In the 18th and 19th centuries, when Marinduque was governed by the province of Mindoro, all eyes turned to the elegant Casa Real in Boac. Each year, the Gobernadorcillo and the Gobernador stayed in this historic residence, transforming the town into a lively spectacle of tradition and anticipation. From Santol to Casa Real, people lined the streets to welcome the officials, as uniformed cuadrilleros rode ahead waving sinamay flags and a brass band filled the air with festive paso doble.
Crafted with the finest local materials, the two-story Casa Real showcased hardwood floors, sturdy sillar adobe stones on the ground level, and classic tisa roof tiles produced by the Jesuits’ magapog enterprise in Mogpog. It stood not just as a seat of authority but as a proud symbol of Marinduqueño artistry and community life.
Today’s Casa Real, rebuilt seven years ago under the leadership of Mayor Roberto J. Madla, rises on the historic grounds once known as Liwasan ng Kalayaan. Though a modern reconstruction, it remains anchored in memory—marked by an old plaque that recalls the tragic 1897 execution of revolutionary leaders Hermenegildo Flores and Remigio Medina on this very site.
Standing quietly at the heart of Boac, Casa Real continues to guard the stories of a town shaped by tradition, resilience, and history that refuses to fade.
Special Thanks
Marinduque Tourism and Cultural Office (Photo: 12 Sep 2022)
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