Smith, Bell & Co.: House of trade, history and poetry

A century-old, Spanish-style house of stone and capiz shell windows in Tabaco City in Albay looks as illustrious as its former occupant, Angela Manalang-Gloria, regarded as the “matriarch” of Filipino women poets in English.

Calle Real

Calle Real (Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District)

Old buildings that were constructed in the Commonwealth era in J.M Basa (Calle Real), Iznart, Aldeguer and Guanco were declared as a heritage site of Iloilo. It showcases the unique architecture of the downtown area.

1st Colonial Grill Sisig

Sto. Domingo Church in Albay

The Sto. Domingo Church is the most imposing historical landmark of the municipality. The majesty of this church speaks of ingenuous antiquity.

This panoramic edifice stands towering – a living testimonial of the past. Indeed, an indelible fragment of the three centennial rule of the Spanish conquistadores in this tiny but vibrant municipality.

Ever since the birth of this church in the year 1820, the people of Sto. Domingo derive from it a sense of pride. It is massively built and has two symmetrical towers (simborios) with bells hanged on it. It has solid and rectangular shaped stones for its walls.

The lumber and woods that had been used for its constructions were the best of its kind. Even with those heavy materials within and out, the church stands without pillars in the middle of the framework, thus making it unique from among other churches.

Old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo

Ice Blink Bulalo

Smith, Bell & Co. Historical Marker

Angela Manalang Gloria Historical Marker

Angela Caridad Legaspi Manalang was born on August 2, 1907 in Guagua, Pampanga to parents, Felipe Dizon Manalang (born in Mexico, Pampanga) and Tomasa Legaspi (who she hardly mentions). However, their family later settled in the Bicol region, particularly in Albay. Caring--as she is fondly called--studied at St. Agnes Academy in Legaspi, where she graduated valedictorian in elementary. In her senior year, she moved to St. Scholastica's College in Malate, Manila, in which her writing started to get noticed.

LCC Mall Tabaco