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.
Aloha Randy:
Has someone purchased this property already? Are there still families of the late Gen. Hilario Moncado in the Philippines? I am sure that there is one here in Hawaii.
Hi Melle – I’ve heard nothing new about the land and the restoration of the White House. I believe the clan still owns it.
Randy:
Just wondering is it safe to travel to Samal? You’re American, so I should hope it is safe to travel there, but just want to make sure. The granddaughter of the late Gen. Hilario Moncado is living in Honolulu and wishes to see this historic site and someday planned to restore it. I wanted to research on the area if it’s safe for her to come there as she has not been back to the Philippines for 35 years or more.
You did say, the clan owns it. So are there any living relatives of the General living in the Philippines? If you do not know, would you know of anyone who knows? I am told by someone, that if it is all about land disputes in the Philippines, it could get dangerous for the person. Would you know of any contacts? Thank you very much I look forward to your reply.
Melle
Hi Melle – well I certainly feel it’s safe to travel to and or live on Samal. We wouldn’t have purchased land there if I didn’t. There are a ton of resorts and therefor a bunch of tourists on Samal all the time. Samal wouldn’t be a very attractive destination if there were fears of safety. Of course something could happen any place but Davao City is one of the safest in the Philippines.
It’s been awhile since I researched the White House and Moncado. From the article referenced in the FWCA post it appears the the members of the FWCA own the land and the White House. I don’t know if any direct descendants of Moncado still live in the Philippines, though it would seem likely.
not sure if you guys are still paying attention to this but he’s my greatgrandfather.
Hilario Mancado is your grandfather or did I misunderstand. Very cool, if so.
Wow!!! What a nice historical place… this is the first time that I heard about this White House in Samal. I’ve been there many times now since I live here in Davao in 2007 but I never been there. I would love to visit the place and know more about its history. I’m really interested in the pictures and the structure of the house… I must say it’s a lost beauty in the IGACOS….
Most people know of Samal for it’s resorts and beaches, for good reason.
The White House is off the beaten track a little. It is rich in history and well worth a visit for those that are interested in historical sites.
Hi! I’m Niclas Wallin up in Doz, Balet, Samal! When I married my wife and visited Samal for the first time in 2009, I soon heard about the moncadista as my wife is a registered moncadista although not active since the age of 11. Her mother is still active though! The mother will not eat lechon!! That is the most noticeable aspect of it all! Great to read more here on the web. I will definitely go visit the white house this summer!
Hi Niclas – I hope you get a chance to visit the White House on Samal. It is a great piece of history and it also has a fantastic view.
I’ve not been there in a couple of years, but it seemed they were doing their best from keeping it around. There weren’t ay real signs of renovation, but I did see the rock fence that I didn’t remember from before.
Me and Niclas will surely visit the white house this summer as well as the Moncado church in Babak and hoping to talk someone about the Moncado family and the whole clan.
Hi Marife – that’s great that you’ll get a chance to visit the White House. It has been awhile since I’ve been there. One must make a special trip to go there, as it is not on the main road.
I feel it is worth the trip if you are interested in the history and the religion.