ZABANA BAR’s stars were the drinks concoted by mixologist Kenneth Alfonso, based of course on the namesake Zabana rum.
The bone of contention has been gnawed at for far too long, with too much regionalistic fervor invested into it.
And as I step into Iloilo, I do so gingerly, with a sense of deep respect for this beautiful hacienda town, and not with a few apologies.
You see, Cebu was bequeathed the title Queen City of the South by media sometime in the early 1990s, an acknowledgement that the metropolis—experiencing a rapid economic growth that, quite aptly, was coined Ceboom, a clever portmanteau —was indeed the economic and cultural hub of the region, pulling ahead of its neighbor Iloilo.
The latter had suffered an economic slump after the decline of the sugar industry in the post-war era.
At about this time, as blogger littlemiss-honey.com observes, Iloilo’s city government removed surreptitiously the title Queen’s City of the South from her official letterheads, in what seemed to be an acquiescence.
But who wore the crown first?
And, were you able to detect the slight difference in the accolade, is it in fact the same crown we are fighting over?
Ah, there’s the rub. Iloilo’s title was the result of a Royal Decree by The Queen Regent of Spain Maria Cristina who issued it on Oct. 5, 1889, bestowing the title Queen Regent’s City in the South to Iloilo as a reward to their faithfulness to Spain, our colonial masters for almost three centuries.
PANCIT MOLO by the famous Kap Ising, who has been making this famous soup in the heart of Iloilo since 1920. I loved how Richmonde Hotel Iloilo makes special runs for these and include them on the menu for a real taste of Iloilo.
In contrast, a hundred years later, the crown Cebu city wears so proudly, was given to her for her seemingly meteoric economic rise, and not for her fealty.
In fact, as writer Chris Malazarte astutely points out, can the argument really be moot because both are not really from the south, but in fact from the central Philippines.
Shouldn’t this title belong to a city from Mindanao?
Perhaps a tussle between Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro or Iligan?
It is a never ending debate that is fueled by pride, a sense of nostalgia, and the dynamics of language and semantics.
And yet here I am, slack-jawed at how a new hub of commerce rises from the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao, its original air traffic control tower intact and just a stone’s throw from our home here, the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.
The property itself is a homegrown Filipino brand, which turns three the night we arrive, and is throwing a party on its famous pool deck, against what her developers claim to be the best sunset view in this town.
And my jaw comes completely unhinged, leaving me feeling not a little insecure, when we are welcomed into the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), as three-storey repository of some serious artwork in well-curated exhibits that range from nationally renowned names, to homegrown Ilonggo art, to visiting international artists.
This will have to be a separate article, of course, as it richly deserves its own spread.
Meanwhile, I’m indulging on two favorite things on this trip: exploring Megaworld’s Festive Walk Mall, with its luxurious cinemas with plush leather-covered seats that recline and have their own lamps, the dog-friendly café inside the mall, and the made-for-Instagram Colorverse (where this cover photo was shot by Nate Dacua)—an
interactive display where this generation (heck, even mine) can get their kicks from Instagram gold photoshoots.
OFFICERS of Prestige Hotels & Resorts, Inc., the managing company of Richmonde Hotels: (from left) Director of Operations Jun Justo, Director of Communications Annie Dioso, RHI Resident Manager Nat Lim, Director of Finance Rene Tiamson, Managing Director Menchu Fernando; together with Megaworld SAVP and Head for Public Relations and Media Affairs Harold Brian Geronimo
And second, my glass of Mabuhay, a cocktail based on Zabana rum, concocted by visiting mixologist Kenneth Alonso.
Handed over by Isiah, our waiter from The Granary of Richmonde, and that impossibly “mabuot” face of his. In the face of his gaffe (he referred to me as, ugh, sir, despite my heaving bosoms!), I am almost willing to take his smile as an apology.
Almost.
WALKING ON WATER at a unique fashion show on the pool of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo with styling and clothes by Ryan Hinayhinay, PJ Arandor, Sidney Eculla and Paolo Conte.
Zabana Bar is now open at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s 7/F pool deck from 12 noon to 9 p.m. (except during inclement weather). For inquiries and reservations, call (6333) 328-7888.
For more information, log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph or visit the hotel’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/RichmondeHotelIoilo and Instagram
account, @Richmonde.RHI)
