Lead image was edited using Canva
After I visited the city of smile and got a chance to meet a fellow Hivian, I traveled back to Iloilo the next day. I decided to spend the night at my sister's house as I planned to explore the nearest tourist spots since it was weekend.
Iloilo is a city in Western Visayas (Panay) - Philippines, and if Bacolod is known for the City of Smile, the earlier mentioned was the City of Love.
Ilonggos - what people or residents in Iloilo are called were known for being soft-spoken and sweet. When meeting someone from other regions, we are teased because of how we speak. Yes, "we," as I am also a certified Ilongga (if a female and Ilonggo for male). They say we still sound sweet even though we are already mad and cursing. We also got that unique intonation.
This happened to me several times at work in the first year I moved to the city. Sometimes they intentionally provoke me so that I would be mad.
Thus, aside from these characteristics and dishes, Iloilo is also known for Heritage Homes. The one that I am planning to drop by.
The nearest to my place was the Molo Mansion and it was just along the route going to the port where I needed to pass by going home. (Molo is one district in Iloilo.)
This is easy to locate as it was beside the road and near Molo Church and Plaza. Usually, people spend time here after visiting the latter mentioned. I have seen this structure many times but didn't get a chance to have a tour as I am always busy. Now that I am on leave, I grabbed the opportunity.
At first, I thought there was an entrance fee, but I was surprised it was for free. Before I toured around, I checked the signage at the gate so that I would have an overview. It says Molo Mansion, Kultura - a one-stop shop that sells quality Filipino products and souvenirs, Sabor Ilonggo, and Plantopia Ornamental Garden.
As I stepped into the gate, I looked around and saw several food kiosks built at the side portion of the house. The backyard was wide enough to cater to those even though there were already plants and several trees.
Since I was not yet starving, I decided to explore first inside the Mansion. There are also some local tourists inside the house and checking merchandise displayed by Kultura.
I also roam around for a while as I might like something to buy as a souvenir. Most are ladies' accessories, from necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Barong tagalog and traditional Kimono.
None caught my attention, so I decided to check what was on the second floor.
As I expected, since the house was built years ago, it has hardwood flooring and high ceilings. Decorative carvings and spacious windows.
There was also a balcony facing the road and the maintenance of the building the man wearing a blue uniform in the above picture offered to take a photo of me, not only for me but all local tourists.
Standing there, you will see a glimpse of Molo Plaza and Molo church.
As I talked to the maintenance worker, he told me that this house was almost 96 years old as it was built way back in 1926. The Consing family owned it. They are into politics as one of the owners was the former Governor. It is now owned by the SM store, where they are organizing exhibits since it is spacious.
I commend him for having excellent customer service, a photographer, and a tour guide, plus he knows the history well, which he kept on sharing with everyone.
It was almost four in the afternoon, and I was already starving as I hadn't eaten my lunch. I decided to go outside and look for food. My stomach was already grumbling the moment I saw these;
Pancit Molo is one of the popular Ilonggo dishes in this place. It is a pork dumpling soup using wonton wrappers.
The last time I tasted it, it was the previous year, so my taste buds craved the moment I saw it on the menu.
I ordered one served, and they offered three versions: classics, spicy and creamy. I chose the classic and paired it with rice cake.
After a delicious meal, I decided to leave the place and move to my next destination, which I will share again next time.
Thank you for dropping by.
All Photos are mine
Date publish: 09/27/2022
Place: Guimaras - Philippines
Pinmapple code:
[//]:# (!pinmapple 10.69672 lat 122.54347 long exploring Iloilo d3scr)