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The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections

The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections

Updated: January 19, 2017
Originally posted: March 13, 2013


I considered that weekend as one of the great milestone that happened in my life. Aside from the amazing vacation, good food and fresh air - meeting one of the amazing person in the world is different.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


To tell you my lovely readers, I just met the "Queen of Jigsaw Puzzle"who owns 1029 puzzles in different sizes, shapes, designs, and structures - and still counting! Her name is Mrs. Gina  Gil-Lacuna, a retired businesswoman at the age of 61-years old who have just recently won her title - the prestigious Guinness Book of Record for having the Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


She's very hands-on. She personally lead the museum tour everyday and by then at 61-years old she's kicking with energy like a horse, and you will be amazed about her knowledge in paintings and the artists. After she retired from her work, and letting her son took-over their family business, Mrs. Gina is enjoying her time of her life welcoming her guests to her Puzzle Mansion Museum.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


She started doing puzzles 27 years ago, because of her unconditional love to her only son, who like Mickey Mouse. She bought the said puzzle from a trip in Hong Kong, and it became the oldest puzzle in her collection. From a simple hobby eventually became her addiction, and now owning at least 1,029 puzzles and still counting! Literally she can be called as "The Woman Who Lives With Her Puzzles."


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


She had all kinds of puzzles, from smallest to biggest, various shapes and designs, 2D, 3D puzzles, and even 4D puzzles! This lady wouldn't be outdated with the latest puzzle trends. Whenever she learned that new puzzles are released - she's always on the top of it.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


As she finished the latest puzzle "La Hilanderas" with 10,000 puzzle pieces (and said to be the most difficult puzzle in the world), Mrs. Gina walks proud wearing her huge smile and happiness, as she was recognized, not only here in the Philippines but worldwide. That's a huge achievement she, and her whole family really proud of.


UPDATE: I just found out recently that she have finished this 10,000 pieces of puzzles and now proudly displaced in her Puzzle Museum!


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections

Way back years ago, she travels all over the world, to visit the famous landmarks, and a puzzle is a must-buy from her trips. She loves classic paintings, that we can only seen in famous museums worldwide. Name it and she have it. And you will never be disappointed.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


I literally had my jaw-dropped with my eyes wide open seeing her own puzzle museum located at her our Bed and Breakfast Hotel. All are personally financed by her together with her family.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Vintage and pop arts, animals and natures, famous people, religious and political - she have it all. She didn't think being a high school graduate a hindrance, to achieve her dreams being a successful businesswoman in a maternity garment industry, conquering 95% of the market, dressing-up pregnant celebrities, and enjoy being a puzzle hobbyist.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


For just a small fee of Php100 ($2.50) you can visit and be amazed with her vast collection, all assembled by hers truly, and framed beautifully and well preserved. She owns these 1029 puzzles, and still have more puzzles waiting to be assembled, stay just under her cozy bed.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


And I couldn't help but have a photo opp with this gigantic Mona Lisa puzzle that Mrs. Gina had assembled years ago.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Behind me is the oldest puzzle that Ms. Gina owns - the 27 years old Mickey Mouse puzzle that she bought in Hong Kong for her son Gino.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Everyday, groups of tourists both locals and foreigners are visiting her Puzzle Mansion Museum and she personally greeted them with so much delight. She will personally guide you to all her collection, sharing her remarkable stories about how she acquired those puzzles, when and where, and many stories.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Her family is always on-top of her list.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Even the kids love her because of her many puzzles like this 3D dinosaurs!


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


"La Hilanderas" - the most hardest puzzle in the world, but Mrs. Gina managed to assembled by herself


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections

The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Mrs. Gina has no plans to stop and be contented, as her passion in puzzles became more extreme now that she's working on the world's biggest puzzle having 32,000+ pieces, and to her estimates, she can finish it until July 31, 2013. If she succeed, then she will get another Guinness Book Record Title. Estimate finished size is 17 by 6 feet which was created by the great artist Keith Haring which is known for his traditional graffiti style arts. The puzzle consists 6 colors.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections

The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Until now, no one has beaten her for the record. She's still the reigning QUEEN!


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


Very humble Mrs. Gina, doing here autograph signing for Kendrick, a 7-year old boy who's also into puzzles.


If you want to buy some of her works, she also sells some of her ready-made puzzles. Or you may also opt to buy puzzle sets, and commissioned her to do it.


The Queen of Jigsaw Puzzles and her Gigantic Collections


I am so lucky to met her and had an opportunity to visit her most treasured creations. I do hope that one of these days (hopefully this summer!) I could visit here again :) She's an inspiration to us.


The Puzzle Mansion Museum
Purok 4 Cuadra St. Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 661-0019
Email: puzzlemansion@gmail.com
Website:http://thepuzzlemansion.com


Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7 am to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 8 pm


xoxo, Blair


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111 comments :

  1. Wow i m so impressed! I take me forever to complete my piece of jigsaw puzzle and she got so many huge ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sunshine,

      Me too! I can't even complete a A4 size puzzle. But this lady is a effing PRO. It's like she eats puzzling for breakfast, hahaha.

      Delete
  2. How very cool! I'm so impressed with her patience in putting these puzzles together. I'm also surprised that she's been able to keep each puzzle piece, I would have definitely losted a few! Thank you for your post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello LC,

      Yeah she is unbelievable, but when we saw her how she do it and her techniques - we are truly jaw dropped.

      Delete
  3. Oh wow, this is so neat! I wish this were closer because I'd so want to check this out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dear,

      If you will visit the Philippines, don't forget to add this to your itinerary!

      Delete
  4. Oh my her works are amazing. Would have loved to see them up close but glad it was such an experience for you dear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear, yeah it was an amazing experience. I considered myself very lucky :)

      Delete
  5. wow really interesting. thank you so much for the post, hope i can have chance visiting some day! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohh please do because this museum is very educational, plus the entrance is so cheap lah!

      Delete
  6. Waoooo! What a collection! And what a commitment for her and the family supporting her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true! Her friends exactly know what she wants!

      Delete
  7. Wow... A great lady that I hope to meet 1 day. Love her collection on the puzzles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jane,

      I hope I could visit her again soon and make a follow-up post... I heard she got more collections than before!

      Delete
    2. It' so rare to have the artist himself/herself show you around the museum! What a special treat :)

      Delete
    3. Yeah and I felt so privileged that we've met her. She's a very humble lady, no wonder her staffs loves her too.

      Delete
  8. ohmay..i should put this museum in my travel list to Philippine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dear,

      yeah you must, and she's still the reigning Queen. No one have beaten her yet.

      Delete
  9. These are quite beautiful. It must have taken quite some time to do all that work.

    Beth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, she started when her son was born, that was 31 years ago as of this day. Impressive!

      Delete
  10. i'm always wondering how it's possible to do those round ones.
    The woman is incredible and what a patience she has got! haha :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. She said puzzles makes her mind sharp. She still over sees her many business, that are now being run by her only son. She's an incredible woman. One of a kind.

      Delete
  11. Wow, what an amazing collection. Many of them look so life-like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I know, and many kids really enjoys having a tour to her museum and see her collections. Many kids are now inspired to continue doing the puzzles.

      Delete
  12. Wow, I'm impressed by the efforts she spent! I literally took 1 week to find determination to finsh my 500 pieces lols

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah same here. Well, 500-pieces is simple for her. She could only finished it in few hours.

      Delete
  13. What an unusual hobby Mrs Gina has. I didn't think that one would be this obsessed and even open a museum for her collection!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! At first she only likes to have a room for her collection, and as her collections keeps on growing her family suggested to built a museum just for her continuously growing collections. And I think its all worth it.

      Delete
  14. It's great to meet people who are so passionate about their interest and how they pursue their dreams! She sure have an extensive collection which are so neatly displayed for appreciation

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. She even have puzzle of the famous paintings from European, and even Picassos.

      Delete
  15. OMG! This is crazy! I love those Renaissance paintings as jigsaw puzzles, but my fav is that Eiffel Tower with those multi shaped puzzle pieces.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! And I couldn't help but have a photo opp next to Mona Lisa. I'll just satisfy myself here until I've seen the real Mona Lisa painting.

      Delete
  16. Oh wow.... she is definitely amazing.. it took me 2 and 1/2 weeks to finish the recent 1000 pcs jigsaw puzzle and am in no hurry to begin a new one

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Miera,

      She said a thousand pieces of puzzles only took her a day to finished it. I think its like a drug, she loves her puzzles!

      Delete
  17. My brother in law would love this. He used to put together jig saw puzzles all of the time and hang them up. I always thought this was cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Saidah,

      That's cool! Who knows, your brother-in-law will have a huge collection soon!

      Delete
  18. Wow, what an amazing lady! I can't believe how many puzzles she has!!! Nikki

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a wonderful collection of puzzles. This looks so much fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it is. Visitors of all ages love her collection!

      Delete
  20. Impressed with her hobby and she has a lot of nice jigsaw puzzle collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah its crazy! But many kids and even adults love her :)

      Delete
  21. wow salute the queen! So many collections hehe

    ReplyDelete
  22. What an inspiring story. I love that she was able to get more collections. What an inspiring young lady.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Valerie! And I wish that she will live longer to give joy to every one :)

      Delete
  23. The woman seems to be full of energy and passion! Her passion must be so great for her to collect such a large number of jigsaw puzzles! Very interesting article :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Fiona!

      It is rare to meet someone who have passion on something that we don't expect. I think puzzles became part of her, and now she got her own museum :)

      Delete
  24. This is amazing, I can barely finish one puzzle! Haha

    ReplyDelete
  25. 1029 puzzles! I am perplexed! This is amazing! And the fact that she has famous landmarks and has opened up a place for people can come and see is something amazing!
    My co worker is always talking about doing puzzles! I may have to tell her about Mrs. Gina, so that the next time she's planning her holiday she can have a look because this is something amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anosa,

      Perhaps your friend will go gaga for Mrs. Gina's puzzle collections :)

      Delete
  26. I am terrible at putting together puzzled haha. It would be neat to meet the expert herself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Shane,

      Ah you will definitely learn a lot from her!

      Delete
  27. So good to know her! Amazing puzzle creations. Love the Mona Lisa... you are indeed lucky to meet her.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm so glad to know about her! She sounds brilliant and creative. Her collection is massive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ana, and it is continuously increasing! I would love to pay her a visit again very soon :)

      Delete
  29. I can only say that this lady has a loooooot of time on her hands in order to have finished so many puzzles. I guess that by doing them every day she got experienced and she finishes them straight away. I've never heard of a puzzle museum before, I think it's an intriguing idea and I'd like to visit it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Joanna,

      We've heard that there is one in Brazil who is trying to beat her, but Mrs. Gina's collection turns out to be five times fold!

      She's amazing :)

      Delete
  30. Wow this is really impressive and unusual but cool; and she looks so nice on your picture :) This is great that she can do what she likes now that she doesn't work anymore

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, and she is also very nice and generous to her staffs. She even built a staff house for her workers for the resort so that they could stay for a week, and minimize the hassle of commuting.

      Delete
  31. It is amazing to learn how many different things people collect. Just recently in Portugal, I learned about an older gentleman who collected old coins and made artwork out of them. Mrs. Gina is another excellent example of a passionate collector. Thanks for sharing her life story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Elena,

      Yeah it was amazing and makes me think "what should I collect too?" LOL

      She always shared us the ways how she achieved that award, and according to her it also cost her money, and we are talking millions of money. But she did it because she wants it, without sponsors.

      Delete
  32. Crazy to think this is a real thing. All of these jigsaw puzzles collected to be shown off to the world! Some must have taken ages to finish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, and I am soo amazed with her dedication and love for her work. Her family are very supportive.

      Delete
  33. I love Jigsaw puzzles but the biggest problem that I have is where do I keep it after I have done it. This woman gives it a complete different direction. Thanks for this inspiration

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, and I think she made a great decision, and a business opportunity. She have her own Puzzle Mansion Museum, and a Bed and Breakfast resort for her guests who would like to spend overnight.

      Delete
  34. I didn't know that there is a puzzle in tagaytay...
    I definitely have to go there... Thanks for the tip

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, that is so cool. I Haven't done a puzzle since I was probably 11 years old :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Momma!

      Its time for you to begin puzzles again. Its never too late. Mommy Gina start her first collection when her son was born :)

      Delete
  36. Such an amazing collection. These are quite beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jay! Don't forget to keep exploring my blog :)

      Delete
  37. I love putting together puzzles but I could NEVER put that many together. She is awesome and I know everyone is enjoying all of her puzzles in her puzzle museum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah most kids like her an Moms too! Its a great stress reliever :)

      Delete
  38. Wow, I can't even imagine a puzzle with 32000 pieces. I mean, I love puzzles but ... that's persistence even I don't have!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She got that rare personality and attitude which made her create this puzzle museum.

      Delete
  39. That is so amazing!! My daughter LOVES puzzles...now I can show her it can turn into some great! Thank you fir sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are always welcome Mama Bear.

      Ohh you won't know, your kid might beat Mommy Gina someday :)

      Delete
  40. This is awesome, she's such a creative person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah and she got lots of patience and perseverance. Which made me think, what will I collect?

      Delete
  41. Wow amazing that she is showing her collection of puzzles to the public. Especially since they must be so precious to her as well ! Beautiful x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. I felt so blessed that I had a chance to visit her museum.

      Delete
  42. This is too cool! I love jigsaw puzzles as well! Would love to visit one day!

    XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
    SINCERELY OPHELIA | HOW TO | Small Bag in a Big City

    ReplyDelete
  43. Very cool. I love puzzles, would enjoy having one of these pieces of art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah.. try to assemble the bigger image then frame it!

      Delete
  44. Wow this is so is so awesome! I can barely sit down and do 1 just puzzle with my busy lifestyle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! Maybe when I got pregnant then I will try.

      Delete
  45. Wow, what an amazing collection! I would love to get my hands on some of those, I bet shae has some really good ones!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Each time she travel abroad, she always make sure to bring home new sets of puzzles for her to assemble :)

      Delete
  46. WOW! That is a huge collection! I didn't know a place like this existed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah.. she said the plan is just to create a storage room for her collection. But her collection becomes bigger and bigger, so they thought of building a museum instead :)

      Delete
  47. This is too neat! I had no idea this was even a thing, thanks for the share! The amount of time and talent people have never ends!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! She still the reigning Queen of Puzzles and that's exciting :)

      Delete
  48. Wow she sure is dedicated. Some of those puzzles look fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree.. I admit I can't beat her on arranging these puzzle pieces. Her eyes are superb like a hawk!

      Delete
  49. What a cool place to visit. My grandma loves puzzles. She gets them from the thrift shops and puts them all together. They ones that have pieces missing she recycles and the ones that are complete she donates back. She does so many.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe you can tell your Grandma to collect it and make a museum for her.

      Delete
  50. This is so cool. I love doing puzzles with a thousand pieces.
    ~ ONE SPORTY MOTHER

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's great! Be consistent coz it is a very nice hobby :D

      Delete
  51. Who would have thought that there's a museum like this. It's really very fun and fascinating. It would be nice to tour this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah and many kids and even adults like it and started assembling puzzles too inspired by her.

      Delete
  52. Wow! She's amazing. I can never imagine doing a lot of puzzles in my life. It would be nice to see her works and maybe ask her a few questions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah oh when you visit the Philippines, you can add this to your travel itinerary.

      Delete
  53. wow! really? up to now? I wish we knew about this when were in Tagaytay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been awhile since my first visit. But until now she is still the reigning queen!

      Delete
  54. So many interesting , nice paintings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Otilia, but those are not paintings. Those are puzzles!

      Delete

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