Balay Negrense is just one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Its name is a Hiligaynon phrase; Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros and Balay or a House.
THE HISTORY: It is a century old house in Silay City which was owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 to 1901, then abandoned in the mid-1970’s, repaired by the government and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990.
The structure of this house is another example of an art with American colonial influences. The lower part of the house is made up of concrete, foundation posts and the floor boards are from the trunks of Balayong tree while the second floor is made up of wood with galvanized iron for the roof. On this street, Cinco de Noviembre can also be found, click the yellow highlight for more photo and information.
HOW TO GET TO BALAY NEGRENSE: | From the airport, take a long walk going to the main gate, then take a tricycle going to the highway (BDO) for 60 pesos and then take a tricycle going to Cinco de Noviembre (8pesos). You can also walk on the street beside BDO, it’s a long walk but then good thing that you can see more old houses while on the way.