Let me take you to this place in Visayas that's known as the second museum city of the Philippines, after Vigan, Ilocos Sur. In fact, 31 houses here have been declared historical landmarks. There is so much to explore in the Visayas, so before you head to faraway places, come join me on this virtual tour!
Today, we will visit the gateway of Negros Occidental by plane, one of the most preserved heritage towns in the Philippines. It is known as the "Paris of Negros" because of its large collection of perfectly preserved heritage houses. This is none other than Silay City! Come on, let's explore the rich history and beauty of this place and find out why this place is worth a visit.
Welcome to Silay City
Traveling to Silay City, you will immediately be greeted by the sight of elegant ancestral houses and historical sites that are proof of the city's rich history. It's worth your time and attention! Of the more than 30 ancestral houses that have been officially declared historical landmarks by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), let's first visit the house that was first recognized as a national landmark by the NHCP. This is the so-called "Pink House" of Silay or better known as the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum.
How to Get to the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum?
If you want to visit this museum, it's very easy to find! It is located along Rizal Street, and you can walk to it from Jollibee or the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral. If you have a car, the trip is even easier, just use Waze for directions.
Journey Back in Time at the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
The Pink House built in 1908 is one of the well-known ancestral houses in Silay City. For an entrance fee of P60.00, you can go back in time and see how rich families lived back then. In addition, you will also be able to see artifacts that are rarely seen nowadays.
As soon as you enter the first floor of the house, you will be greeted by two calesas (horse-drawn carriages) that are undoubtedly old.
Inside a room, still in the ground floor, there are galleries displaying photographs of historic mansions around Silay City.
On the same floor, there is another room that displays a collection of dolls of famous Filipino historical figures. There were Dr. Jose Rizal, Leonor Rivera, Andres Bonifacio, GomBurZa, Cory Aquino, and the one that really caught my attention the most—the dolls of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon, the famous King and Queen of Cebu City in history. As I look at them, I feel like I'm still in Cebu because part of Cebu's history is here.
Then, at the second floor of the house was painted green inside. This floor shows what life was like for the Jalandoni family. Huge family portrait, photographs of their children, including their wedding photo, as well as the ceiling made of embossed steel trays imported from Germany quickly catch your attention.
In the center of the second floor, a spacious living room can be found filled with antique furniture such as wooden chairs, tables, and large mirrors. There are also antiques such as an old sewing machine, a telephone, and a picture of Mr. Jalandoni.
It also houses expensive musical instruments such as Steinberg piano and Stradivarius violin. According to the museum guide, the unica hija of the family, Angeles, often plays the piano during special occasions to entertain the guests. Moreover, the presence of a gramophone, the ancient version of today's Spotify, placed near the wedding portrait of the couple is also amazing. Beside of it, was a vintage radio.
On the second floor of the house there are different rooms, and the first one I will show you is the dining area. Here, a long wooden table can be seen, with candles and eating utensils on it. As I looked, I thought of the Jalandoni family used to gather around the table, eating together and sharing fascinating stories.
From the dining area, there is another room inside where they prepare the food. Also in this room, the traditional method of pressing clothes, the Prinsa de Paa and Prinsa de Mano can be seen. Also, it's not just for ironing, it feels like you've been exercising as well while doing it.
In this room, an old wooden ice box can also be seen. The museum guide said, back then, no one sell ice, so it was necessary to import ice from America or Europe. Ice is stored in this wooden ice box to keep it cold. Furthermore, various water jars and ceramic bottles can also be seen in the kitchen.
Each family member has their own room. First, the bedroom of the only daughter, Angeles. Here you can find an old stroller and a butaka, a type of resting chair that was also used as a birthing bed. This is a proof of the practical lifestyle of the people back then.
In the master's bedroom, this is the room of Mr. and Mrs. Jalandoni. This is the largest room in the house, where the home owner feels the comfort and luxury.
Then, next to this large room is also the room of the two sons.
Did you enjoy our virtual tour tonight at the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum? It's even more amazing if you experience it in person! So what are you waiting for? Plan to visit the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum with your family, friends, or a special someone now! Make your day meaningful and fill it with knowledge about the history and culture of Silay City. Discovering the city's rich history through visiting this museum is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Make Silay City your next destination and let the beauty of our heritage inspire you.
That's all for tonight's blog, everyone. I'd really appreciate it if you could upvote, comment, and share my blog. Thank you so much, Hivers and have a fabulous night ahead!
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