Due to the high demand for mixed sinamay in Luzon and other countries, silk imports from China through Manila saw a significant rise. The imported silk was promptly incorporated into the production of various native goods in the bustling towns of Iloilo, including Molo, Jaro, Arevalo, Mandurriao, Guimbal, Miag-ao, Sta. Barbara, and Janiuay. In the late 1850s, an estimated $400,000 worth of raw silk was annually shipped to Iloilo, supporting the thriving textile industry of the region.

The house stands as a prime example of a Beaux-Arts mansion, showcasing elaborate decorative elements heavily influenced by Western aesthetics on its facade. Designed to exude the opulent lifestyle of Iloilo’s wealthiest families during the American period, the house features intricately carved columns and pilasters that adorn its exterior, creating an imposing presence. Inside, two sets of wooden stairs lead to a spacious common room where an array of furniture and paintings are displayed. The second floor houses preserved poster beds and elegant rooms, while crystal chandeliers illuminate the elaborate wooden dividers and highlight the grandeur of the space. The dining room boasts a centerpiece hexagonal table that can accommodate up to twenty-four guests, with a magnificent fifteen-foot-high chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Large door-length windows allow natural light to flood the room, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for dining.

On March 28, 2004, the house was officially designated as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute, recognizing its significant historical and cultural value. Today, this iconic house, set within a sprawling 4-hectare property, serves as an important cultural icon of the district and is open for public tours and events, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich heritage and grandeur of Iloilo’s past.

Known as the Queen Regent’s City in the South, Iloilo City in Western Visayas seamlessly blends its rich heritage with the conveniences of a bustling capital. Adding to its allure is the recently opened Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) in Mandurriao, spanning three floors and 3,000 square meters.

Led by Vice Chancellor Martin Genodepa from the University of the Philippines – Visayas, ILOMOCA showcases five exhibit rooms and a merchandise shop. The ground floor hosts The Hulot Exhibit, featuring works from local and international artists, including a tribute to General Martin Delgado, an esteemed Ilonggo military leader and the first governor of Iloilo. A bronze sculpture of the general stands proudly outside the museum. On the second floor, The Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions, highlighting the vibrant Ilonggo art scene, Filipino sculpture, and influential international artists.

Ascending to the third floor, visitors encounter the Adoracion Valencia Gallery, housing the personal collection of Edwin Valencia, ILOMOCA’s primary donor. Named after his mother, who nurtured his passion for the arts, the gallery offers a glimpse into a remarkable collection. In addition to visual arts, ILOMOCA also provides space for performance art, theater productions, and workshops in The Box, a blackbox theater capable of accommodating up to 60 people.