Balay Negrense (Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House) | Bacolod

Balay Negrense, also known as the Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House, is a late 19th-century museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental. It is the first museum established in the province and serves as a primary example of a bahay-na-bato (house of stone) modified for the local sugar-baron lifestyle.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-story mansion featuring a lower floor made of stone and an upper floor constructed from indigenous hardwoods like balayong. It is characterized by its large capiz shell windows and wide eaves. The interior features high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and a grand staircase. The house is furnished with authentic period pieces, including Victorian-style furniture, vintage kitchenware, and family memorabilia.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Access: Located approximately 14 kilometers north of Bacolod City and 4 kilometers from the Bacolod-Silay International Airport.

Transport: Reachable via "Silay" or "Victorias" bound jeepneys from Bacolod, or by private vehicle and tricycle within Silay.

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00. Closed on Mondays.

Fees: Entrance fees are approximately PHP 60 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built in 1897, the house was the residence of Victor Fernandez Gaston, a pioneer in the sugar industry. After his death, the house fell into disrepair until it was donated to the Negros Cultural Foundation and restored in the 1980s. In 1994, the National Historical Institute declared it a Heritage House. The construction materials-locally sourced stone and timber-reflect the natural resources available in the Negros region during the Spanish colonial era.

Key Highlights & Activities

Period Exhibits: Viewing original 19th-century household items, including an old-fashioned telephone, a wood-burning stove, and antique clothing.

Grand Ballroom: The upper floor features a spacious social hall once used for high-society gatherings.

Garden Walk: The perimeter features a well-kept garden with century-old trees.

Heritage Tour: Guides provide detailed accounts of the Gaston family’s influence and the social history of Silay, often referred to as the "Paris of the Orient."

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes a reception area, restrooms, and a guest book for visitors.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are strong.

Accessibility: Access to the second floor is via a steep wooden staircase, which may be difficult for individuals with limited mobility.

Best Time to Visit

The morning (09:00–11:00) is the best time for a quieter experience. It is a popular destination during the Cinco de Noviembre celebrations in Silay.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that the house has 12 bedrooms to accommodate the Gaston family’s 12 children. Locally, the house is said to be "well-preserved," and visitors often remark on the cool indoor temperature provided by the high ceilings and ventilation slits (ventanillas) beneath the windows.

Nearby Landmarks

Bacolod-Silay International Airport – 4.0km East

Bernardino Jalandoni Museum – 0.4km South

San Diego Pro-Cathedral – 0.5km South

The Negros Museum – 15.0km South