Masbate takes pride in its rich heritage by preserving its ancient but exquisite structures and their distinct architecture, like Villa Bayot, which continues to fascinate visitors from all over the country because of its splendid features and significance to our history.  

Villa Bayot is a house that was constructed in 1880. In its dining room, Spanish authorities enjoyed the best wines from Manila and Acapulco and the largest lobsters from Masbate Bay. During the Commonwealth period, President Manuel L. Quezon is said to have danced the tango in its halls and slept in its finest bedroom. The Japanese used it as their garrison. In 1944, the American liberators shelled and bombed the capital but the big house was spared. It came under guerrilla siege to dislodge the Japanese, but it remained unscathed.

In 1946, President Roxas visited Masbate and stayed in this house briefly to dance the waltz. His hosts were Don Francisco Bayot and his granddaughter, 1937 Miss Philippines Chita Zaldarriaga.

 

Location

Villa Bayot is located in Masbate City in the province of Masbate.

 

How to get there

By air

From Manila, there are daily direct flights to Masbate City, the provincial capital of Masbate.

By sea/land

From Manila you can ride a bus to Pilar, Sorsogon. Then from there you can take a FastCraft headed for Masbate.  

 

Accommodations

•    GV Hotel Masbate - Danao Street, Masbate City, Masbate, Masbate, Philippines
•    Sampaguita Tourist Inn - Quezon Street, Masbate City, Philippines