Silay City: Old But still Glorious
Posted by on April 29, 2008
When the proposed itinerary for my Bacolod-Guimaras trip was still in the drawing board, I made sure that the trip to Silay should not be missed. Although this is not my first time to be in this old but still glorious city, this is my first time to be here with some friends.
Silay City is just a 15-minute drive north of Bacolod in Negros Occidental Philippines. Silay has been known for the longest time as the Paris of Negros. The moniker started during the boom of the sugar industry. During this time world class entertainers from other countries as well as from Manila would sometime go to the Negros province to perform.
No, they will not perform at the provincial capital Bacolod City, but in nearby Silay City. Silay has been a host to a lot of shows like vaudeville, zarzuela, folk dances, dramas and all other forms of entertainment.
And the clans behind the boom of the sugar industry has built their palatial mansions in Silay. The father of the Negros Sugar Industry, Frenchman Germain Gaston has built his house in Silay in what is now known as the Balay Negrense.
Many people would even compare Silay to Vigan. Only that the former no longer has the cobblestone streets, and yet is still has the most number of heritage houses declared by the National Historical Institute. The old houses in Silay evokes this unique feeling of something old yet very graceful.
Many of these houses are already transformed into museums, while some others are converted into a commercial shop. And what is so good about travel to Silay is that most of these houses are just adjacent to each other.
Gawd, the “Ang Dating Daan” sign is such an eyesore.
Been to Bacolod about 40 years ago and still have very nice memories of my stay. Have been trying to locate a place or house that I stayed at known as Hacienda Candagit (not sure if it’s spelled right). Any idea about that place? Would like to check it out again if possible.
Manny
I booked my flight last July 30, 2008 for my trip to Silay this coming All Saint’s & Souls Day. It’s actually my first time to go home on a plane. I normally enjoy an 8 to 9 hour bus ride from Cebu. It is a long and tiring trip, but once I reach Silay, the clean air and the classic ambiance of the city is therapeutic. Far from the hassle & buzzle of Mactan & Cebu.