Who doesn't know Ramon Hofileña? So many people have written about him that he is easily the most recognizable name when it comes to arts and cultural history in the Province of Negros Occidental. Although he lived abroad for a period of time, his love for Silay lured him back home. He took it upon himself to bring to Silay art exhibits and workshops of artists like Manuel Rodriguez Sr., Lamberto Hechanova, Vicente Manansala and Hernando Ocampo. I remember participating in one of those printmaking workshops during my high school days. Ramon also single-handingly conducts the Annual Cultural Tour of Negros which is now on it's 38th year. His ancestral house where he continues to live in to this day is preserved with much love and you can see this in the way Ramon talks about his beloved home. He regales his guests with stories and the memories that goes with each and every furniture and fixture, all precious antiques. The second floor is where you can find even more art treasures - paintings of Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo, Manansala and even a sketch done by the young Rizal as well as a painting by Goya and Picasso. There is however one painter whom Ramon to this day talks about with sadness and regret...Conrado Judith, an unknown but very talented Silaynon painter who due to illness and poverty passed away early. His few works which Ramon was able to acquire are displayed right along those famous ones.
His love and passion for the arts, culture, history and heritage prompted him to open his family home, the Manuel S. Hofileña Ancestral House (c.1934) in 1962 to the public. This was fifty years ago and last May 3, 2012, the city gave honor to this man who unselfishly gave his time and talent for the promotion of Silay as the seat of culture and arts of the the province of Negros Occidental. Today, Ramon is busier than ever.
While before people usually make an appointment to see his house, they now come at anytime of the day and almost every day. He says he misses having his siesta but he cannot find it in his heart to refuse their request. Listening to him say that during the short program, I suddenly realized that there will never be another like this man, indefatigable in his mission to bring culture to the people. In fact right after his speech, he went on to give his guests a tour of his house.
Although I have seen his house so many times before and heard his stories, there always seems to be something new to learn and discover about Ramon, his home and it's history. He is always enthusiastic and is a master story-teller. It is obvious that he loves doing this. It is also because of this love and passion that he and a group of like-minded Silaynons fought for the preservation of the heritage houses in the main highway around the plaza. These houses was up for appropriation and then demolition because of a road widening project in the 70's. The group won the fight. Today, those houses have withstood the test of time and the shortsightedness of government. Silay has been declared a heritage city since then because of the work of this group of individuals. Without them, the city would have lost it's old world charm. And while he lives and breathes, Ramon Hofileña continues to be at the forefront in the efforts to preserve the history and heritage of his beloved Silay.
Who doesn't know Ramon Hofileña? So many people have written about him that he is easily the most recognizable name when it comes to arts and cultural history in the Province of Negros Occidental. Although he lived abroad for a period of time, his love for Silay lured him back home. He took it upon himself to bring to Silay art exhibits and workshops of artists like Manuel Rodriguez Sr., Lamberto Hechanova, Vicente Manansala and Hernando Ocampo. I remember participating in one of those printmaking workshops during my high school days. Ramon also single-handingly conducts the Annual Cultural Tour of Negros which is now on it's 38th year. His ancestral house where he continues to live in to this day is preserved with much love and you can see this in the way Ramon talks about his beloved home. He regales his guests with stories and the memories that goes with each and every furniture and fixture, all precious antiques. The second floor is where you can find even more art treasures - paintings of Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo, Manansala and even a sketch done by the young Rizal as well as a painting by Goya and Picasso. There is however one painter whom Ramon to this day talks about with sadness and regret...Conrado Judith, an unknown but very talented Silaynon painter who due to illness and poverty passed away early. His few works which Ramon was able to acquire are displayed right along those famous ones. 
His love and passion for the arts, culture, history and heritage prompted him to open his family home, the Manuel S. Hofileña Ancestral House (c.1934) in 1962 to the public. This was fifty years ago and last May 3, 2012, the city gave honor to this man who unselfishly gave his time and talent for the promotion of Silay as the seat of culture and arts of the the province of Negros Occidental. Today, Ramon is busier than ever.
While before people usually make an appointment to see his house, they now come at anytime of the day and almost every day. He says he misses having his siesta but he cannot find it in his heart to refuse their request. Listening to him say that during the short program, I suddenly realized that there will never be another like this man, indefatigable in his mission to bring culture to the people. In fact right after his speech, he went on to give his guests a tour of his house.
Although I have seen his house so many times before and heard his stories, there always seems to be something new to learn and discover about Ramon, his home and it's history. He is always enthusiastic and is a master story-teller. It is obvious that he loves doing this. It is also because of this love and passion that he and a group of like-minded Silaynons fought for the preservation of the heritage houses in the main highway around the plaza. These houses was up for appropriation and then demolition because of a road widening project in the 70's. The group won the fight. Today, those houses have withstood the test of time and the shortsightedness of government. Silay has been declared a heritage city since then because of the work of this group of individuals. Without them, the city would have lost it's old world charm. And while he lives and breathes, Ramon Hofileña continues to be at the forefront in the efforts to preserve the history and heritage of his beloved Silay. 
A great man who simply has a heart for art.Now ko lang din narinig ang name nya..
ReplyDeleteIt's really great that they preserve heritage houses and structure in Silay.
ReplyDeleteSuch a noble man to preserve even of those unknown artist's work. Kudos to you Mr. Ramon...
ReplyDeleteHats Off to the people like Mr. Holifeña, he deserves a big clap-clap for the conservation and preservation of his own home, plus factor is that, he, himself, serves as the guide and the storyteller of culture, heritage and tradition lies beneath.
ReplyDeleteHi ma'am, my granny's last name is Ledesma also, our grassroots came from Iloilo.
Wow, these heritage sites are one of the things that we Filipinos should be proud of, as well as one of the things that need to be treasures.
ReplyDeleteThe Ancentral houses always gives me that ecstatic feeling. It's not only family legacy but a national treasure already, and good thing Mr. Hofilena shared it to the public for the love of art and culture.
ReplyDeleteI was actually able to read about him recently, when another blogger interviewed him one time. He was described to be very eloquent and very intelligent. He really showed his passion for culture and arts.
ReplyDeletethat is a huge man! a lot of houses like that as well around calamba lguna near jose rizal's house really amazing! xx
ReplyDeleteI hope they do preserve these ancestral house for future generations to witness.
ReplyDeleteThere's so many beautiful ancestral house/mansion in Negros. The Ruins is one one the most beautiful among them.
ReplyDeleteI like the stories behind the ancestral house. My clan also have a preserve ancestral house in Bohol but unfortunately I haven't gone to that place. Good to learn that Silay has been declared a heritage city since then because of the work of this group of individuals.
ReplyDeleteA great man like Sir Ramon should be an inspiration to many young artists in the Philippines. Not only he sets a good example but he's so selfless to share his talents to promote Silay's culture and heritage.
ReplyDeleteNow I know him. I didn't before but this article was a good source of information. Thank you.
ReplyDelete