The Hofileña Ancestral House on Cinco de Noviembre Street is different from the other heritage houses in Silay because it functions as much as a private art gallery as a historic home. The family has accumulated one of the most important private collections of Philippine fine art in the country, spanning the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Visits are by appointment through the Hofileña family, who still live on the property. The experience is consequently intimate: a family member usually shows you through the rooms, pointing out specific paintings and sharing stories about how pieces were acquired. Do not miss this if you have any interest in Philippine art history. Call ahead — drop-in visits are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.