5 Interesting Facts About The Bahay Kubo, A Filipino Traditional Home

Aug 26, 2021

Cover One of the many windmills in the Pililla windfarm towering over a bahay kubo, the traditional Filipino house, at night. | Photo: Getty Images

One of the many windmills in the Pililla windfarm towering over a bahay kubo, the traditional Filipino house, at night. | Photo: Getty Images

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The Bahay Kubo is a traditional Filipino home that symbolises the nation's resourcefulness; get to know more about it here

The Bahay Kubo is a house built using local materials such as wood, bamboo and nipa grass. The architectural principles of the Bahay Kubo stemmed from the basic needs of the Filipinos. Its walls are fabricated with bamboo or kawayan, banded together by tree strings. These materials are light and are very useful in places with tropical weather. The house is usually raised two metres from the ground to avoid flooded grounds and animals like snakes. Through the years, these quaint homes have evolved and inspired many of the country's modern architectural structures as well.

In this article, Tatler explores the astonishing origins of our very own Bahay Kubo.

1. Bahay Kubo As A Catalyst For Filipino Bayanihan

Above Photo: Fran Kayran on Flickr

Photo: Fran Kayran on Flickr

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Pre-colonial bahay kubos were never cemented on the ground. Because of this, many Filipinos are able to move from one place to another depending on their choice or needs.

Bayanihan (pronounced as buy-uh-nee-han), is a Filipino tradition that refers to the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation of the community to achieve a specific goal. Its concept can be traced back to the Filipino tradition where the townsfolk (especially men) lend a hand to carry the entire house of a family who wants to move into a new area.

2. It has two (major) variations: pre-colonial and colonial Bahay Kubo

Above The colonial Bahay Kubo is more sturdy as Spaniards introduced the use of stones, bricks, tiles, and mortar. ┃Photo: Brian Evans

The colonial Bahay Kubo is more sturdy as Spaniards introduced the use of stones, bricks, tiles, and mortar. ┃Photo: Brian Evans

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The construction of the bahay kubo depends on the era they come from. They are usually categorised into two: the pre-colonial bahay kubo which features simple interiors made of native materials like nipa, bamboo and coconut leaves. And when the Spaniards came to the Philippines, they infused materials like stones, bricks, tiles, and mortar into what is often called the colonial bahay kubo.

3. The term "Bahay Kubo" means "Country House"

Above Photo: Smutsboy on Flickr

Photo: Smutsboy on Flickr

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In English, the term bahay kubo roughly means "country house". It was derived from the terms báhay ("house") and kúbo ("hut" or "one-room country hut"). The term báhay is from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian balay; while the term kubo is from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian kubu (field hut in rice fields).

4. It (usually) features a three-layered structure

Above A Bahay Kubo with three layers ┃Photo: Jenny Salvador on Flickr

A Bahay Kubo with three layers ┃Photo: Jenny Salvador on Flickr

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There are three areas in the bahay kubo: bubong (roof), silid (living space), and the silong (space underneath). The traditional roof of the bahay kubo is made of long sleeves stacked together to form sharp edges.

The living space, on the other hand, is designed to let in as much fresh air and natural light as possible.

Meanwhile, the space underneath is a preventive measure against natural calamities like floods and mud. It is also an area where homeowners can store food, objects, and even farm animals.

5. It has been an architectural inspiration to many

In the 1970's, Gen. Marcos and his wife commissioned a palace built entirely out of coconut and local materials. They invited the Pope to come stay and dedicate it, but he felt the abode was too ornate and stayed instead with the Archbishop. The Marcos' then invited Brooke Shields, who gladly accepted their invitation. ┃Photo: Paulshaffner on Flickr

Photo 1 of 2 The Coconut Palace in the Philippines was inspired by native Bahay Kubos. ┃Photo: Shirley Sekarajasingham on Flickr

Photo 2 of 2 In the 1970's, Gen. Marcos and his wife commissioned a palace built entirely out of coconut and local materials. They invited the Pope to come stay and dedicate it, but he felt the abode was too ornate and stayed instead with the Archbishop. The Marcos' then invited Brooke Shields, who gladly accepted their invitation. ┃Photo: Paulshaffner on Flickr

The Coconut Palace in the Philippines was inspired by native Bahay Kubos. ┃Photo: Shirley Sekarajasingham on Flickr

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The bahay kubo has inspired many architects like Francisco Mañosa, the man behind the designs of the Coconut Palace. According to Mañosa, the traditional Filipino houses are designed to ward off the heat from the harsh summer, something he wanted to incorporate with his work.

Topics

Culture Bahay Kubo

Jove Moya

Senior Feature Writer, Tatler Philippines

Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.

When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.