By: James Sebastian Bendijo
Some used old houses for the
primary objective of business. But Joe Clemente isn’t that type of person. His
love for art led him to the idea of establishing Ciudad Clemente.
75 years ago when the original
house was built at Paombong, Bulacan, Clemente made an effort to collect old artifacts to be
displayed inside, with the house itself displaying its architectural prowess,
he proudly boasted that people call this the visual arts museum of Bulacan.
“Kung mga architects ang
pumupunta dito, nakikita nila na hindi ito nagagawa ng overnight, kumbaga
talagang it’s planned, pati yung gathering of materials,” said Clemente.
He also made sure that he
collects arts from multi-awarded artists of Bulacan to complement the beauty of
the old house. This place is so beautiful that many people want to buy it as
stated by him, but he refused.
“Hindi ako for-sale, I wanted to
document it on a book before mag goodbye ako sa world,” he explained.
He stated that the brother-in-law
of Paquito Ochoa who owns old houses in Bagac wanted to buy Ciudad Clemente but
he denied the offer because he still wants to develop the house.
“I want this to be a repository
of arts and culture,” stated Clemente. It is something na as a Bulakenyo, you
should be very proud of,” he added.
His love for art is unparalleled
that according to him, he traded his Starex in exchange for set of artifacts.
He continues to collect old artifacts because he loves to do so. “That’s my
love for art,” stated Clemente.
According to him, it’s also
important for young students to witness art from the past, because modern is
something they usually see. Although right now, the resort is not open for
public, he promised that he will open it for the future.
I appreciate the stand of Mr. Clemente in preserving this kind of Architecture. I'm sure, it was designed duing the Spanish era. This kind of architecture is seldom seen in the Metropolitan Areas due to the rapid development in the cities and other Urban areas where inherited establishments/mansions with these kind of architectures were being sold for business location purposes. Some where ruined by the passing of time because of lack of resources to preserve its originality and structures.
TumugonBurahinYou are very lucky to have seen this kind of antique structures in spite of your very young age.
MABUHAY KA, I AM PROUD OF YOU...