Plazuela de Iloilo: Showcasing the Turn-of-the-Century Spanish-Iloilo-Philippine Architectural Design

With fellow Assumption-Iloilo facilitator Bena Sumagaysay enjoying the 'grandeur' of Plazuela de Iloilo just a few months after its opening

Recently, Plazuela de Iloilo has been the favorite venue of theme parties in Iloilo City. Vibe Productions had its 'Summer Calling' and 'Summer Playground' there. Also The Sizzle X Unleash Productions' much-talked about and super successful 'Iloilo Colour Festival 2013' aptly dubbed 'Chameleon'. This moved me to write about my first ever Plazuela de Iloilo experience which took place more than 2 years ago, in March of 2011.

For us Ilonggos, Plazuela de Iloilo is a feast to the eyes. It's architecture showcases a beautiful mix of Spanish and Italian architecture. The curves and the arches are very Spanish. So are the hand-painted tiles on the stair risers. The red roof tops give the structure a warm, earthy, rustic look. Plazuela also features two chimney-like structures very reminiscent of houses in the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Another very prominent feature of Spanish architecture which is very visible in Plazuela de Iloilo is the use of wrought iron throughout the place.

Another appeal of the Plazuela de Iloilo facade is its extensive use of symmetry. This is primarily achieved by the presence of columns and arches. Well, in any form of architecture, columns have not only offered structural support for buildings since ancient times, they have also provided grace and embellishment. This is the Italian side of Plazuela de Iloilo.

Without any violent reactions from any of my colleagues in the High Growth Community in Assumption-Iloilo, we chose Plazuela de Iloilo for our Graduation Dinner 2011. Cecile Adrias and Chinky Clement organized everything - from the reservation at Ponsyon Restaurant to the choice of dishes. Actually, I just ate whatever they had ordered. I was more excited in exploring the place and had my pictures taken around. Bena Sumagaysay accompanied me. She became my instant photographer.

Bena and I were like tourists. We ran here and there in search for picture-perfect spots. We loved the columns. The arches. The stairs. The iron grills. We went up the second floor and loved everything that we saw. The view of the Plaza Mayor at the inner expanse of Plazuela was breathtaking especially amidst the backdrop of the setting sun.

Soon we felt tired, so we decided to stop at the 'Steps of Rome'. We sat on the benches in front of the resto and watched people pass by. When I saw that there were benches along the avenue facing the Plaza Mayor, I told Bena that it would be better to transfer there. From where we were sitting, we saw how Ilonggos enjoy the place. Some were having dinner, others were busy taking pictures. Still others were strolling around with their pet dogs. For me, that was a novel thing in Iloilo City.

It was already past 7 PM when we decided to go home. While most of my co-teachers left the place with a full stomach, Bena and I left Plazuela de Iloilo feeling something else. It's a 'I-hate-to-leave-this-beautiful-place' feeling that's just difficult to explain. I promised to myself that I would visit the place as often as I could. Anyway, it's just a butt-flick away from SM City Iloilo.

To Dr. Rogelio M. Florete, Sr., thank you for giving the Ilonggos this whole new experience that is Plazuela de Iloilo!

Post Script: Plazuela de Iloilo at Night

Plazuela de Iloilo at night-- Full of colors. Full of lights. Full of sounds. Full of fun!