Self-love is the most essential kind of love
“Life is short. And it is here to be lived.”—Kate Winslet
T he only true adventure is a life with love. Always waking up with no regrets, I choose love even if at times it could be challenging. After many controversial relationships, I have learned that self-love is the most stable and essential kind of love. Engaging in my own pleasures of the heart, I am happiest traveling with friends even to a local destination to enjoy the beautiful sights and delicious delicacies.
On invitation of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and SM Iloilo, we experienced a relaxing vacation to visit the heritage homes and eat sumptuous local dishes of one of the Philippines’ oldest cities. It was also the weekend of the Guimaras Manggahan Festival, so we were so lucky to even participate in some fun activities like a mango eating contest.
Iloilo City is rich in heritage and culture. Before the Spanish invaders arrived in Panay, Aeta tribes and Malayan settlers were already living on the island with their own politics, religious beliefs, traditions, and trade.
The weaving industry flourished during the Spanish colonization, making Iloilo the textile capital of the Philippines in the 1800s. Some of the local fabrics are still being sold and made into traditional outfits and home furnishings. I was also told that the first branch of SM outside Manila was in Iloilo City.
With so many developments in its business district, Iloilo was the country’s most important city next to Manila during those times. Many prominent families who were sugar barons have become influential in the city and known all over the country. They built grand mansions and houses that are thankfully preserved with private funding.
These heritage houses are considered the city’s historical treasures. Tours led by the Ilonggos of the present generation give visitors a glimpse of how it was to live in the past and know their stories.
Historical homes
My top favorite historical homes are Nelly Garden Mansion and the Molo Mansion. The Lopez Heritage House, otherwise known as the Nelly Garden Mansion, was built in Jaro in 1928 by Ilonggo statesman Don Vicente Lopez and his wife, Doña Elena Hofileña, of the prominent Lopez family of Iloilo. The mansion was named after the couple’s eldest daughter, Nelly Lopez y Hofileña.
Due to its grandiose architecture highlighting the province’s aristocratic past, it is regarded as the “Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo.” The house and its 4-hectare property are open for public tours and events.
The Molo Mansion, also known as the Yusay-Consing Mansion, is one of the most outstanding historical homes in the country. Among its most notable features are its high ceilings, Neoclassical balustrades, and decorative carvings. It stands across the town plaza and St. Anne Parish Church in the Molo district.
The mansion was constructed in the 1920s and was first occupied by Doña Petra Lacson, who married Estanislao Yusay, Manila’s judge of the Court of First Instance at the time. They eventually welcomed 10 children together.
Since its restoration, the mansion has been turned into a heritage museum, with Kultura selling local products and delicacies, as well. SM also developed the grounds so the public can enjoy heritage and culture while dining and listening to music. It’s wonderful to see a museum with visitors immersing in the country’s history.
Our special group was hosted at a welcome dinner by newly elected Iloilo Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, daughter of the former mayor who did not run for reelection, citing health reasons. Seeing the progress of Iloilo all these years, I am sure the new mayor will continue the upward development in this charming city.
All you can eat
To fully experience the festivities of Guimaras, we took a short boat ride to the island that boosts of the sweetest mangoes in the world. Together with Karen Davila, Anton San Diego, Tim Yap, and Philip and Small Laude, we joined the All You Can Eat Guimaras Mango contest. After just two pieces, we all quit the contest. I heard the record is 25 pieces in 30 minutes.
SM Supermalls’ Steven Tan and Grace Magno were our gracious hosts, and we will be back in October when they launch the opening of the public markets that they are developing in the city.
The Iloilo group was reunited at the birthday party of Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. that was hosted by Anton San Diego and Jojie Dingcong at Manila House. At the fun party, Hayden and Dr. Vicki Belo shared intimate moments of love, and we all celebrated the wonderful couple who have been through so many controversies but weathered them all together. Love does prevail in all circumstances.
Festivals
Two decades ago, May was declared National Heritage Month. To celebrate this occasion, colorful festivals of music, dance, art, and cultural exhibits happen throughout the archipelago, many under the auspices of the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI).
Mita Bantug Rufino, the founder and president of FHFI, remarked: “As I look back on the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., I wonder how, and what, we have done with the 20 years of the company. Looking back, it has been a fruitful journey for the group. Tough as it has been, I can say that it was all worth the commitment and dedication we have given. Our partners, sponsors, and friends believe in us, and they all help us keep going forward and moving forward.”
She expressed her gratitude to their partners: the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Metropolitan Theater Manila, Security Bank Corp., the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Manila Broadcasting Co., and DDB Group Philippines.
This year’s major event was the concert “Ibyang, Mahal Kita.” The musical tribute was significant as it recognized the well-loved soprano Sylvia La Torre.
Soprano Rachelle Gerodias beautifully performed as the lead star.
The concert featured Park Byeong-in, Danspace, Wincess Yana, and Tinig Kayumanggi, accompanied by the UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Daniel Bartolome.
Let’s all do our share to keep our heritage alive!
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