f you follow my blogs, you probably know I was born and raised in the Philippines. I came to the US in 1960 as a Graduate Student ( student visa). Decided to stay in the US after completion of my Ph.D degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1964. The rest is history. This blog is dedicated to all my Fellow Ilonggos all over the world. I was born in Jaro, but have relatives in Molo- the topic of this blog.
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Molo, Iloilo City, is rich in cultural and historical landmarks. The Molo Church, a Spanish-colonial Gothic structure with distinctive red spires, is famous for its all-female ensemble of saints, earning it the title “The Feminist Church.”
Across from it stands the Molo Mansion, also known as the Yusay–Consing Ancestral House, a beautifully preserved heritage home showcasing Neoclassical architecture, high ceilings, and intricate carvings. 
In front of the church lies the Molo Plaza, considered the most beautiful public plaza in Iloilo City, adorned with statues of Greek goddesses, a Maria Clara monument, and a fountain added during its 2022 rehabilitation.
Every July 26, the district celebrates the Molo Fiesta in honor of Saint Anne, its patron saint. The area is also known for its iconic local dish, Pancit Molo, a flavorful pork dumpling soup that originated in the district and carries its name.
Molo Plaza is a historic urban park and public square in the district of Molo, Iloilo City. Built in the 1920s as the center of the former municipality, the plaza is adorned with statues of Greek goddesses, a monument of Maria Clara, and a fountain added during its 2022 rehabilitation. It is surrounded by key landmarks such as the Molo Mansion and the St. Anne Parish Church, commonly known as Molo Church.
Molo, the district where the plaza is located, is one of the most densely populated and culturally rich areas of Iloilo City, with a 2024 population of 76,793. Once known as PariΓ‘n or Chinatown, Molo was founded in 1637 as a Chinese trading community that supported nearby Spanish settlements. Over time, it became known as the “Athens of the Philippines” for producing many Filipino intellectuals, leaders, and public officials.
The district is also famous for Pancit Molo, a local dumpling soup named after it, and for the historic Molo Church, which impressed national hero JosΓ© Rizal during his 1896 visit when he called it “La iglesia bonita!” (“The beautiful church”).
During the late 1800s, Molo played a role in the Philippine Revolution through the Comite Conspirador, which helped organize uprisings against Spanish rule. In 1937, Molo officially became part of Iloilo City along with Arevalo, La Paz, and Mandurriao, contributing to the city’s continued cultural and historical prominence.
#Iloilo #IloiloCity #Ilonggo #WesternVisayas #PanayIsland #MoloPlaza #MoloDistrict #UswagIloilo #HalaBiraIloilo #Tourism
Meanwhile, Here's my Food For Thought For Today
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