Iloilo Ancestral Houses: Rosendo Mejica Museum in Baluarte, Molo

WHEN in Iloilo, skip the usual and predictable routes to their malls and instead go get yourself some local culture by visiting the Rosendo Mejica Historical Landmark in Molo.

Opened as a museum in 1998, the 19th century wooden residence also houses early 20th century printing machinery. The fact is, these equipment are part of the oldest printing press in Iloilo, the Makinaugalingon Press. 

Started in May 1, 1913 by Rosendo Mejica (1873-1956), original printing machines such as the minerva, letterpress, proof press, edger and cutter are evidently still functional in this 21st century. These machines were built to last.

The Hiligaynon newspaper Kadapig sang Banwa was thought to have been printed right at Makinaugalingon. No one really knows for sure but the evidence that strengthens this theory are mono scripts dating from 1906 found at the library. A mono script is a script assigned to an object, in this case, newspapers. In order to print the chronicles, mono scripts (from where the contents of the papers are copied) are needed.

 Aside from the treasures that the archives house, the residence itself holds equally fascinating objects such as a rare early marca damang sewing machine; a 1954 telephone directory for the few Ilonggos who already had phones then and when telephone numbers were only three or four-digit affairs; some wooden washbasins, one a meter wide, that were carved out of whole tree trunks; a three-burner kerosene stove; and a hat and cane rack for the gentlemen.

More photos on Facebook/IloiloTravelGuide

Article lifted from SUNSTAR
Written by BETSEY GAZO