Calle Real: Iloilo's Famed Street of Grandeur

Lets go back to the 1920's. Maybe you weren't born yet but I am sure you'll be delighted if you will see what's up during that period. 

Today, I am walking along the historic Calle Real, now known as J.M Basa Street. As a big fan of old architecture and design, this is really the right place that I have been longing to see.

On the early 20th Century , Calle Real became one of the busiest streets in the country next to Manila. It is known to be highly economic since some of the luxury goods from all over the world were being sold here. During the American occupation in the country, from what we called the Commonwealth Era (from 1935 to 1945), a combination of Beaux Art and Art Deco designed buildings where constructed.

The good thing is, we still have them today.

The 1925 Art Deco Serafin Villanueva Building, was once known to be the International Hotel which accommodated some American guest and traders before.
 

1936 Art Deco Building

An old Beaux Art Building. Since air-conditioning units are not yet available during the Commonwealth Era, it is a tradition that porches are made as part of American Architecture. This promotes better circulation of air into the building and somehow a good way to shed people  from the sun; thus, a cooler place to stay.

1922 Ng Chin Deng Hermanos Building

1928 Beaux Art Regent Cinema Building. Considered to be the oldest cinema in Iloilo City.

Art Deco Iloilo City Public Market

1947 Art Deco University of Iloilo

This place was like a huge outdoor museum to me. Everything here is real. This entire experience entitled me a free ticket to a travel back in time and it felt so amazing! I can't imagine that I can still see and experience what we have almost forgotten. I want to thank the people who preserved them and cared for them. By this, you are giving another chance for the next generation to see what is not just in the books.




Resources:


"Calle Real, Iloilo City’s heritage street, restored"
By Victoria B. Jardiolin
November 9 2012 issue of http://lifestyle.inquirer.net

"Traditional Southern American Porches"
By Jan Czech
http://www.ehow.com

"Iloilo’s Calle Real: Awakening the Queen City of the South"
By Mark Segador 
February 5, 2012 issue of http://iloiloilove.com