Balay Hamoy is the first DOT-accredited museum in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. It’s one of the must-visit tourist spots in Dapitan situated at 143 Mi Retiro Street, Dapitan City.
Famous for its scenic beaches and cultural and historical heritage, Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte is a hidden gem for those who want a memorable getaway. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque tourist destination, why not add Balay Hamoy to your itinerary? Balay Hamoy is a historical site that commemorates a deep friendship between Don Mariano Hamoy and the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
The origins of this cultural landmark can be traced all the way back to 1893, when Don Mariano and his wife Dona Pilar built this beautiful home. Jose Rizal was then deported to Dapitan, where the Spanish government thought he would become a political nonentity. But he quickly forged strong bonds with the community and became a positive force for change, befriending Don Mariano and even delivering his firstborn son, Pablo.
The house has remained in the ownership of the Hamoy family for well over a century, but it was only recently that steps were taken to restore it and connect Rizal’s footsteps in this incredible place. Despite limited resources, Peter Hamoy and his wife, Kat Uyehara, took the brave leap to bring the home back to its former glory and share the story of Rizal and Mariano. Apart from the historical depictions of Rizal’s interactions with the Hamoy family, Balay Hamoy also boasts a library with many Philippine history books, as well as vintage furniture hearkening back to that period.
Balay Hamoy has since been added to the Jose Rizal trail in Dapitan, joining other spots such as the Rizal Shrine, Rizal Landing Monument, and St. James the Great Parish.
So, why not walk in the footsteps of our national hero and make a visit? It’s an exciting opportunity to find out the significance of Rizal’s exile and how he continued to thrive in Dapitan.
The entrance fee is P250 for adults, and P200 for government employees, teachers, students, and children.