Did you know there’s a magical city in Negros Occidental called Silay that’s full of stories, old houses, yummy food, and cool history? Yup, it’s called the “cultural and intellectual hub” of the province—and here’s why even a 4th grader would love it!
How did Silay City become so special?
A long time ago, families from Iloilo moved to Silay and started building sugar mills. These sugar planters became rich enough to send their kids to Europe, and when they came back—they brought home amazing ideas for beautiful buildings!
5 FUN Things To Do in Silay!
1. 
Visit the Heritage Houses – Like a Real-Life Time Machine!
Silay has lots of old, fancy houses called heritage homes. Some were built over 100 years ago!
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Balay Negrense: Built by a Frenchman’s family, it was part of the sugar boom!
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Hofileña Heritage House: Built for love in 1934, and full of cool stuff inside.
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Some heritage houses now even have cafes or banks inside them!
2. 
Discover Silay’s Secret Past
Want to learn about brave people?
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At Cinco De Noviembre Mark Point, locals celebrated freedom from Spanish rule in 1898!
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Nearby, Farmacia Locsin is where heroes quietly planned their secret revolution.
3. 
Visit the Beautiful San Diego Pro-Cathedral
This isn’t just any church—it was designed by an Italian architect named Lucio Bernasconi. It’s a peaceful place to think, pray, or just enjoy the amazing design.
4. 
Try the Famous Guapple Pie – Yum!
Guapple pie is like apple pie but made with guavas! You can try this sweet treat at El Ideal Bakery, inside an old mansion.
It started way back in the 1920s by Cesar Locsin, and the guapple pie was created by his granddaughter during the sugar crisis in the 1980s.
5. 
Munch on Empanada from the 1920s!
At the Montelibano Lacson Ancestral House, you can try empanada made from their great grandma’s recipe from 1925. That’s almost 100 years of flavor!
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bag, bring your curious mind, and head to Silay City—it’s where history, culture, and tasty treats come together in one awesome adventure! 
