We’re at the Casa Polo in Valenzuela City, holding our school’s first-ever graduation ball. It’s another milestone for our school, yet another feather in the cap of our indefatigable and awesome faculty and staff, who organized this event. But more than that, it’s a chance for our graduating students (our first gradutates, whaaaaa) to celebrate their journey in a fun and memorable way. Tonight, it’s about elegance, reflection, and fun as everyone comes together to celebrate the graduating class’s achievements.
The air is a mix of nerves and energy as a night to remember is about to begin. Students in fancy dresses and sharp suits walk in. The faculty and staff are also dressed up for the event and greet everyone with open arms. Everyone’s excited to be a part of the school’s first graduation ball.
As people settle down in their places, a live band plays some slow music. A catering service is preparing a well-organized buffet with a wide range of meals. Shiny chandeliers, pretty flower arrangements, and a stunning picture backdrop really set the mood, and everyone here is set to remember this night. And it’s in large part because of the venue.
Casa de Polo, once a hacienda house, stands as a living testament to Valenzuela’s agrarian roots. Originally built during the Spanish colonial period, the house was likely the residence of a landowner overseeing vast agricultural estates, according to the Valenzuela City Cultural & Tourism Office. Its strategic location and grand design made it both a home and a center for managing the operations of the estate.
Casa de Polo “is a tangible link to the city’s past, particularly its agricultural heritage and the era of Spanish colonial rule,” the Cultural & Tourism Office says. The structure itself follows the bahay na bato architectural style, characterized by stone foundations and wooden upper floors—a design that has withstood the test of time, offering protection from both the elements and the passage of centuries.
While Casa de Polo once played an integral role in the agricultural economy of the region, it later fell into disuse. However, the building was not forgotten. Over the years, it has undergone significant restoration efforts to preserve its historical value while adapting it for modern use. These efforts, though were not without their obstacles. “Preserving and repurposing historic buildings like Casa de Polo presents challenges, from structural issues to balancing heritage with modern needs,” the Cultural & Tourism Office shares. “However, efforts such as architectural documentation and the use of traditional materials help retain its historical essence.” Such endeavors have turned the hacienda into an exceptional venue for events, allowing it to continue serving the community in a new capacity.
Thus, when the graduates of our school arrived at Casa de Polo tonight, they were walking into history as well. Adorned with soft lighting and elegant decor, the grand halls of Casa de Polo turned into a place of celestial radiance.
In many ways, too, the theme reflects the journey of the students themselves, whose futures are as vast and unknown, filled with potential and dreams yet to unfold. The transition from childhood to adulthood, from student to professional, is all the more poignant when set against the backdrop of a building that had witnessed its own passage through time.
The event unfolds: speeches from students filled with gratitude, cheers that echo through the halls, and dances that symbolize the many steps the students will take in the years to come. As the songs play and the program nears its end, the night becomes a witness to the achievements of the graduates.
It’s also fitting that the historical beauty of the venue hosted their momentous evening, as Casa de Polo evolved from a worn-down building to something that’s ready to host new events. And with plans for continued restoration and cultural programs, its significance in Valenzuela’s cultural identity only grows stronger. “Casa de Polo preserves the city’s heritage, provides residents a sense of place, and inspires civic pride,” the Cultural & Tourism Office notes.
For the local community, there are opportunities to engage with the venue through events, exhibits, and cultural programs that highlight the city’s history. And for future students, Casa de Polo will remain a landmark—a connection to the past and a reminder of the importance of heritage in shaping the future.
And so, we return to our soon-to-be graduates—the young men and women standing at the threshold of a new chapter. In the days, months, and years to come, they will chase their dreams, face challenges, and carve out their own paths in the world. But no matter where life takes them, we hope that the memories of this graduation ball will forever be etched in their hearts—a night set against the historical Casa de Polo. Their journey will be new beginnings, of lessons learned, and fresh opportunities waiting to unfold, but may this night be one of the many unforgettable moments that shape their own stories. Wherever they go, may they always carry with them the confidence and brilliance they radiate on this starry night.
Casa de Polo Travel Basics
Access
- Getting to Casa de Polo via public transport can be a bit tricky, but nonetheless accessible via major roads and public transport routes:
- From Monumento: Take a jeepney going to Malanday. Get down at Jollibee Malanday and cross MacArthur Highway to the tricycle station near the Total Gas Station. Ride a tricycle to Casa de Polo (PHP 50 one-way).
- By car, you can easily reach Casa de Polo using Waze or Google Maps. Coming from Monumento, drive along MacArthur Highway until you reach Malanday (about 11 kilometers from Monumento). Then make a sharp left turn to Marcelo H. Del Pilar Street (just after Jollibee and Puregold Malanday). Traverse M.H. Del Pilar Street all the way to San Diego de Alcala Parish. Across it is Casa de Polo, behind the Polo Mini Park. Parking spaces are available, but limited during peak events, so it’s recommended to arrive early.
Food
- The area around Casa de Polo has a few basic dining options. But for a more memorable dining experience, you can try Kamayan sa Palapat, a classic Filipino restaurant a short drive or tricycle ride away. The restaurant serves seafood and traditional dishes, perfect for large groups and casual dining.
- Another option is the Tata Celo Kainan sa Palaisdaan, where you can enjoy fresh fish and other Filipino favorites while dining by the waterside.
- Alvarez Park Café serves morning coffee and light meals, which you can enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere before exploring the area.
For information on booking the venue, visit Valenzuela City’s official Facebook page.
The Tourist Gaze 