Balay Negrense and the ancestral houses in Silay City

After our tour in Negros Museum, we immediately went to Silay City via public utility vehicle. We reached the place in around 20 minutes. Since part of the day's itinerary is The Ruins in Talisay City, we were able only to enter Balay Negrense in Silay.

Silay City, by the way, is the site of the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, which replaced the Bacolod City Domestic Airport. The city is also famous for its 31 ancestral houses, which was identified by the National Historical Institute.

San Diego Pro-Cathedral is formerly known as the San Diego Parish Church. It is the only pro-cathedral outside of Manila. And by pro-cathedral, it means it is a parish church which temporarily serves as the cathedral or a co-cathedral of a diocese.

The San Diego Pro-Cathedral is unique because it is the only church

 in Negros Occidental with a dome or cupola.

Balay Negrense is also known as the Gaston Ancestral House. It is walking distance away from the plaza, and the entrance fee is 50 pesos each. It is located in Cinco de Noviembre Street.

Balay Negrense was built in 1897, and was the ancestral house of Victor F. Gaston and his 12 children. In the mid-1970s, the house was left unused by the family, and was abandoned. Through a group of concerned Negrenses (which later became known as the Negros Cultural Foundation), they were able to acquire the house through donations from prominent individuals and from the Department of Tourism.

Balay Negrense was officially inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Tip: Other attractions in Silay City which we were not able to visit (and which I encourage you to explore as part of your itinerary): Bernardo-Jalandoni House, Hofileña Ancestral House, and other ancestral houses (though they are not all open to the public).


Contact:

Balay Negrense
Cinco de Noviembre Street
Silay City, Negros Occidental
(+6334) 495-4916

Here is the list of entries on our 5-Day Western Visayas Tour:

I.     Western Visayas: The 5-Day Itinerary

II.    Bacolod City: Negros Museum and the Old Pala-Pala

III.   Balay Negrense and the ancestral houses in Silay City

IV.   The Ruins in Talisay City

V.    Capitol Park and Lagoon

VI.   Mambukal Mountain Resort and the Seven Falls

VII.  Mambukal Mountain Resort-Hot Spring, Zipline, Kayak

VIII. Guimaras: Guisi Point Lighthouse & theTrappist Monastery

IX.   Western Visayas: Summary, Expenses, and Contacts