999 as a vacation home for my family.  Daddy was a Civil Engineer and I was his only child.  Back then, we would go up to Tagaytay every other week or so to spend the night at the house and enjoy the cold climate and serenity of the place.  It was an escape from the busy lives we had in the city.

Old photos of Casa Minerva when it was still a vacation house for my family.

My Dad got sick with ampullary cancer in 2006 and the house has not been used for a long time since then.  Except when I got married (in Tagaytay Highlands) in 2007 and my husband's folks from Ilocos stayed there for a couple of nights.  After that, I don't recall the house being used for any "happy" occasion.
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My wedding at Madre de Dios Chapel in Tagaytay Highlands.

My Dad passed away in 2008, a few months before I gave birth to his first grandchild.  The house was almost totally neglected after that.

In 2013, Mom was about to sell the house but I couldn't let her.  How could I?  It was a gift from my Dad - the very first property of my parents which was placed in my name.

I went to see the house again 6 years after I have been there last and found it to be in such a sorry state.  My husband and I decided to restore it and we eventually also added a swimming pool.  We thought of having it rented out to bakasyonistas so that they too can enjoy the place, and we named it "Casa Minerva."

The house after being neglected for 6 years.

The newly restored and renovated Casa Minerva.

If my Dad is still alive today, I know he will be very happy seeing his house filled with guests and his grandchildren (now two) enjoying the pool.  I guess you can say that Casa Minerva is not just a house but a structure built out of love by a father to his only daughter, and what it has become today is a daughter's way to honor the memory of her loving father.

My kids enjoying the pool at Casa Minerva.