History and beauty come together in Molo
Molo Church
* Its unique local culture blends Filipino, Malay, Chinese and Spanish influences with beautiful architecture and culinary traditions
One of the six districts of the city of Iloilo, Molo has a flourishing economy actively engaged in local and international trade. It was called Parian (Chinatown) and was an important economic center where a significant Chinese community, attracted by the prospect of commerce in the area, established their residence and businesses. In 1857 Chinese mestizos totaled to 1,106 from its total population count numbering to 16,428 (Iloilo Heritage of Greatness, Museo Iloilo). Spain's growing influence encouraged frequent Muslims raids mostly originating from Mindanao. Parian was later changed to Moro and later evolved to its present name. Molo was chartered as a district when Iloilo gained its city-hood status in 1937.
For some Ilonggos unmindful of its rich history, Molo possesses some of the city's most pronounced attractions. It has an elegance derived from its beautiful Gothic church and numerous examples of early 19th century architecture with exclusive residential neighborhoods sprawling beyond the historic central areas in all directions.
The grand monument that distinguishes Molo is concentrated on its district plaza, in the central area. Over the centuries, the much-admired Parish of St. Anne, constructed in 1831, stand magnificently where it has stood for decades. It is one of the very few dedicated churches in Iloilo. Outside the church, it boasts of Gothic feature, the one of its kind outside of Manila. It has two main towers. One tower is said to have been destroyed by the Americans after suspecting it was used for military purposes by the Japanese during the Second World War. Inside is a unique feature found nowhere else in the Philippines, with its two rows lined with life-size statues of beautifully carved 16 female saints on Greek columns on the way to the main altar. It is said that in August 4, 1886, Dr. Jose Rizal, on his way back to Manila from his exile in Dapitan, passed by the church to pray. The National Historical Institute declared it a national landmark in 1992.
The interior of Molo Church
You can also combine a visit to Molo church with a trip to Panaderia de Molo where you can buy cookies that are baked using equipment in the olden days. It is well known to Filipinos with a growing and loyal clientele, all attracted by enthusiastic word-of-mouth reports that have been doing the rounds since the later part of the 19th century. The history of the bakeshop dates back in the 1800s. Masons use egg whites to cement bricks that make up the walls of churches; so as not to waste the rest of the egg, women in their idle time would use the yolks to bake cookies. For many visiting tourists, the obligatory pasalubong purchase is their best-selling creamy galletas.
Iloilo history is abundant with notable people. And Molo, long known as the Athens of the Philippines, has produced names whose significant efforts in fostering goodwill and enhancing and promoting the image of an Ilonggo as competent, dignified and responsible individual are etched on the Ilonggo consciousness: Senators Francisco Villanueva, Esteban de la Rama, Esperidion Guanco, Jose Ma. Arroyo, Francisco Zulueta, Jose Zulueta and Rodolfo Ganzon; Supreme Court Justices Raymund Melliza, Gregorio Araneta, Felicisimo Feria and Ramon Avanceña): and Governors Raymundo Melliza, Amando Avanceña, Gregorio Yulo; Mariano Arroyo, Jose Yulo-Regalado, Timoteo Consing and Jose Zulueta. They are remembered for greatly contributing to the socio-economic development of Iloilo and the Philippines as a whole.
It was also home to private schools such as the Instituto Inseñana de Molo; the all-girl school founded by the Avanceña sisters, the Colegio de la Santa Ana; and the Centro Escolar de Molo.
Today, Molo is one of the most exciting and beautiful districts in the city. Its unique local culture blends Filipino, Malay, Chinese and Spanish influences with beautiful architecture and culinary traditions. It has a cosmopolitan outlook with the right combination of facilities, attractions and friendly people. It is an economic, social, educational and cultural center of Iloilo that offers a kaleidoscopic variety of experiences for everyone. It has style, color and charm where history and beauty come together.