CITY OF TAGAYTAY, CAVITE — In the cool highlands of Tagaytay, tucked away in Barangay Asisan, sits a museum that holds a world record—and the story of a woman who turned a lifelong passion into a legacy. The Puzzle Mansion is home to the jigsaw puzzle collection of Georgina "Gina" Gil-Lacuna, a Filipina enthusiast who, in November 2012, was officially awarded the Guinness World Records title for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles in the world. And the story behind that record is just as remarkable as the collection itself.
The Record That Made History
On November 29, 2012, Gil-Lacuna was officially proclaimed the Guinness World Records titleholder for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles. The official count accepted by Guinness is reported as either 1,028 or 1,030 completed puzzles, depending on the source—a discrepancy that reflects the sheer scale of the collection and the speed at which it continued to grow. Either way, it comfortably surpassed the previous record held by Luiza Figueiredo of Brazil, whose collection numbered in the low 200s. It was a moment of pride not just for Gil-Lacuna, but for the Philippines—a country that had never before held this particular record.
A Collection That Kept Growing
The record wasn't the end of the story; it was just the beginning. By October 2014, the museum housed roughly 1,500 completed puzzles, a collection that had grown by nearly 50 percent in just two years. The exhibits span all forms and sizes: 2D and 3D puzzles, wooden sets, and massive mural-sized pieces. Among the monumental individual feats was the completion of the 32,256-piece "Double Retrospect" puzzle by Keith Haring on July 10, 2013—a staggering achievement that took her 900 hours to complete solo. It was a testament to patience, dedication, and an unwavering love for the craft.
A Legacy That Lives On
Sadly, Georgina Gil-Lacuna passed away from cardiac arrest in 2014 at the age of 62. But her legacy endures. The Puzzle Mansion Museum continues to operate as a family-managed bed-and-breakfast and tourist attraction, preserving her collection and sharing her story with visitors from around the world. Her record was officially held from 2012 until 2017, when a larger collection was verified elsewhere. But for those who visit the Puzzle Mansion, the record is only part of the story. The real draw is the woman behind it—and the passion that built it. The museum is open Fridays to Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entrance fee of PHP 100 per head.
