1. Hofileña's Museum
Location: Silay CityEntrance fee: Php60-80
One of the heritage houses in Silay, it is the home of Sir Ramon Hofileña, one of the nine children of the late Manuel Severino Hofileña. He is now 81 years old and he was so gracious enough to accommodate us and give us a tour even when it was already past closing time (5:00 pm).
He still remembers a lot, not only about the history of the house but of historical events. As we go from one corner to corner we get a part of a story of how an item like a furniture or antique bust came to be or atleast an experience with that certain object. There are so many things I can write about Sir Mon and his house that I have to create another separate blog. (watch out for it :) ) But yes, do visit his house and prepare to spend atleast a half day if you want a complete version of his stories. We had a limited time due to the fact it was getting late and he looked tired although he was enthusiastic until we left.
2. Balay ni Tana Dicang Museum
Location: Talisay CityEntrance fee: Php40-80
Yet another house to marvel, it wasn't just the furniture or the structure that made it interesting. It was the stories of the past regarding the household which adds more color to the place. For instance, while Tana Dicang was still alive, her guests were either served with a chocolate drink of thick consistency or thin consistency. Those that she favored were those served with thick consistency which was of course more delicious.
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| the grand living room |
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| first floor where it used to be garage of carriages, the room at the left is Tana Dicang's sewing room |
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| Tana Dicang was fond of symbols |
Her guests were not so-so as one photo reveals. She was seated in between President Manuel Quezon and Vice-president Sergio Osmeña.
Another funny tactic which Tana Dicang did was if she wanted to avoid accommodating guests, she would pass through a secret trapdoor below her bed leading to her sewing room on the first floor.
There's so much past stories in the house, you got to hear and see for yourself.
3. Negros Museum
Location: Bacolod CityEntrance fee: 40-100
Aside from the houses, the Museum also got its own items to showcase. Ranging from the pre-hispanic era to the European, American, Japanese era, there is a mark from every country which arrived at the Negros region. Here I got to know that Negros was named as such because of the Negritos who were the first people the Spaniards came across when they reached the island.
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| a predominant type of tiles imported from spain, the machuca can be seen in other Museums and old houses too. |
4. Bacolod City Hall (New Government Center)
Location: Bacolod CityTired of the old? Here's something new. The newly constructed city hall has a grand water fountain which is best viewed at night when the colorful lights are lit to accentuate the front of the structure.
5. Negros Farmers Weekend Market
Location: Bacolod City
This is the best place to taste different cuisine from restaurants and small-scale food business owners mostly using organic ingredients.
We were lucky they had an event earlier so many vendors were present. They only open on weekends though.
6. SM, San Sebastian Church, and BongBong's Delicacies
Location: Bacolod City
I put these three together because of their close proximity from each other. We shopped a bit for souvenirs at BongBongs and found out that piaya was more delicious when hot and freshly made. It was also my first time to try Napoleones and it was sooo delicious although it was overloaded with sugar.
Just across it is the plaza and the San Sebastian Church is a stone throw's away. SM is also a few meters away.
7. Calea Dessert shop
Location: Bacolod CityThe most enticing bakeshop I have ever entered! They have imported chocolate cake, cheesecakes, ice cream cakes and pastries such as cream puffs. This place was recommended by a friend who is from Bacolod. We took her advise on getting the chocolate cake and cream puff. They definitely did not disappoint.
We wanted to taste as much as we could so we got a bit of some of their bestsellers. Yum!
8. The Ruins
Location: Talisay CityEntrance fee: 20 - 40
A visit to Negros Occidental is never complete without setting foot in the famous Ruins. Just a few minutes drive from the airport, the Ruins is one place where you'll get an eyeful from the lush well-maintained lawn to the structure itself.
The original fountain was also preserved. Our tour guide named James was hilarious. He delivered the tour with everyone including me laughing our heads off at every stop.
9. Bacolod Inasal at Chicken Deli and Ading's Pala-pala
Location: Bacolod CityWe definitely had to taste the original bacolod inasal. It was very much similar to the famous Mang Inasal we have back home but I can tell there was something different but equally delicious.
Ading's Pala-pala is a great place to get seafood. And I mean fresh seafood. They have an area where you choose which seafood you want from those on display and how many kilograms and how do you want it served. They can cook it by grilling, baking, saute or soup. It reminded me of the seafood market we visited in Sabah. We ordered grilled scallops, fish sinigang, grilled salmon and shrimps. Its best to be there before noon to avoid the crowd.
10. OISCA Negros Silk Center
Location: Bago CityThe silk center is where you can get to see how silk is made from silk worms. You'll get to see the machines and some manual tedious process to create one of the most expensive fabric.
I have included a map to give an idea on where these places are. There are still other destinations yet to be explored. I can't wait to get back if I have another chance.
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