Skip to main content

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.



Article lifted from SUNSTAR
Written by
BETSEY GAZO

Popular posts from this blog

Connie Carillo Diversified Farm in Bingawan: Helping Sustaining a Healthy Community Through Farm Schools

The area around the town of Bingawan, the edge of the central portion of the province is where it ends and the town of Tapaz, Capiz province begins and is very much another unsung corner of Iloilo with warm, friendly, welcoming people. Bingawan has some rich farming land and farming is at the heart of its village life. The landscapes are gorgeous here; with gentle pastures, to the high mountains. The area offers some beautiful hikes and bike trails across its lovely rolling meadows, woodland and a few working farms. The town would be less touristic than its neighboring towns but is well worth exploring. If you are concerned about how organic can contribute to benefit our shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved, then a trip to Connie Carillo Diversified Farm is for you. With the governments’ efforts to improve the knowledge and technical skills of the farmers, the Connie Carillo Diversified Fa...

Travelers guide to Iloilo transport terminals (Airport, Jeepneys, Buses, RORO. etc)

Being the biggest city on Panay Island and the center of Western Visayas region, Iloilo City is a transportation hub whether by land, sea or air. These numerous transportation terminals facilitate day to day commerce, light & heavy industries, and tourism, among others. As this is a travel blog, this guide is aimed to tourists who want to experience and explore Iloilo and perhaps even beyond. Iloilo International Airport A little more than five years old, the Iloilo International Airpor t is among the most modern and beautiful in the country today. It is situated around 20 kilometers from Iloilo City , straddling the towns of Cabatuan, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara . It has direct links to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro  and Puerto Princesa plus international destinations Hong Kong and Singapore . Among the first hurdles tourists will have to contend is the distance that translates to expensive fare when traveling to and from this airp...

Building a Healthier Future Together: LG PH Donates to West Visayas State University Medical Center

 LG Philippines affirms its commitment to build a better community with its recent CSR initiative in Iloilo. The activity was spearheaded by LG, together with Mark Vincent Fabresis from ML Laundry Equipment and Supply and BigWash. 2 sets of Giant C Max and 2 sets of Titan C Max washers and dryers were donated to West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) in Region VI, modernizing their laundry facilities. The turnover event, held on July 20, 2023, was attended by representatives from WVSU-MC, LG, and BigWash, highlighting the collective effort to enhance healthcare services in the region. L-R: Mr. Paul Rizzel Ledesma - Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Julio H. Lacao Jr.- Head of Linen Section, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III - Medical Chief II, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Celina C. Gelada - Vice President for Medical and Allied Services, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Mr. Philip Lee - Big Wash Dire...