The Hofileña Heritage House is one of the most important treasures of Silay City, Negros Occidental, then known as the “Paris of Negros.” This house is not just a simple residence; it serves as a repository of precious artefacts and memories from the past.
Built in 1934, this house was built by Manuel Severino Hofileña for his wife Gilda Hojilla, a former Miss Silay, and their nine children. The "stone house" reflects the style of houses in Silay during the 19th to 20th centuries. Its design portrays the elegance of the era while remaining practical for the Philippine climate.
Inside the Hofileña Heritage House is located a wonderful art collection. It includes the works of Juan Luna, Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala, and Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab). A featured work that I am very amazed by is the sketch of Jose Rizal when he was still studying. It is impressive to think that the national hero is not only good at writing, but also at drawing.
The Art and Clan of the Hofileña
Not only the house is full of art, but also the Hofileña family. Their members are known in various fields of art, from music to theater. Mr. Mon Hofileña, the current caretaker of the house, is a relative of 80's matinee idol Rey PJ Abellana, who is the father of actress Carla Abellana. Such a connection shows the continued flourishing of talent in the family.
Things to Know Before Visiting
How to Get to Hofileña Heritage House
From Bacolod City, it is easy to get to Silay City using a private vehicle or public transportation. It's a short drive that's well worth it because of the wealth of history and art that awaits.
Tickets and Fees
The entrance fee for adults is PhP60, while students have a discount and pay only PhP30.
Best Time to Visit
Although the Hofileña Heritage House is open year-round, a summer visit from December to May is recommended to better explore Silay City and other parts of Negros Occidental.
The Visit: A Journey into the Past
Entering the Hofileña Heritage House is like walking back in time. As I walked around the house, I seemed to feel the pulse of history in every corner. Every painting, every tool, and every detail has a story. Seeing Rizal's sketch gave me a strange admiration. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pics of those masterpieces. It's not just an art; this is proof of our hero's talent that was rooted in his youth.
Here's another interesting thing I discovered while touring the Hofileña Heritage House. Inside the house, there are dishes or plates that according to the museum guide were allegedly used as containers for the tears of women who mourn or cry at Chinese funerals, according to a folk belief. They have become part of Chinese tradition and culture. I also remembered the movie Crying Ladies in 2003, which featured the story of three women crying on the hills as part of the ceremony. Such detail gave a deeper context and unique charm to my visit to the heritage house.
When I left the house, it left an unforgettable impression. The Hofileña Heritage House is not just an attraction; it is a treasure that reminds us of our rich history and culture.
Tips For Travelers
Plan Time: Make sure to go early to avoid the heat of the sun and have time for other places in Silay.
Bring a Camera: You won't want to miss the beautiful views and details of the home.
Be Respectful: Remember this is a heritage house; maintain order and avoid anything disruptive.
The Hofileña Heritage House is a gem that every Filipino should explore. It is a reminder of how rich our history is and how deep our ancestors' love for art and culture is. If you happen to be in Silay City, don't forget to include it in your itinerary. At Hofileña Heritage House, you can feel the past, experience art, and better understand the importance of our heritage.
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Woooww, ancestral houses are such a gem! The tour guides and owners even let you touch things to let you have an immersive experience. Thank you for sharing this, @roseandshine! Will add this to my bucket list, hopefully I can travel to Negros Occ someday.
You're absolutely right, ancestral houses truly are treasures! I'm glad you enjoyed my post, and I'm even more thrilled that you're considering visiting Negros Occ. It's such a beautiful place with so much history and charm. I hope you get to experience the immersive tours soon; you'll love it! 😊✨
The Hofileña Heritage House sounds like an incredible place, full of history and art. Thanks for sharing feeem!♥️
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my post! 🥰 The Hofileña Heritage House truly is a treasure trove of history and art; I'm so glad I could share its charm with you! ♥️
Wow, what a classic architecture, truly a masterpiece and the displays are worth my sight. Thank you for sharing this @roseandshine.💗
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the glimpse of the museum’s beauty and charm. It truly is a treasure trove of history and artistry. 💗
Have a nice day my friend
thanks!
Ka niceeee diha it's always been a wonderful experience nga magmuseum visit. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
indeed miss, it's truly fulfilling having learned something
Oy dba ka, you know I'm fond of historical chinese stories and yes, when there's a funeral, they hire people to cry as part of the ceremony back then.
yes! i found out it's also here in PH, the Chinese community, they hire cry ladies to mourn for the funeral 😳
I like studying about culture and such👏🏻
I like studying with you too!
Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2400.
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thank you! 😻
You are very welcome @roseandshine! it was well deserved. ☀️
Keep up the great work 💪
Silay City in Negros Occidental indeed is known for its several ancestral houses that are worth visiting, I wanna go back there @roseandshine 😻
same feels!
The unique cultural details, like the plates used during Chinese funerals, add an extra layer of depth to the experience.
precisely 😊