Balay Negrense

Among the attractions of the towns of Negros Occidental are the many old house that have been recognized as heritage houses. We were able to go to what is probably the most popular one in Negros located in Silay City - Balay Negrense. It is the ancestral house of Victor Fernandez Gaston recognized  by the National Historical Institute in 1994 as a heritage house. It is well-preserved and is visited by a lot of people including school children who get to appreciate history and how people lived back in the day. I guess the house also provides us not only with a sense of history but also ideas regarding architecture that is suitable for our tropical climate.

Following are photos taken during our side trip to Silay City on February Friday in 2012.

A view of the house from the driveway

Historical marker

Ground floor living area/reception area

Antique chairs that seem to be for the patriarch and matriarch of the house

Antique telephone and electric fan

Living area on the second floor located central among the rooms

China and other dinner ware at the kitchen area

Typical altar, tocador and pillow/blanket shelf in the Master's bedroom

Four-post bed at the Master's bedroom

Posing at one of the windows showing the classic shutters that slide into place - (note: some windows of these types of houses have capiz shells or stained glass)

The large windows and the veranda provide adequate ventilation for the house.

An old record player

Other antique items including an old radio and typewriters

Shelf with old books integrated with a writing table near a doorway. All the rooms were accessible through doors going through each along either side of the house.

Typical single bed in one of the rooms on the second floor - the single females' rooms are upstairs while the bachelors' rooms are downstairs.

Posing beside a motorized/pedalized bicycle

Front shot of Balay Negrense from across the street

Another view of the house

Such houses in Silay City remind me of the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. These examples show us that it is possible to preserve such structures for the younger and next generations to have an appreciation of their history and heritage. Sadly, there are many other cities and towns around the country that have yet to act on their own heritage sites, which should be considered treasures. Of course, there is the issue of limited resources for such activities. But then, even small steps and contributions will go a long way to preserve what we have considering the perception that we are a people without a sense of history. That is, perhaps, one of the reasons why we continue to stumble towards the future.

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