Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: house (36) tour (33) history (24) guide (23) owner (18) visit (12) Ramon (11) Hofile (10) time (9) museum (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Norman Giovanni G. 4 years ago on Google • 259 reviews
    Out of the Silay City Heritage Tour, the tour guide of Hofileña Ancestral House is simply the best. We had a great time with the tour guide. The smallest of the three museum but with a great story teller is the main difference in enjoying the tour. We will definitely be back for another tour next time!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaoru T. 1 year ago on Google
    The guide gave a very entertaining tour of the house, and insights to the past as well.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adrienne Cherie R. 4 months ago on Google • 160 reviews
    Museum about the family, not the general area. Not what I expected but still pretty cool. I had hoped to learn more about the history of the local area. We ended up here when our first choice was under renovations. The guide is a son of the original owners and therefore has a lot of knowledge. There was hardly any broad history. Instead the tour was almost entirely focused on his older brother who had a very notable life.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna Gellina S. 2 months ago on Google • 78 reviews New
    There's a Php 70.00 entrance fee per visitor (if I remember correctly). Went here more than a decade ago with my family so I wanted to pay a visit for old time's sake. I really appreciate the guided walking tour, it sets the bar for other museums in the area. It had a nice mix of history, intrigue, and humor. Having someone there to tell you the story behind pieces in the house gives a more personal insight into the lives of the Hofilena clan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PJ Rigel F. 4 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    Its unfortunate that is closed when we visited. Hopefully we can go in the next time we visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Francie G. 5 years ago on Google
    On the outside it doesn't look much and even looks a bit rundown. Inside, you are on the ground floor where the carriages arrive and at the back are the servants quarters, it can look gloomy since not all entrances are opened. On the second floor is the main living area, dining area, kitchen & rooms, this arrangement is common with Spanish-Filipino houses. The whole house is maintained but is lacking financial reinforcement to fully restore it to its former glory. The volunteer guides are dressed up in traditional dresses, they are friendly and offer you native fans to beat the heat away. Overall, it was a nice experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Estaniel S. 3 years ago on Google
    Not sure why would anyone rate this lower than 5 stars. Anyways we went there march 12,2020 with no idea about the house (it was recommended on some itinerary online) already lunch time as well but they still generously gave us our little tour. Looking from the outside, the place seems like any ordinary house that you'll come across in this city, probably from sometime of the year 1940ish(guesstimate) but you'll be surprise at how full the house is with different antiques, personal collections, paintings and such. If I can describe the experience, it's like using a time machine and going back during those time where Espanyol are still prevalent. The real treat was the old man Ramon Hofileña, our personal tour guide that day and the wait for it owner of the house, who at his age(will not disclose) is still full of life in him, sad that he may not be able to write all those knowledge he had on a book so the next generation would know that a great man once live on silay. Got sidetracked again, as for the review, do visit the place, I highly recommend at least go there when you are in bacolod or silay city. Even if your not a history buff, there is a lot to appreciate in this house, the owner and all his stories. You'll appreciate things you never thought you'd appreciate like arts and history. Believe me, I did, not a fan of history back when I was at high school but really enjoyed the short time we had on this house. Really worth visit, I can express it on words you just have to go their to experience first hand.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roma I. 7 years ago on Google
    Amazing artwork collection, too bad we cant take pictures on the second floor. I definitely recommend this ancestral house. Visit the house when your around the area, i swear you won't regret it. I'd come back when i can.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aileen G. 10 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    The 1930s designed house is well-kept/maintained. Visit for the various priceless art pieces. Entrance is at 70 pesos.

  • 4/5 Ayn S. 7 years ago on Google • 94 reviews
    Our tour here was memorable, very informative. I personally loved the tektites - world's most fabulous gem - wished there were some available for sale. Also, the cool painting collection of the owner, including the nude ones, haha! And too bad we couldn't take pictures of the paintings. I also found amazing the Japanese wooden dolls smaller than a grain of rice, traditional print making, ancient ming dynasty jars... Bought a postcard here too with the owner's autograph...cool 😍

  • 4/5 Herminigildo P. 11 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Mets it's second generation owner, guided me and toured around and discuses its history, the arts and its owner and painter and many more. Painting displayed at the second floor can't be photod, it's for your eye only......

  • 5/5 Valerie L. 3 years ago on Google
    I thought it was wonderfully curated and that it was nice to see Ramon opening his home for guests to wander around and see a piece of Silay history. I enjoyed seeing the collection of art and artifacts he's collected on his world travels.

  • 5/5 Eulogio E. 6 years ago on Google
    Mon Hofileña is a well-versed historian and listening to him explain the history of the city and how his ancestors lived a lavish lifestyle makes you stay much longer than expected. He has a good number of paintings from famous Filipino artists.

  • 5/5 Yasmin Francesca T. 2 years ago on Google
    Educational, the owner has a collection of paintings from obscure and famous artists, alongside antiques

  • 5/5 Lorenzo E. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum is full of art and family antiques.. You will really love to visit it, the owner is also very courteos.

  • 5/5 Mr Beard's R. 4 years ago on Google
    I love it.

  • 3/5 Jay S. 4 years ago on Google
    House is well preserved and the guide was courteous. Although the place isnt as well organized or put together as the Hofilena and Balay Negrense Museums

  • 5/5 alma l. 4 years ago on Google
    you would love to imagine life during those times..

  • 3/5 Seung Ji L. 5 years ago on Google
    It was not as big as the other houses and it seemed like they just put all the old things in that house. Although it would give you that nostalgic feeling, the place won't give you much of satisfaction. I recommend they improve their souvenir shop to attract more patrons. The place was already gloomy from the beginning so it won't harm maybe if they put something interesting to their patrons.

  • 4/5 Robert Julian R. 4 years ago on Google
    Good house to visit aside from Negrense. There are a lot of pictures on the lower ground. Good story about the owner too.

  • 4/5 Mariel B. 5 years ago on Google
    local museums need our support! kudos to the owner of Bernardino Jalandoni Museum for making us appreciate our culture and history!

  • 3/5 Robert D. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum is just starting to be restored. It is in it's original form and looks a bit in disrepair. Even the tour guide is not that confident about the history of the house. I hope they get their act together soon.

  • 5/5 Mel de G. 6 years ago on Google
    Last of the historical houses we visited in the Silay Area. This one is a must go for art afficionados as there are a lot of artwork on display here. From old ukiyo-e wood block prints, Jose Rizal drawings, a lot of Manansalas, Amorsolos and a brilliant unkown artist Judit. Even boasts a painting that I had mistaken for a Warhol at first glance.

  • 5/5 Carlos R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice historical place. The owner was also our tour guide with alot of information about the home's history. Entrance fee is reasonable but also be courteous to tip them for the guided tour. Very nice people. If you're into places like this then visit this one if you're in town. It's worth it.

  • 5/5 Jessica F. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite! Arriving in the museum, we were immediately welcomed by this bubbly and amazing curator. I must say that even with his old age his charisma captured everyone's attention in the room. I was indeed impressed! He guide us around the house of which he spend his early years. It houses interesting collections and one of which is the smallest doll recoded in the history. Isn't that amazing? It is very small that you need a magnifying glass to see it! Numerous paintings of famous artists in the country can also be found. P.S. I only realized that the charismatic person who welcomed and guide us around is Mr. Ramon Hofilena. There's no doubt that he was a model in the 80's. I am indeed honored to have met him.

  • 5/5 Mark Henriko S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the three Ancestral House that was opened to the public as a museum, among the three, I rank this as number one. It houses a collection of art pieces from known artists down to the unknown, it also features the smallest dolls I have seen and the printing process. The tour inside the house done by the heir of the owner, Ramon Hofileña but too bad, he passed away July 29, 2021. I hope, someone can continue his works and legacy and ofcourse, how house tour.

  • 5/5 Michelle L. 5 years ago on Google
    So many great stories and antiques!

  • 5/5 Dorell J. 4 years ago on Google
    I just had the best history tour of my life. Definitely must see place in Silay. The house is full of collections from great national artists, old antiques, and the homeowner who does the tour will surely pique your interest and will leave no dull moment making the experience superb awesome. Hoping to see the book the owner will write.

  • 5/5 Rona S. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is worth-sharing to others. The smallest doll in the world can be found here in this museum. Great antique stuffs, old furniture, and throwback pictures were just a few to discover. There are dozens of things you can see here. A funny yet joyful tour guide will lead you through the entire house alongside of talking about some histories about everything in the house. :D

  • 5/5 Pao S. 1 year ago on Google
    Best tour guide experience, and there is so much history inside

  • 5/5 Michael K. 1 year ago on Google
    Buitiful building with an amazing family background to it. Lots of items collected through the years and a beautiful art collection upstairs! The tour guide was full of knowledge, also very friendly and funny.

  • 3/5 Azella Sophia D. 1 year ago on Google
    The owner seems to be unfriendly and rude. We asked the tour guide if it's possible to look inside earlier than our appointment because they have no other visitors anyway, but we weren't even greeted and properly accommodated. Plus we have to rush our time inside. Place is full of artifacts and history is evident in what was displayed. Just don't like the service.

  • 5/5 Jay J. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a very nice tour, good guide, very nice artwork. Nice grounds. Nice to see they were maintaing the property.

  • 5/5 En R. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this house. The caretakers and guide are so friendly. They will explain to each history of every single thing you'll see in the house.

  • 5/5 Pablo Y. 3 months ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    Señor Hofileña provided an excellent, intimate tour of his family's history and collections, as well as the broader Paris of Negros- Silay, Negros Occidental. The art collection included painting and sculpture from notable national artists as well as Goya prints.

  • 5/5 Kaye A. 3 years ago on Google
    Tried to visit ancestral houses in Silay, unfortunately, I visited on a wrong day. Monday. Museums are closed. Same with all the ancestral houses in Talisay. But the architecture is magnificent. You can really tell that it has a lot of history by just looking at it.

  • 5/5 Jason T. 4 years ago on Google
    A must visit place. My favorite museum in Silay.

  • 5/5 ginno v. 4 years ago on Google
    Simply the best

  • 5/5 Ging R. 4 years ago on Google
    very interesting place. A must visit place. try touching the black rocks. they really bring good luck!

  • 4/5 Penny C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's okay

  • 3/5 Jessie A. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 5/5 Antonio Cachuela j. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) House negrense (Original) Balay negrense

  • 5/5 Peter p. 4 years ago on Google
    My home town

  • 5/5 angela h. 4 years ago on Google
    educational and place is heart warming

  • 5/5 st rose t. 5 years ago on Google
    Good art works

  • 3/5 Alex 4 years ago on Google
    Closed at 11:50 for lunch till 2 so I wasn't able to see inside

  • 5/5 Jimnel A. 5 years ago on Google
    I like first to give a very good commendation to the tour guide of this beautiful house although unfortunately I forgot his name (my apologies) but I will never forget his energy and enthusiasm making this whole tour memorable and enjoyable.. learned a lot of interesting things and facts... especially about the owner of the house and also able to witness some out of this world artifacts :) love the mariposa chair/sofa :)

  • 5/5 Gilbert N. 4 years ago on Google
    The place that shaped me who I am today .. Forever thankful to the man of the house Mr. Ramon H. Hofileña...

  • 5/5 Elvin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Having a tour guide made the tour experience so much better. The house has really cool collections and is well-maintained

  • 5/5 Andreamphetamine 4 years ago on Google
    Best for people who love the arts. 👌👌👌

  • 5/5 Mommy Sigrid: Lovingly M. 5 years ago on Google
    We visited the Hofilena Museum with the Bacolod Homeschoolers. It a small and simple museum gave us a glimpse of the life of the past. We learned about their lifestyles. They offer a guided tour. Entrance fee is cheap. We were also lucky to have met one of their descendants, Mr. Ramon Hofilena, who lives in that house.

  • 4/5 T M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly accommodating host (homeowner). Lot's of 'old/antique stuff'. Wish we had more time to really check out the items displayed.

  • 5/5 Angel O. 6 years ago on Google
    Our favorite tour guide is the owner himself. :) It is the best place to go to if you want to hear a good piece of history (the truth) that was taken away from the Filipinos. Mr. Hofilena is a great tour guide of his own ancestral home. You will love it here. A great piece of collection. The paintings are just awesome and you will find some of Jose Rizal's work here.

  • 5/5 Jaybon R. S. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Thank you Sir Ramon! (Original) Salamat po Sir Ramon!

  • 5/5 JAMES B. 5 years ago on Google
    The house is so rich in his history. Considering the tour guide is the owner of the house (original owner)

  • 5/5 Attila S. 5 years ago on Google
    Historical places and family descendant.

  • 5/5 Norman A. 5 years ago on Google
    Fantastic and interesting with a brilliant host. A must see for anyone interested in history. Great value.

  • 5/5 dominique m. 5 years ago on Google
    An incredible moment with Mr.Ramon Hofileña who makes the visit with us.We were only 2.The house is peacefull and Mr.Hofileña very interesting .The most incredible for me was the smallest object in the world. If you want to see it, go in his home...The most incredible was that we were january the 31 st it was my birthday si I as him to make a picture with him and he tells me that it was his birthday too and a young man who was there tells us it was his birthday to !! !We were 3 peoples bien a january 31st! A good memory 😊🥂🍰

  • 5/5 Franny G. 5 years ago on Google
    The history of the house and what's inside is just awesome. The artworks are amazing and very well preserved.

  • 5/5 Tony P. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) May ahh (Original) Mayo ahh

  • 3/5 Carolyn L. 5 years ago on Google
    Landmark of history.

  • 5/5 Johsua Paul A. 5 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place

  • 5/5 Romel B. 5 years ago on Google
    The highlight of the museum is the owner of the house, Ramon Hofileña. He will tell interesting stories about the house, artifacts, his relatives and anything under the sun.

  • 4/5 Joan of A. 5 years ago on Google
    Must visit. Try to have Ramon Hofileña as your tour guide.

  • 3/5 Angela K. 6 years ago on Google
    It has many art collections

  • 4/5 Cristina B. 6 years ago on Google
    Interesting tour of the house, artifacts and the guide himself. Lots of paintings and things to see and stories to hear.

  • 3/5 Joseph Anthony Tinsay A. 6 years ago on Google
    Place is highly historical. Best for tourist and travellers.

  • 4/5 Cherry Lyn R. 6 years ago on Google
    heritage house on the outside. but when you get inside, surprise! there are tons of paintings on collection by the homeowner, most of them works of filipino national artists. unexpected.


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  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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