The Hofileña Ancestral House contains one of the Philippines finest and rarest art collections. Watching from outside of the house is an ordinary view but getting inside it makes one appreciates the skills of the Filipino ancestors. The ancestral home houses antiques belonging to Silay’s principal families, the Hofileña family. Among the paintings in its collection are works by Juan Luna, Jose Rizal and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. It was the venue of the first wood printing in Negros.
The house is owned by the charismatic and garrulous Ramon Hofileña. He is an untiring preserver of Negros Occidental’s cultural heritage. Be sure to book ahead of time so Ramon will tour you around the house and give you a glimpse of his historic arts and crafts collections.
The Hofileña Ancestral House is now considered as one of Silay’s public museums. Although not all can easily get inside the house, many people still choose to wait outside the house and expect someone to entertain them.
Hofileña Ancestral House
The ancestral home is also known as the Manuel Severino Holifena Ancestral House. This house became a heritage house in pursuant to the Board Resolution no. 3 dated April 6, 1993 of the National Historical Institute of the Philippines.
How to get there
The Hofileña Ancestral House is about 5 kilometers from the Bacolod-Silay Airport. Take a van (P50) or tricycle (P30-P50) going to Rizal St. where most of them stop near San Diego de Alcala Pro-Cathedral Church. Walk along Dr. Triño Montinola St. going northwest and about 3 blocks, more or less 200 meters away from the highway, you will reach the Cinco de Noviembre St. where the Cinco de Noviembre Negros Revolution was secretly planned. Take the road to your right and about 100 meters from the corner you will reach the house. For reservation and more information you can contact them at telephone number (+63)(34)495-4561.
If you want more information about Silay’s Attractions, you may visit Sen Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center in front of the City Hall about 100 meters before you reach the Hofileña Ancestral House.
Holifena Ancestral House Marker
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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.
This house reminds me so much of our ancestral house (Villanueva) in Bacolod City. It is an exact copy to the last detail. From the arched driveway, to the front staircase and the upper balcony. Even the paint coor was similar. It eventually went to My uncle, Primitivo “Primy” Villanueva until it was demolished in the 1990 to give way to a modern commercial building.
The collections sound truly rare; hope I get the chance to visit this place! Thanks so much for sharing.