Known by many locals as the “Pink House”, the Don Bernardino Jalandoni Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental is one of the many National Historical Landmarks in the region. Declared by the National Historical Institute as a historical site in November 6, 1993, the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It certainly gives you a glimpse of the past.
Don Bernardino Jalandoni’s Favorite Area
Built by Don Bernardino Jalandoni and DoƱa Ysabel Lopez Ledesma, who were formerly from Jaro, Iloilo City, in 1908, the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum along Rizal Street depicts the typical opulent houses during the early 20th century. It is a two-storey house, surrounded by other heritage houses in the area. The portion of the street in front of the pink house is narrower than the rest of the National Highway because a Silaynon group fought for the preservation of the legacy houses when a road development project endangered to destroy these old structures.
The care and maintenance of the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum is under the Silay Heritage Foundation, Inc. It is frequently used as a place for artistic, cultural and education proceedings.
The design of the Jalandoni House is based from the structure of a typical nipa hut in the Philippines although it is larger in scale. The house is made of balayong, a hardwood that had to be shipped by the Jalandonis from Mindoro. In its interiors, the ceiling is made of embossed steel trays that were brought from Hamburg, Germany. The wooden transoms are cut out style or callado that infuses complicated French design. Capiz shells are used in the large window panels for better lighting, ventilation and security.
Old Steinway Piano
Because the ground floor served as a garage, an old carriage used by the family is on display. Photos of Silay City in the 1900s can be found in the area as well. Amazingly, there are quite a good number of Barbies and Kens used as miniature models of known personalities including Presidents of the Philippines. Some impressive artworks and old items can also be found in the bottom floor. At the second floor, a more remarkable and historical view awaits the visitor. You will instantly travel back to the past upon seeing the memorabilia left by the family. The old piano, analog phone, grandfather’s clock, intricate bed, sewing machine and chairs made of hardwood are the notable things found inside the family’s living room and bedroom.
For those who want a guided tour inside the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum, Jorge R. Po is a good person to approach. He is a curator and tour guide, who works for the Silay Heritage Foundation. Most of the time he stays at the ground floor of the house, waiting for guests to visit the place.
How to get there
Considered as a well-known landmark, the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum is located along the main highway of Silay City, just a few meters from the impressive San Diego de Alcala Pro-Cathedral Church. From the Bacolod-Silay Airport, take the only road that leads to the National Highway by Taxi or by Tricycle and tell the driver not to take any turns and drop you at Lacson Ancestral House, another historical house in Silay. Walk about 300-meters going north to reach the Jalandoni Museum. You can walk around the city, especially along the main road, as there are plenty of historical houses in the area. You will surely appreciate the beauty of Silay and have a glimpse of what it is like to live in the past.
Address: Brgy. II, Rizal St, Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Contact Number: +63 34 495 5093
Area for drinking
Artworks and photos of Personalities
Barbies and Kens as Miniatures
Bedroom at Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
Bedroom of the daughter
Benigno Aquino and Corazon Aquino
Big table surrounded with dolls
Birthing Chair
Chandelier and Ceiling
Coffee Beans
Different Filipino Costumes using dolls
Dining Table at Don Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
Don Mark
Family Portrait
Favorite items of Don Jalandoni
Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Romualdez
Floor Mat
Gallinera – Two Seater from the 1900
Grandfather’s Clock
Holifena Ancestral House
Imelda Marcos Dolls
Jesus Christ Sculpture
Mother Mary
Muller Maclean & Co Metal Logo
Museum Shop
Old Analog Phone
Old books for reference
Old Carriage
Old Chinise Porcelains in a CabineOld Chinise Porcelains in a Cabinett
Old Filtered Container from Germany
Old Glasses and Teapots
Old miniature carraige and old books
Old photos
Old Safes
Old Sewing Machine
Personal Storage and Study Area
Personalities during the Cory Presidency
Photo of the Cathedral before renovation
Photos of old houses in Silay
Photos of the Don and DoƱa
Plant outside the house
Prayer Area
Radio and Encyclopedias of the Jalandoni Family
Silay Personalities
Statue of Mary on a Carriage
Table with gas lamps
The Coffee and Tea Table
The Dining Room of the Jalandonis
The Harp
The living room for family gathering
The Pottery
The Work Area
Tour Guide Jorge Po explaning the photos
Violin and Music Player
Wooden Art
Bedroom at Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
