Bacolod Trip 2015| Hofilena Mansion, Silay City

happened on September 18, 2015

After almost 2 hrs. in Balay Negrense, we walked for a few minutes going to this mansion.

the still inhabited mansion

We saw some heritages houses along the way, too.  I love the ambiance here, the feeling that you are being transported in time.  I love how fresh the air is so walking is not a hassle at all.

I could imagine how grand this used to be

this is just a grocery store

Unlike most heritage homes, this mansion is still being inhabited by Ramon Hofilena, one of the heirs.  Too  bad, we didn't meet him that time.  We are so grateful for him, for allowing us to enter the mansion even if it's already lunch break.  The tour guide, Edwin, is so accommodating, too.  In general, Negrenses are kind and warm people.

Holefina Mansion was built by Manuel Severino Hofilena for his wife and their nine children.  They are a family of artists, thus, it's understandable that they have a vast collection of artworks.  Some of them are also into theater.  One famous of which is Rey 'PJ" Abellana who stills own a room in this home.

Picture taking is only allowed in the first floor, where most of the memorabilia reside.  Second floor is the owner's bedroom and where his vast collection of notable paintings and movie DVDs are. I was in awed in seeing his paintings collection - from Amorsolo, Rizal, Luna to Malang, Botong and some unknown but skilled artists.  Oh my! I'm seeing a lot of zeroes in there.  It's my close encounter with the original paintings.





They also have a lot of furniture lying around the mansion.

china for sale

nice postcards

stairs made of iron wood and floor made of narra

intricate details

century old but still functional piano

the artists in the family

the owner now is a devotee of St. Vincent

fist printed  Philippine money

original newspaper announcing martial law declaration

first pocketbooks... they really fit inside the pocket



a vast collection of vinyl




assorted toys from different travels abroad



a tektite rock.. being sold here

smallest dolls.. can't see even with a magnifying glass

some are even from Ming dynasty

first wood printing in Negros

Again, our eyes are full of nice memorabilia of the past.  Obviously, this family has a glamorous life from then till now.

Please don't miss this mansion during your Silay City tour.  The entrance fee of Php60.00 is worth the price for learning history and almost seeing it with your own eyes.