SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Often referred to as the “cultural and intellectual hub” of the province, Silay City offers a captivating mix of history, heritage, and cuisine, making it a must-visit destination in Western Visayas.
Silay’s roots trace back to the migration of families from Iloilo, which eventually transformed the city into the center of the azucarera (sugar mill industry) in Negros Occidental.
“The sugar planters had the means to send their children to Europe. They saw beautiful architecture abroad, and when they returned, they replicated it,” explained Tourism Officer Gerle Sulmaca.
Top Cultural Spots in Silay
- Silay City Heritage Zone
Home to ancestral houses built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these structures are recognized as heritage houses by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Notable sites include:- Balay Negrense, also known as the Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House, built by the family of Frenchman Yves Leopold Germain Gaston.
- Hofileña Heritage House, established in 1934 by Manuel Severino Hofileña.
- Maria Ledesma Golez Heritage House
Once a family mansion, the structure now functions as a bank, showing how heritage buildings have been adapted for modern use. - Cinco De Noviembre Mark Point
A historic symbol of the Negrenses’ revolt against Spanish rule in 1898, located just steps away from the Hofileña house. - Farmacia Locsin
This pharmacy was a covert meeting place where revolutionaries planned their resistance against the Spanish colonizers. - San Diego Pro-Cathedral
Designed by Italian architect Lucio Bernasconi, the cathedral is one of the city’s most striking religious landmarks and a peaceful place for reflection.
A Taste of Silay’s Culinary Heritage
Many of Silay’s ancestral homes have been transformed into quaint eateries that serve traditional Silaynon dishes. Among them is the Cesar Lacson Locsin Ancestral House, now a bakery famed for:
- Piaya, a sweet flatbread
- Guapple pie, a signature creation by Alice Locsin Villanueva during the 1980s sugar crisis
“My great-grandfather, Cesar Locsin, started this as a home-based bakery in the 1920s,” said Mark Locsin, a descendant of the family.
Another culinary gem is the Soledad at Maria Montelibano Lacson Ancestral House. Also known for its empanadas made using a family recipe dating back to 1925.
From historic homes and revolutionary landmarks to family heirloom recipes. Silay City continues to preserve and celebrate its unique identity—a testament to its cultural richness and enduring charm.