Jun 14, 2014
Bacolod
On our third and last full day at Bacolod, we went to Silay to visit some ancestral homes. To get there, we went to the north bound terminal and rode a bus (15 PHP) headed to Victorias.We get off at Silay and rode a tricycle (8 PHP) to get to Balay Negrense which was home to the family of a sugar baron during the 19th century. It was nice to see antique appliances and furniture, which, according to our tour guide, were mostly donated by the townsfolk.
A few blocks away was Hofileña museum. While Balay Negrense seems to be the most famous among ancestral homes, I enjoyed touring Hofileña museum the most. Unlike the other ancestral homes, the owner of the house, Ramon Hofileña, a Silay icon, still lives there and there was a time when he was the who would welcome and tour the visitors.
During our visit, it was his assistant Edwin who guided us around the mansion. It was a lively tour - Edwin had a lot of gimmicks and jokes during his presentation of the 2-floor ancestral home and everything in it - century-old furniture, Ming dynasty jars, mementos and unique toys from Ramon's travels, and a collection of paintings by local and national artists in the second floor. There were paintings and sketches by Jose Rizal and Juan Luna, as well as one particular portrait of Ramon Hofileña which would explain why cameras were off-limits in the second floor.
There were also collections of movie and photography books, cassette tapes, DVDs of classic movies - some of those books and DVDs I also own. I actually share the same interests as Ramon. I even found an old music disc of 'Sound of Music' which I have watched a dozen times. I can actually live in this mansion.
We then rode a tricycle to bring us to Bernardino Jalandoni house, which is also known as the Pink house.
Before leaving Silay, we went to buy pasalubong at El Ideal. We also tried Guapple pie (45 PHP) which is not to be missed.
From Silay, we rode a bus to Talisay and rented a tricycle (250 PHP for the 3 of us) to bring us to the Ruins, a picturesque place that is now being used as a venue for weddings and other events. We were fortunate to catch the famous tour guide Ramon who provided a funny tour of the Ruins.
Back in Bacolod, we went back to Lacson street for dinner at Nenarose (another Chicken Inasal) and dessert at Calea (for the 3rd time).
Estimated expenses:
632 PHP - Air fare to Bacolod
786 PHP - Air fare to Manila150 PHP - Taxi fare to hotel (450 PHP/3 persons)
150 PHP - Taxi fare to aiport (450 PHP/3 persons)
1985 PHP - O Hotel (1985 PHP/night good for 3 persons)
50 PHP - Entrace fee to Mambukal
150 PHP - Entrance fee to Ancestral houses (50 PHP/ancestral house)
80 PHP - Entrance fee to the Ruins
80 PHP - Tricycle to the Ruins (250 PHP/3 persons/round trip)
200 PHP - Jeepney and bus fares
900 PHP - food ( 300 PHP/day)
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5,163 PHP
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