About
Casa Juana was originally built in 1978 for Amado San Pedro Sarmiento and Juana Doon Lopez-Sarmiento. Amado came from a humble family in Malolos, Bulacan. Though lacking in financial resources, this did not hinder Amado to pursue his education. He was admitted at Far Eastern University with full scholarship being a varsity player. As faith would have it, he was able to find a boarding house in the outskirt of Manila. The boarding house was in Karuhatan, Valenzuela, Bulacan. At that time, Valenzuela was still a part of Bulacan province. Close to the boarding house was a store owned by a couple named Felipe and Maria. They have a daughter named Juana who was manning the store. This is where Amado and Juana met.
While studying, Amado continue to hone his skills as a softball player, first from a pitching position until he injured his shoulder. He did then change from pitching to play as left outfielder. After finishing his studies, he took and pass the board exam to become a Certified Public Accountant. He still continues his playing career as a professional softball player and played for different teams – Lusteveco, Canlubang, San Miguel and Bureau of Telecommunications. This was highlighted by becoming a member of Philippine National team, the only player from Bureau of Telecommunications to make the cut. He was also the Most Valuable Player in 1954 All Star ASA Phil Tournament.
It was during his playing days that he started courting Juana. Amado always invite Juana’s father to softball games to get his approval. It was not long before Amado won Juana’s heart. The two got married and reside in Karuhatan. The couple was blessed with 5 children. As the family is getting bigger, the couple decided to build a bigger house from the lot they bought just a stone throw away from their first home as a couple.
The new house was located in 4074 B. Lopez Street, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. At the time was ceded from Bulacan to form part of Metro Manila region. This house has seen many memorable family moments through the years. Year 1986 when Amado joined his creator, and the children started their own family and moved out of the house. Juana and her mother Maria were the only ones left residing in this house until the two also passed on. Year 1997 when Juana joined Amado. Her passing became a death knell to the house as well. The house became vacant.
The music, laughter and festivities are no more. The emptiness and utter silence envelope the house for 20 long years. The overgrown trees swallowed the backyard. The rusted front gate creeks as the wind blew hard. The windows were mostly shattered, roof fell and spider web were all over. House was too dark, cold and eerily quiet.
Fast forward to present time, the youngest of Juana’s 5 siblings returned to its roots after 30 years living abroad. The house was given a second chance of life and was renovated. The original foundations and walls were kept as it stood the test of time. Modern doors, windows, lightings and furniture were brought in to return the house to its old glory. Suites are named after the ladies who in one way or another brought style and elegance in this house. Usher the new Casa Juana to commemorate the old and a start of a new beginning for the new generations. Hope, promise and love is what the future hold for Casa Juana.