Jaro is the most prominent of Iloilo’s districts. In fact, it was once a separate “cuidad” or city. It was in Jaro where the first millionaire’s row in the country was located since it is where the most influential Ilonggo families lived during Iloilo’s heyday. It was also in Jaro where they buried their dead.
Until now, the old niches in the Jaro Cemetery still stand, exemplifying the excellent artistry that the Ilonggos employed to their final resting places.
Most of the old niches are of gothic inspiration.
Unfortunately, some of the niches are not well maintained and is slowly being destroyed by weather and untamed weeds.
The Jaro Cemetery is approximately 2 kilometers or a 5 minute tricycle ride from Arguelle St., beside the Jaro Plaza.
My friend and I went to the Molo Cemetery just for the heck of it. We got into a tiny argument which led into a bet. He said that the old gate-cum-arch of the cemetery was in the Classical style. I immediately corrected him that it is Art Deco. He insisted it is Classical and I stood on my opinion that it is Art Deco. Can you give us your take on this if ever you got to visit the palce. Thanks. I betted 100 pesos on the Art Deco : )
Hi Teri,
My friend Marcos who’s admin of explore referred your query to me. You’re probably referring to that imposing edifice somewhat at the center of Molo cemetery. What’s certain is that it is Spanish colonial construction. Yes, leans towards the Art Deco so we can place the building of this structure as pre-war. That was also the time of great affluence in Molo.
Art Deco often integrates some classical elements into its style but stylizes them in the process.
There you go ^_^ Wala guid da commision para kay inday hami? hehe
Sige. I’ll try to visit the place and post about it.
Ei hami and chymera00, tenx! Il give u a bibingka from the Molo Plaza as commission. How heritage-ish. Hehe.
Eniwei, my frend asked a professor from UP kuno who said that it is classical. I cant and wont believe it. So I was wondering if you know someone who’s an expert on this so we can settle this and I can enjoy me 200 bucks.
I raised the bet to 200 cuz Im sure its Art Deco and absoulutely not classical.
Additional Trivia for heriatge buffs:
Jose Pidal of the Jose Pidal Scandal(great grampa of Iggy and Mike Arroyo) is buried in the chapel at the center of the Molo Cemetery.