.jpg "Panaderia de Molo, Iloilo City, Where to find Panaderia de Molo?, Panaderia de Molo address Iloilo") |
| Photo screen-grabbed from Goalfy YT |
Have you ever wondered why Iloilo City is called one of the best places to enjoy food in the Philippines? It didn’t happen overnight. I believe this reputation grew over time as more and more people visited Iloilo, sampled the local delicacies, and felt the warmth of the people who created them.
Among Iloilo’s most honored delicacies are the products from a local bakery called Panaderia de Molo, established in the 1900s by Luisa Sanson’s five unmarried aunts.
During the Spanish era, masons used egg whites to seal the bricks of church walls; consequently, these women decided to use the remaining egg yolks to create various baked goods. The five aunts began formulating unique breads, which were eventually added to the selection of products sold at Panaderia de Molo.
Luisa Sanson then became the sole heir after the maidens passed away. Luisa Sanson grew the business over several decades, and the Panaderia de Molo brand became one of the oldest bakeries in the Philippines.
Luisa had seven children, including the parents of the current owners who operate the branch in Avanceña St, Molo, and the various kiosks in malls.
Panaderia de Molo Branches
As of this writing, a few Panaderia de Molo branches remain operational in Iloilo City. One is on Avanceña Street in Molo—the bakery’s original location—while another is situated on Jalandoni Street in Jaro, just a minute's walk from the American Cemetery. Both are operated by Dr. Kristine Sanson-Treñas, one of Luisa Sanson’s granddaughters.
Another set of branches is uniquely situated in SM City Iloilo, SM Iloilo Central Market, Festive Walk Mall, and Gaisano City Capital Mall, operated by Hyacinth Sanson Larraga Catral, also one of Luisa Sanson’s granddaughters. These are kiosks located within the malls, selling products similar to those in Molo. According to Catral, they use the same recipes taught by their grandmother but have introduced several innovations and additional items to keep pace with modern sales demands.
Panaderia de Molo remains popular for its bañadas, biscocho prÃncipe, galletas, hojaldres, and more—all meticulously made using cherished recipes that have been shared across generations.
Panaderia de Molo Stores operated by Hyacinth Sanson Larraga Catral and family:
- SM City Iloilo
- SM Iloilo Central Market
- Festive Walk Mall
- Gaisano City Capital Mall
Panaderia de Molo Branches operated by Dr. Kristine Sanson-Treñas and family:
- Avanceña Street in Molo, Iloilo City—the bakery’s original location
- Jalandoni Street in Jaro, near American Cemetery Commission Civil St., Iloilo City
Panaderia de Molo Conflicts
The Ilonggo's beloved brand has recently made headlines again, becoming the talk of the town amidst a family feud and legal disputes over brand rights, trademarks, and registrations.
Historically, the heart of Panaderia de Molo was in the Molo district, where the Sanson ancestral home remains to this day. It was within those walls that production started, eventually expanding to business sites on Rizal Street and in Jaro to reach more patrons.
The presence of these mall kiosks also signifies the continued involvement of Luisa Sanson’s descendants; they are managed by her granddaughter, carrying on the vision of the woman who made the Panaderia de Molo brand an iconic gift for travelers and locals alike.
However, that is not the focus of this piece. Regardless of the ongoing family conflict, as someone who enjoys their products, I wish them the best and hope that, in time, things will eventually improve.
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