Bacolod Trip 2015| Balay Negrense

happened on Sept. 18, 2015

After a filling snack in El Ideal Bakery, we are now ready to conquer Silay City.  We started with this picturesque and famous Balay Negrense.

 

the restored Balay Negrense

This heritage house is situated along Cinco de Noviembre, which is also a very significant street during the Spanish regime.  This is where the locals formed a bloodless revolt that informally ended the Spanish ruling in this province in 1898.

the original stairs

the super spacious living room

The house was initially built in 1897.  It was the ancestral home of  French Victor F. Gascon, son of Yves Leopold Gaston, one of the pioneers of sugarcane cultivation in the Philippines.  He was married to a Filipina from Batangas and they had 12 children.  They lived in this home from 1901 to 1927.  In 1992, it was donated by the family to the government.  It was formally declared a museum in 1994; the first museum in Negros province.



Mr. Gaston (guapo di ba?)

the bloodline

the very accommodating tour guide, Fernan

the family tree (I wish to have this for my family)

 

Its architecture is of an American colonial influence, popularly known as "bahay na bato".  However, it's only the basement that is made of concrete while the upper part is made of local hardwood called "balayong"

our only picture in this home

separate staircase for girls and boys

the ladder leading to the maids' quarters

The house is perfectly restored and preserved, however, all the furniture and memorabilia here were donated by the locals since this home has been abandoned for some years and most of the belongings left inside were stolen.

Today, this museum also showcases local art works and souvenirs.  I love to take home a painting or those wired artwork but I can't afford them yet.  Maybe on my next visit ^-^.

This museum is definitely worth a visit.  For just an entrance fee of Php60.00, you will have a complete glimpse of the affluent life in Negros during the Spanish regime.  The tour guide is so kind and very accommodating.  Please don't forget to give him a big tip as he is only a volunteer.