Bacolod: Balay Negrense at Night

I know not most of Bacolod's tourists get to see Balay Negrense at this state, so I believe, even to the very last minute of our stay here in Bacolod, we were still blessed - blessed to see this place in its most dramatic and panoramic condition.

Balay Negrense which literally means House of Negrense is considered one of the greatest treasures Bacolod has. With its outstanding classical Filipino architectural design and wonderful story to tell, Balay Negrense is currently a home to Negros Cultural Foundation - a group of artistic Negrenses who repaired and refurnished the then abandoned mansion.

Previously owned by a Victor Fernandez Gaston, who was said to be a pioneer in sugarcane cultivation in the region, Balay Negrense was transformed into a museum last October 6, 1990. The first museum on the island of Negros.

With mostly period furniture and fixtures, Balay Negrense was opened to public to showcase the artistry of our fellow Negrense, arts, crafts and even pottery.

We really wanted to see this place on a regular day, unfortunately time didn't permit us, so we didn't get a chance to see its elegant interior. But still, thanks to our nice cab driver, Kuya Art, who drove us up here before dropping us off to the airport.

I really felt sad for not seeing the whole place, but I'm still kinda thankful because I got to take pictures of its dramatic look at night. We had a chance to talk to one of the in-house artists then, who shared these info about the place.

It is said that back then Balay Nagrense was considered a "bahay na bato" or house of stone, but as time goes by, with the reconstruction and all, the lower part is now made of concrete, while the upper part is made of wood topped with galvanized iron.

I noticed how the Filipino, Spanish and American influences blended nicely on this structure, so no wonder a lot or tourists fall in love with it.

And with its elevated  first story and nicely done garden, I cant help but to imagine how grand and how celebrated this place was back in the old days - Bacolod's beyond compare treasure indeed!

Happy rammmpa!