Experiencing the specialties of these districts, Batchoy in La Paz, Pancit Molo in Molo, and biscocho from Jaro, made me appreciate how Iloilo City expresses itself through food. Every district has its own story, its own flavor, and its own pride. And together, they create a tapestry of tastes that makes Iloilo unforgettable.
Month: November 2025
Molo Mansion: Caught Between Preservation and Commercialization
The Yusay Consing Ancestral House, originally known as the Lacson Yusay Ancestral House and now popularly called the Molo Mansion, rises with quiet grace at the heart of Iloilo’s historic district. This neoclassical art deco heritage house stands as one of the finest architectural treasures in the region. Built in 1926 by Doña Petra Lacson, a respected matron of the Lacson clan, together with her husband Estanislao Yulo Yusay, a prominent lawyer and judge from Molo, the mansion embodied the social stature and refined taste of the family who lived within its walls. The couple raised ten children in the mansion, filling it with life, music, family gatherings, and the everyday rhythms of an elite household in early twentieth century Iloilo.
Molo Plaza
Between the Molo Church and the Molo Mansion lies the Molo Plaza. Built in the 1920s as the center of the then-municipality of Molo, the plaza reflects the district’s long-standing reputation as the “Athens of the Philippines”, a title earned through its deep association with influential Filipino intellectuals, Ilustrados, and political leaders. Throughout history, Molo has been home to many of the country’s chief justices, senators, governors, generals, congressmen, and cabinet officials, solidifying its status as a cradle of leadership and thought.
Birdwatching at La Mesa Ecopark
During the guided birdwatching tour at La Mesa Ecopark, we spotted a White-throated Kingfisher, a Philippine Cuckoo-Dove , a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron, along with a Striated Heron, a shy White-browed Crake, a Grey Wagtail, a Common Sandpiper, and a Yellow-vented Bulbul. Along the trail, we also found a Brown Shrike and a well-camouflaged Philippine Nightjar. Moving to the forested area near the dam, we encountered White-breasted Woodswallows, a Yellow-naped Oriole, a Philippine Coucal, a Striated Grassbird, a Narcissus Flycatcher, and another Philippine Nightjar—making the morning an impressive showcase of La Mesa’s urban biodiversity.
The Feminist Church of Molo
Molo Church, officially dedicated to St. Anne, is one of Iloilo’s most iconic heritage structures and the only Gothic church in the Philippines outside Metro Manila. Its origins trace back to 1831, when the first structure, made of tabique pampango with a chalk roof, rose in the heart of Molo District of Iloilo City. As the community flourished, plans for a more permanent stone church were drawn up in 1866, approved in 1869, and finally completed in 1888 through the efforts of the parish and local leaders.
The Monuments at the Jaro District Plaza
Jaro District Plaza was designed in the late 19th century and was built under local supervision. By the 1930s, it was celebrated as one of the most beautiful plazas on Panay Island, known for its graceful arch, manicured hedges, elegant bandstand, and inviting benches. Its cultural significance led to conservation initiatives under the Heritage Law, which designated Jaro Plaza and several nearby landmarks as part of the city’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Zones. In the 2020s, a ₱20-million restoration project further revitalized the area, highlighted by the major repair of the iconic 29-meter Jaro Belfry, which was formally turned over to the local church and city government in 2022, marking a key milestone in preserving Jaro’s architectural heritage.
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral
The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral traces its beginnings to March 3, 1575, when it was established by the Augustinians as a visita of Oton. It became a visita of Arevalo in 1584 and was elevated to a parish in April 1587 under the advocation of Our Lady of the Nativity. In 1636, the población moved from Alanga to its present location due to better weather conditions and protection from Moro attacks. On October 31, 1636, the parish changed its patron to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
Oldest Coffeeshop in Iloilo City
The oldest coffee shop in the city, Madge Cafe was established in 1940 by Vicente de la Cruz, who named it after his wife, Magdalena, fondly called “Madge.” Originally located inside the La Paz Public Market, the café has been a beloved fixture in the community for more than 80 years. Known for its traditional brewed coffee prepared through classic methods, including the “kape sa bakod” style using a clay pot, Madge Café has long served as a comforting stop for locals and visitors alike.
Balagtas Church
In the early 1960s, the Balagtas church underwent further renovations to strengthen its structure and adapt it to contemporary liturgical needs. Despite these updates, it has preserved its earthquake Baroque character, with thick adobe walls, simple ornamentation, and a functional design suited to the region’s seismic activity. Inside, the church features wooden ceiling beams, antique retablos, and religious images that continue to be objects of devotion.
Patar Beach
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by a long stretch of creamy white sand meeting the clear, turquoise waters of the West Philippine Sea. Patar Beach is located in Barangay Patar in the municipality of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Bolinao Church
The St. James the Great Church of Bolinao, also known as Bolinao Church, stands majestically in the heart of Bolinao, Pangasinan. Built out of black coral stones, the church exudes a commanding presence, its weathered walls telling stories that span more than four centuries. It was canonically erected in 1609, when the Augustinian Friars took over the mission territory that had earlier been entrusted by the Spanish Colonial Government to the Dominican Friars in 1594. The Dominicans eventually left in 1607 due to the vastness of their mission territories and the limited number of missionaries, paving the way for the Augustinians’ return and the church’s formal establishment.
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Perched high above the scenic cliffs of Barangay Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse stands as a timeless sentinel overlooking the vast expanse of the West Philippine Sea. It was built in 1903 through the collaboration of Filipino, American, and British engineers.
Amoj In Wanderland 