16/03/2022
— Get to know people’s favorites in Bago City! (part 6) 🍃
HERITAGE AT THE HEART OF BAGO CITY
If there is any structure that represents the resilient spirit of the people of Bago City in Negros Occidental, then it would be Balay ni Tan Juan, the ancestral house of the Negrense revolutionary hero Gen. Juan Araneta. Officially dubbed the General Juan Araneta Residence and Landmark Museum, the magnificent heritage house has endured the test of time. And now, it has become one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
A typical "Balay Bato" home from the 1800's. This architectural style was popular in the Philippines during the Spanish Era. Apart from its unique characteristics, what distinguishes it from the others is its historical significance and significant contribution to the liberation of Negros from Spanish oppressors.
Balay ni Tan Juan evolved into a symbol of the city's renowned history and culture. It serves as a witness to the people's experiences during the dark years of Hispanic colonization and the events that transpired prior to the historic Negros Revolution of 1898. In 1978, the National Historical Commission designated the Balay as a National Historical Landmark and appropriate funding was allocated for its restoration.
The museum first opened its doors in 1996. It is filled with memorabilia from prominent Bagonhons including the Araneta family. It houses the "Kabuhi sa Bago" exhibit (Life in Bago). Additionally, it features an exhibit on rice and sugar, the city's principal agricultural commodities. The Golden Exhibit was added in 2016, to commemorate Bago's 50th anniversary as a city.
📍Rizal Corner, Matti Street, Bago City 6101
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