Samal Island White House
This is the famous (to residents) Samal Island landmark, known as the White House. My land oversees the house, as I’m just a stone throw away (well maybe a little more). Once my house is built I should be able to see Davao, looking over the top of White House.
I was going to try to provide a little history on the place, but as usual, Mindanao Bob has that covered much better than I would do. So I’ll link you to his research instead. The one thing that I’ve not seen mentioned though, is the sign above the entrance. It says, “Filipino Crusaders World Army, Inc.”. Below that “National Headquarters”. Hilario Camino (Moncado) Del Prado (1898-1956) was the founder & supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Filipino Crusaders World Army. Most of what I read about the landmark seems to involve a religious cult, the Moncadistas. I’m not quite sure the exact connection of the cult & the army, other than Moncado was the leader of both. Possibly they are one & the same. I’m attempting to find out more about this.
I wonder if the White House will get a preservation, as the development of the island continues and the area around it populates. It would be a shame to see it destroyed, but it is in pretty bad shape. The actual ownership of the house is probably in dispute, as it seems so many places are in the Philippines, due to the inheritance laws.
Hi Randy – I really love the White House, it’s such a cool place. Nothing would please me more than to see it restored to it’s glory. I have heard, over the years, that both the Island Garden City of Samal and also a prominent family in Samal are trying to purchase the house and restore it as a tourist site. From what I’ve heard, though, the Moncadista clan which owns the house is resisting attempts to make the purchase.
For me, I would love for it to be purchased, restored, and made a more prominent tourist stop on the island. It is certainly worthy of that!
Hi Bob – it’s good to know that there has at least been some consideration of restoring the White House. It certainly would be a nice museum type of tourist attraction. I personally would enjoy seeing and learning more about it’s place in the history of Samal Island, and the Philippines in general.
I was pleasantly surprised that I was allowed to go inside. The view was unbelievable from the second floor. We were a little too preoccupied with the land purchase for me to spend any time checking out the various photos scattered around.
Hi Randy. Thank you for sharing this. The only place I got to visit in Samal is the beach tourist spot from Davao. I should check out Samal more next time and get a glimpse of the White House. Cheers!
Hi Janette – thanks for stopping by.
The White House is a bit off the beaten path at the moment. Though if you are staying at one of the resorts in Limao, it’s not much of a trip to get there.
I look forward to spending more time on Samal myself. It should be very interesting to see how much has changed on the island by the time I get back there.