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.
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.
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.
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."
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 This lady wouldn't be outdated with the latest puzzle trends.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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
And I couldn't help but have a photo opp with this gigantic Mona Lisa puzzle that Mrs. Gina had assembled years ago.
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.
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.
Her family is always on-top of her list.
Even the kids love her because of her many puzzles like this 3D dinosaurs!
"La Hilanderas" - the most hardest puzzle in the world, but Mrs. Gina managed to assembled by herself
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.
Until now, no one has beaten her for the record. She's still the reigning QUEEN!
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.
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
Wow i m so impressed! I take me forever to complete my piece of jigsaw puzzle and she got so many huge ones.
ReplyDeleteHello Sunshine,
DeleteMe 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteHello LC,
DeleteYeah she is unbelievable, but when we saw her how she do it and her techniques - we are truly jaw dropped.
Oh wow, this is so neat! I wish this were closer because I'd so want to check this out.
ReplyDeleteHello Dear,
DeleteIf you will visit the Philippines, don't forget to add this to your itinerary!
Oh my her works are amazing. Would have loved to see them up close but glad it was such an experience for you dear.
ReplyDeleteHello dear, yeah it was an amazing experience. I considered myself very lucky :)
Deletewow really interesting. thank you so much for the post, hope i can have chance visiting some day! :D
ReplyDeleteOhh please do because this museum is very educational, plus the entrance is so cheap lah!
DeleteWaoooo! What a collection! And what a commitment for her and the family supporting her.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Her friends exactly know what she wants!
DeleteWow... A great lady that I hope to meet 1 day. Love her collection on the puzzles.
ReplyDeleteHello Jane,
DeleteI hope I could visit her again soon and make a follow-up post... I heard she got more collections than before!
It' so rare to have the artist himself/herself show you around the museum! What a special treat :)
DeleteYeah and I felt so privileged that we've met her. She's a very humble lady, no wonder her staffs loves her too.
Deleteohmay..i should put this museum in my travel list to Philippine.
ReplyDeleteHello Dear,
Deleteyeah you must, and she's still the reigning Queen. No one have beaten her yet.
These are quite beautiful. It must have taken quite some time to do all that work.
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Yeah, she started when her son was born, that was 31 years ago as of this day. Impressive!
Deletei'm always wondering how it's possible to do those round ones.
ReplyDeleteThe woman is incredible and what a patience she has got! haha :)
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.
DeleteWow, what an amazing collection. Many of them look so life-like.
ReplyDeleteYeah 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.
DeleteWow, I'm impressed by the efforts she spent! I literally took 1 week to find determination to finsh my 500 pieces lols
ReplyDeleteYeah same here. Well, 500-pieces is simple for her. She could only finished it in few hours.
DeleteWhat an unusual hobby Mrs Gina has. I didn't think that one would be this obsessed and even open a museum for her collection!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteIt'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
ReplyDeleteI agree. She even have puzzle of the famous paintings from European, and even Picassos.
DeleteOMG! This is crazy! I love those Renaissance paintings as jigsaw puzzles, but my fav is that Eiffel Tower with those multi shaped puzzle pieces.
ReplyDeleteMe 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.
DeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteHello Miera,
DeleteShe said a thousand pieces of puzzles only took her a day to finished it. I think its like a drug, she loves her puzzles!
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.
ReplyDeleteHello Saidah,
DeleteThat's cool! Who knows, your brother-in-law will have a huge collection soon!
Wow, what an amazing lady! I can't believe how many puzzles she has!!! Nikki
ReplyDeleteYeah, I felt so proud to met her.
DeleteWhat a wonderful collection of puzzles. This looks so much fun.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. Visitors of all ages love her collection!
DeleteImpressed with her hobby and she has a lot of nice jigsaw puzzle collection.
ReplyDeleteYeah its crazy! But many kids and even adults love her :)
Deletewow salute the queen! So many collections hehe
ReplyDeleteThank you Wai Yee! Keep on exploring our blog :)
DeleteWhat an inspiring story. I love that she was able to get more collections. What an inspiring young lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you Valerie! And I wish that she will live longer to give joy to every one :)
DeleteThe 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 :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona!
DeleteIt 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 :)
This is amazing, I can barely finish one puzzle! Haha
ReplyDeletePatience is a virtue :)
Delete1029 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!
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
Hello Anosa,
DeletePerhaps your friend will go gaga for Mrs. Gina's puzzle collections :)
I am terrible at putting together puzzled haha. It would be neat to meet the expert herself!
ReplyDeleteHello Shane,
DeleteAh you will definitely learn a lot from her!
thank for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteSo good to know her! Amazing puzzle creations. Love the Mona Lisa... you are indeed lucky to meet her.
ReplyDeleteI feel I am.. Thanks Indrani :)
DeleteI'm so glad to know about her! She sounds brilliant and creative. Her collection is massive!
ReplyDeleteHello Ana, and it is continuously increasing! I would love to pay her a visit again very soon :)
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHello Joanna,
DeleteWe'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 :)
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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteHello Elena,
DeleteYeah 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.
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!
ReplyDeleteYeah, and I am soo amazed with her dedication and love for her work. Her family are very supportive.
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI didn't know that there is a puzzle in tagaytay...
ReplyDeleteI definitely have to go there... Thanks for the tip
You are always welcome Momma!
DeleteWow, that is so cool. I Haven't done a puzzle since I was probably 11 years old :)
ReplyDeleteHello Momma!
DeleteIts time for you to begin puzzles again. Its never too late. Mommy Gina start her first collection when her son was born :)
Such an amazing collection. These are quite beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jay! Don't forget to keep exploring my blog :)
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah most kids like her an Moms too! Its a great stress reliever :)
DeleteWow, I can't even imagine a puzzle with 32000 pieces. I mean, I love puzzles but ... that's persistence even I don't have!
ReplyDeleteShe got that rare personality and attitude which made her create this puzzle museum.
DeleteThat is so amazing!! My daughter LOVES puzzles...now I can show her it can turn into some great! Thank you fir sharing
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome Mama Bear.
DeleteOhh you won't know, your kid might beat Mommy Gina someday :)
This is awesome, she's such a creative person!
ReplyDeleteYeah and she got lots of patience and perseverance. Which made me think, what will I collect?
DeleteWow 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
ReplyDeleteI agree. I felt so blessed that I had a chance to visit her museum.
DeleteThis is too cool! I love jigsaw puzzles as well! Would love to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteXOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
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Thanks for visiting Ophelia :)
DeleteVery cool. I love puzzles, would enjoy having one of these pieces of art.
ReplyDeleteYeah.. try to assemble the bigger image then frame it!
DeleteWow this is so is so awesome! I can barely sit down and do 1 just puzzle with my busy lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Maybe when I got pregnant then I will try.
DeleteWow, what an amazing collection! I would love to get my hands on some of those, I bet shae has some really good ones!
ReplyDeleteEach time she travel abroad, she always make sure to bring home new sets of puzzles for her to assemble :)
DeleteWOW! That is a huge collection! I didn't know a place like this existed!
ReplyDeleteYeah.. 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 :)
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteI agree! She still the reigning Queen of Puzzles and that's exciting :)
DeleteWow she sure is dedicated. Some of those puzzles look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI agree.. I admit I can't beat her on arranging these puzzle pieces. Her eyes are superb like a hawk!
DeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can tell your Grandma to collect it and make a museum for her.
DeleteThis is so cool. I love doing puzzles with a thousand pieces.
ReplyDelete~ ONE SPORTY MOTHER
Oh that's great! Be consistent coz it is a very nice hobby :D
DeleteWho would have thought that there's a museum like this. It's really very fun and fascinating. It would be nice to tour this!
ReplyDeleteYeah and many kids and even adults like it and started assembling puzzles too inspired by her.
DeleteWow! 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah oh when you visit the Philippines, you can add this to your travel itinerary.
Deletewow! really? up to now? I wish we knew about this when were in Tagaytay.
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since my first visit. But until now she is still the reigning queen!
DeleteSo many interesting , nice paintings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Otilia, but those are not paintings. Those are puzzles!
Delete