Silahis or Orient Rays is a tagalog term which reflects the Malay influence on the Philippines. Since 1966, Silahis Arts and Artifacts (now housed in Silahis Center) is dedicated to the development of a deeper understanding of the many faceted heritage of the Philippines and its peoples, through a greater appreciation of their culture and crafts. Indigenous designs, native resources, and the spirit that has used them in everyday life are the principles of our concern; comprehensive uses and fine craftsmanship the object of our inquiry; a better understanding of the Filipino people our goal.

Since being established in 1966, we have been engaged in designing, producing, wholesaling, retailing and exporting the finest of handmade Philippine products. In 1985 we constructed Silahis Center in Intramuros, Manila to provide a worthy showroom in which you can visit the entire archipelago and learn something of Philippine life and history. The main building was designed to approximate the home of the landed gentry or the Ilustrados, in the late 19 th century. Known as the Bahay na bato or House of Stone.

All of the following are in the one building.

• Silahis Arts and Artifacts has crafts and artifacts from throughout the archipelago.
• Chang Rong Antique Gallery acknowledges China as our oldest trading partner and excavated Chinese porcelain as our oldest artifacts
• Galeria De Las Islas noted that Spain introduced the fine and decorative arts to the country.
• Tradewinds is cultural bookshop specializing in the history literature, travel, culture of the Philippines, Asia and the Pacific.