The Silay Museum
inaugural ball

The Silay Museum at the Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center was blessed by Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, and opened by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. recently.

The event was also in celebration of Silay being named as 2012 Best Tourism-Oriented City in the Philippines, by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.

Mayor Jose Montelibano gathered Silaynons and friends, whose support in the city’s tourism, cultural and heritage endeavours, made Silay as one of the exciting and emerging tourist destinations in the country.

Groups and individuals who have contributed to the growth of the local tourism industry were also awarded. A special recognition for philanthropy and civic duty was presented to Romulo Puentevella, who received the award with his family, Fr. Ning, Noli and Carmencita Puentevella.

Guests and members of the city pioneering families were also treated to cultural performances, and music from a 45-piece rondalla orchestra and 60 violinists, a production that involved almost 250 participants! But it was the Rigodon de Honour and Jose “Pitong” Ledesma’s Tanda de Valse, led by Silay first lady Marissa Montelibano, that crowned the evening’s historical theme. Mayor Oti then proposed a toast in honor of Silaynons who have contributed unconditionally to making Silay a city worthy of the pride of its people.*