Before I return home to Cebu, I thought I'd make the most of my last day in Silay City by visiting one of the most famous ancestral houses here: the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum. It's only a few minutes away from the church and town square, so it's perfect to visit before returning to the reality of the busy city.
For only 30 pesos, you have a tour guide who will explain all the details inside. On the first floor, two old carriages and a souvenir shop can be found near the wooden staircase that leads to the second floor. This ground floor used to be used as a warehouse and garage, so there were wide doors to allow their carriages to enter without hindrance.
When I went up, I was immediately greeted by a grand receiving area that seemed to be designed for important guests. I immediately noticed the hundred-year-old Steinway piano, which according to the tour guide, is still in use today. The unica hija of the Jalandoni family herself used to play the piano for the guests. It must have been fun, right? A family gathered in front of a majestic chandelier, while listening to music from their daughter. According to the tour guide, the unica hija of the Jalandoni family used to play the piano herself to entertain their guests. Imagine that: a home full of music and culture, where guests are welcomed not only with delicious food but also with beautiful tunes from a classical instrument.
Around, you can also see gramophone, old telephone, sewing machine, and some paintings. Inside the rooms, you can see four post beds, chamber pots, and a birthing chair; items that were proof of their then luxurious lifestyle.
In the kitchen, I saw a very interesting tool: a prinsa de paa at prinsa de mano. Back then, it was used to iron clothes. There were no electric irons back then, so they used a round iron that was heated before being ironed on the fabric. I thought, it must have been very difficult, but that's how life used to be: simple but full of perseverance.
One of the things I will never forget is their ice box. Back then, the ice still came from Massachusetts, USA. Very expensive, almost P5000 per kilo if converted to today's value! That means, if you had ice at home then, you were very rich. Now, just a tap on the fridge, you have ice, but back then, it was a treasure.
It's a shame I didn't get many photos of the artifacts inside. There are so many great things I want to document, but unfortunately I ran out of phone storage. I just stared at every corner of the house, trying to remember every detail. But maybe that's even better. Sometimes, experiencing history is more important than simply photographing it. 😭
One of the best parts of the house I noticed was the large windows with Capiz shells. It's not just beautiful, but actually functional; it lets in better light, and it's also better ventilated. Since then, Filipinos have been really smart when it comes to house design.
If you are in Silay City, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum. It's close to the church and town square, so just a short walk, you'll be there. At only P30, it's well worth your visit. And it's not just any old house you'll find here, it's a house that contains history, culture, and memories of a time we'll never get to experience again.
Visiting the Jalandoni Museum is like touching a piece of the past, a glimpse into the lives of Filipinos who once lived under chandeliers and the sound of the piano. This is a reminder of our history, of our identity as Filipinos.
And most of all, a reminder that the past should not be forgotten but should be cherished, visited, and celebrated.