Historically important relics of the Tantoco-Reyes Mansion are among the most prized possessions going on the block at the 34th Leon Exchange Online Auction on Jan. 25, 2025, Saturday, at 11 a.m.
The Tantoco-Reyes mansion in the Malolos Historic Town Center was built and owned by the couple Lino Santos Reyes and Maria Tiongson Tantoco, both descended from two of Malolos’ most powerful clans.
A 19th century arch, narra, 137” x 156” x 11” (348 cm x 396 cm x 28 cm)
Maria Tiongson was part of the historic “Women of Malolos,” a group of illustrious women who defended their right and eagerness to learn the Spanish language despite opposition from the town friar. On Dec. 12, 1888, these women petitioned Gov.-Gen. Valeriano Weyler, who then approved of the opening of the school under the conditions that the classes be held during the day, and that the women shoulder the funds needed for the school’s operations. Rizal famously lauded and immortalized the efforts of the women in his famous letter, “To the Young Women of Malolos.”
Thirteen ‘kantoneras,’ hardwood, 37” x 37” x 2” (93 cm x 93 cm x 5 cm) each
Four years after she affixed her signature on the petition, Maria married, in 1892, a cabeza de barangay of Malolos, Lino Santos Reyes, the brother of her fellow “Woman of Malolos” Leoncia Reyes.
The exact year Lino and Maria built the house was not certain. However, old photographs indicate that the house had already been standing since the late 19th century, coinciding with the couple’s marriage.
This historic house is not only a testament to the union of two affluent Malolos families—it was also a witness to the Philippines’ struggle for independence. The Tantoco-Reyes house was strategically located to the east of Malolos Church, which consequently served as Emilio Aguinaldo’s presidential headquarter. It also served as the office of Apolinario Mabini during his term as Secretaria del Exterior (now known as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs) and as Aguinaldo’s chief adviser. It was a center of intellectual and patriotic conversations, with the official website of the Malolos local government unit stating that, according to old stories, “Mabini and Aguinaldo were often heard arguing in this house.”
Nine wall panels, narra
1. 29” x 57 1/2” x 1 1/2” (74 cm x 146 cm x 4 cm)
2. 29” x 57 1/2” x 1 1/2” (74 cm x 146 cm x 4 cm)
3. 29” x 57 1/2” x 1 1/2” (74 cm x 146 cm x 4 cm)
4. 29” x 51” x 1 3/4” (74 cm x 130 cm x 4 cm)
5. 29” x 57 1/2” x 1 3/4” (74 cm x 146 cm x 4 cm)
6. 29” x 57 1/2” x 1 3/4” (74 cm x 146 cm x 4 cm)
7. 29 1/2” x 57” x 2” (75 cm x 145 cm x 5 cm)
8. 29” x 40” x x 2” (74 cm x 102 cm x 5 cm)
The Tantoco-Reyes house has unfortunately faced adversities through the years. It suffered extensive damages in 1899 after Aguinaldo ordered the burning of Malolos Church as part of his scorched earth policy against the American forces. The flames quickly engulfed the nearby structures, including the famed house.
Though reconstruction immediately followed, the house did not survive the blows of modernization. It has now been demolished. However, pieces of the historic house have survived and found their way to Leon Gallery.
A 19th century door assembly, narra 126” x 146” x 5 1/2”, (320 cm x 371 cm x 14 cm)
Two 19th century door assembly, narra, 144” x 77” x 7”, (366 cm x 196 cm x 18 cm) each
Members of the prominent family and important historical figures led by Mabini and Aguinaldo passed through its portals, onto the hallowed halls of the heritage mansion. Four-panel folding doors partitioned the expansive sala and the cuarto principal (master’s bedroom) of Lino and Maria. The other two pairs of doors flanking the staircase served as entrances, one to the master’s bedroom and the other to the couple’s children’s room. Guests walked under the welcoming arch in the hallway to the sala.
The Leon Exchange 34th Online Auction will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Preview exhibit runs from January 18 to January 24, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Warehouse 14, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.
To browse the online catalog, visit https://leon-gallery.com/. For further inquiries, email info@leon-gallery.com or contact 8856 2781. Follow León Gallery on their social media pages for timely updates: Facebook: www.facebook.com/leongallerymakati and Instagram @leongallerymakati. Bidding begins at 11 am and is set online at www.leonexchange.com.
