By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE REVIVAL of the “White Mansion” or “Puti Balay” at The Upper East (TUE) in Bacolod City was, indeed, a “dainty mission”. It impacted Negros’ and Bacolod’s history, heritage, culture, arts, tourism and economic promotions.
In local parlance: Nabanhaw nga palanubli-on nga puno sang istorya nga may lamod nga arte kag kultura nga sarang mapabugal sa patag sang turismo kag negosyo nga aspeto.
Thanks to Megaworld for such an impressive quest. Striking. Meaningful. Hail-lable.
VITAL LINK
Allowing the White Mansion to be seen anew by the younger generations is, perhaps, a “noblest pursuit”.
Though it’s not 100% of the original look, stature and design, it was revived and now paves the way for everyone to have a glimpse of our past.
Revisiting the past…the heritage or history per se is really a magnificent journey. There’s a great sense of pride and joy in it. Really, it defines us who we are.
CLASSIC AND CLASSY
The White Mansion is a remnant of Negros Occidental’s sugar heydays. It stands as a witness to the glorious past of the sugar industry. Of course, lots of historic stories were cast out of this mansion worthy to be told and retold.
Such was the vacation house of the Araneta family, owner of the defunct Bacolod-Murcia Milling Corporation (BMMC) located at the “heart” of Bacolod City.
Both the interior and exterior designs were classic and classy. Megaworld saw to it that the calados (carved wooden screens) and cartouches (decorative ceiling panels) remain first-rate. They speak of timeless beauty. There’s intricate artistry in them. Carefully chosen furniture, fixtures and art pieces form part of the sophisticated culture of the Negros elite.
‘IT’ OF IT
Beyond business, PR (public relations) guru Harold Brian Geronimo of Megaworld said the White House will also be for tourism purposes. Though it is positioned as their information center, he stressed, “Anyone is welcome to visit, tour and take photos of the White Mansion for free.”
The revival of the three-storey White Mansion, therefore, is Megaworld’s greatest contribution to the history, heritage, tourism and business promotions in Negros and Bacolod. Its the “it” of it. Admirable! Negrenses and Bacoleños appreciate it much. It boosts our morale, dignity and pride.
‘VITAL SKILLS’
How vital is history or heritage nowadays? What’s the connect to the newest tourism campaign of the country, “Love the Philippines”.
Heritage speaks of the resilience of those who came before us while history teaches us “vital skills” such as knowing the past, studying societies, understanding ideologies, appreciating cultures and even technologies, among others.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said, “Love the Philippines ain’t a mere branding campaign. Rather, it is a call to action to every Filipino citizen to remember the beauty of our country, honor our past, and look forward to the future armed with virtues and values of being a Filipino.”/PN
