Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House (Balay Negrense) in Silay

Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House or popularly known as Balay Negrense (Negrense House) is a heritage house turned museum owned by the family of Victor F. Gaston, a 19th-century Negrense sugar baron and son of one of the pioneers of sugarcane cultivation, in Silay City in the province of Negros Occidental, the Philippines. Because of its cultural, architectural, and/or historical significance, it is one of the recognized and declared heritage houses of the Philippines by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

I went here at 4:22 p.m. on August 29, 2013 with my old office mates, Chenie and Lindsay. This was during our Silay Heritage Walk in Negros Occidental, the 24th province on my list.

Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House

Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House was declared as a heritage house pursuant to board resolution No. 1 dated March 8, 1994 of the NHCP. A NHCP marker can be found just outside the front door of the house.

Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House Marker

First Museum in Negros Occidental

Balay Negrense is widely considered as the first museum to be established in the province of Negros Occidental, officially inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Balay Negrense

How to get to Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House

From Bacolod-Silay International Airport, go outside the airport’s main gate (it’s to your left if you exit the arrival area) to ride a tricycle (Php10-15) going to Silay downtown and walk your way to the house.

From Bacolod Ferry Terminal, ride a jeepney going to Bacolod North Terminal (Php 8) then ride a Ceres bus going to Victorias, tell the driver to drop you off at Silay (Php 15) and walk your way to the house.