When we speak of ancestral homes in the Philippines, we always think of Vigan in Ilocos which is no doubt a place that will bring you back to the Spanish times. But with my own ignorance, I overlooked a neighboring city where I lived that is also famous and known for its ancestral homes – Silay City.
Every blog and article will always mention that this city lying very close to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is the “Paris of Negros”. With more than 31 delcared heritage homes, this is an Eden for those who are interested of our local heritage. With this, Silay has more declared ancestral heritage homes throughout the country. Of the 31 heritage homes, only you can visit at least two which are open to the public like the Balay Negrense and the Berdardino Jalandoni Museum.Even there local Tourism Office is literally housed in an ancestral home, fondly referred as the “Green House”.
We tried to see all 31 of them and we wish we had a “map” of all the ancestral homes. It is very easy to locate them, since it follows the traditional status quo during the Spanish times these homes are located very close to the town square or plaza and parish church. 
Ancestral homes are not new to me and living in Iloilo City specifically in Jaro district where old houses thrived with modern buildings, I was still very much in awe with the ancestral houses in Silay City. Its main “feature” is that they are located close to each other making this city a great venue for walking tours. Until now, I’m longing to go back to Silay with its laidback, carefree and still has the elegant touch of living their everyday life.
Photos by: Ace Francisco
4 Comments