About the Garça Branca

The ancestral home of “Bokem Mascarenhas” dates back to circa mid-1800s and a goan couple named Cupertino Joel (CJ1) and Divina Sobrinho (DS). The family tree prior is not easily verifiable. “Bo—kem” in the vernacular translates to “White Heron” in English and to “Garça Branca” in Portuguese.

CJ1 was affectionately called by this name in recognition of his humane conservation program of saving this water fowl through the control of its over-population. CJ1 was an early pioneer of similar conservation programs that are increasingly prevalent in many parts of the world today.

Wild boar and other wild-fowl were hunted in season, using a ball-and-cap musket and CJ1 was often called upon to challenge wild-cats and jackals that raided domesticated animals and poultry. Similarly, other village homes were given unique references by whatever beneficial service set each one apart.

CJ1 and DS begot Carlos Jose (CJ2), who married Isolina Andrade (IA). CJ1’s legacy of conservation continued through his son Carlos Jose. CJ2 and IA made minor alterations and additions to the ancestral home.

CJ2 and IA begot three boys Joel Cupertino, Antonio Pascoal and Cezar Elvino. JC emigrated to Africa while CE carried on the conservation practices of his father and grandfather. AP married Aleta Menezes (AM), emigrated to Africa and begot three boys Carlos Jose (CJ3), Ralph Elvino (RE), Arnaldo Pascoal (AP) and two girls Edna Divina (ED), Merle Maria (MM). Each of these children married and either emigrated or were politically displaced to England and Canada.

AP/AM did a major reconstruct and addition to the ancestral home between 1963 and 1965 and spent their retired lives there.

In 2001, a family decision was made to better utilize the home which was being infrequently used only for vacations. As a result, CJ3 undertook a second major reconstruct and addition between 2004 and 2006.

The ancestral home is now –(2007) – both, a place for the family to vacation in and it is also the Garça Branca which welcomes adult guests year round.

The Garça Branca is focused and dedicated to provide the discerning adult guest with a classy establishment in which to spend an affordable holiday, far from the madding crowd yet close enough to a variety of leisurely and/or hectic pursuits normally associated with exotic vacationing.