Rebirth of Madrid’s Century-old Mercado de San Miguel

Located in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is the world-renowned Mercado de San Miguel, a century-old public market that has become one of Spain’s most famous tourist attractions. A mighty landmark composed of iron and glass, its elegant and distinctive 20th-century architectural feature never fails to capture the attention of tourists and locals alike, greeting an average of more than 10 million visitors every year.

More than an eye-catching photography subject, Mercado de San Miguel is a shopping mecca and a dining destination in one. The market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, gourmet cheeses, pastries, cooking utensils, beers, tapas, and many more. Its food hall offers a diverse array of choices, including the classic Spanish rice dish Paella, oysters, octopus, Castilian cheese, homemade ice cream, and traditional tapas.

A reawakened market

A thriving market and tourist destination today, the hundred-year-old Mercado de San Miguel is a heritage from past generations. The market was built to serve the needs of the people of Madrid in 1916. The original market was an open-air venue where people sold and bought goods.

As years went by, the bustling market of Madrid died down as people changed their consumption habits in the 1980s. After years of lull, the market found its way back as the first gourmet market in Madrid. It was reopened in 2009, after almost six years of market restoration.

Sustainable restoration

The aim of Mercado de San Miguel’s redevelopment was to make the building sustainable while preserving its historic architectural design. While its quaint facade still exudes a medieval charm, the redeveloped market of Madrid operates on modern sustainable technologies such as LED lighting, water-saving faucets, and heat recovery systems. These technologies ensure that the age-old Mercado de San Miguel will continue to operate while reducing its impacts on the environment. In addition, the world-famous market of Madrid uses a technology that infuses the air with water droplets to cool the entire venue, instead of using an air conditioner.

Attracting more and more people from all over the world, Mercado de San Miguel continues to redevelop itself to keep up with the ever-changing needs and preferences of consumers globally. In 2018, Madrid’s gourmet market was relaunched by onboarding several internationally known chefs. In 2021, after a 9-month temporary closure due to Covid 19 pandemic, it reopened and launched new merchants including an artisan bakery named Madreamiga and top-quality meat store Primital.

A trailblazer in market redevelopment

With its century-old success story, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the world’s pioneers when it comes to restoring and redeveloping public markets. Madrid’s progressive market sets an example for other cities that aspire to modernize their markets.

The government of Iloilo City in the Philippines, for instance, has found inspiration in Mercado de San Miguel’s use of sustainable technologies. The Iloilo City government has tapped property developer SM Prime to transform Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets into resilient and sustainable markets. SM Prime will install facilities for enhanced air quality maintenance, water resource management, and solid waste management. Energy-saving devices like solar panels, skylights for natural lighting and ventilation, and LED lights will also be used. With this rehabilitation project, Iloilo City’s public markets will provide a better market experience to citizens and eventually boost the city’s tourism.

From Humble Beginnings to Purpose-Driven Success: Coach Nile's Journey of Faith and Service

Kris Jan Banga, also known as Coach Nile, grew up in a humble family in Iloilo, the youngest of three children. His mother worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs to provide for them, until she eventually succumbed to cancer when he was just 13. Her loss left Nile devastated, and his father had to step in, though their family was often viewed as dysfunctional. Looking back, Nile now realizes his parents did the best they could with what they had.

As he approached his senior year in high school, Nile’s dream of college seemed impossible due to financial constraints—until he learned about SM Foundation. With the help of his aunt, he applied and was accepted as a scholar, a pivotal moment that allowed him to pursue a college education and changed his life’s trajectory. He recalls a moment during his second year at Central Philippine University when he feared losing his scholarship. However, the foundation's manager, Ma’am Jel, reassured him and encouraged him to persist.

Today, Nile uses his experiences to guide his business, Identity Branding Team, which offers brand consultancy with a focus on aligning businesses with their core values. He aims to create brands that build genuine customer relationships and long-term success, not just profits. Additionally, as a life coach through Coach Nile International, he dedicates his time to mission trips, creating spaces for spiritual growth in communities.

Nile’s journey, from his modest beginnings to his work in branding and mission outreach, reflects the values of kindness and service instilled in him by SM Foundation. He sees it as his calling to extend the kindness he received, impacting lives through faith, coaching, and business.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔) 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰?

Quezon Hall, or Bulwagang Quezon, finished construction in 1926 and will turn 100 years old in 2026.

Then known as the Iloilo Normal School, it was originally made of reinforced concrete. It had a two-story main building with galvanized iron roofing and two one-story wings with tile roofing over asphalted felt.

Two decades after it was finished, this distinguished landmark weathered the havoc during World War II. Although it withstood the grim past, the building sustained significant damages for being used as a Japanese garrison.It was rebuilt under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.

Strategically located at an elevated area in the university, it was and is still now a focal point of WVSU and an imposing architectural piece for education.

Now that years have passed, this key educational heritage is undergoing renovation. The Henry Sy Foundation (HSFI), SM Foundation, and WVSU entered a memorandum of agreement on its adaptive restoration in June 2024.

This is a much-needed collaborative undertaking as the building has not seen a major rehabilitation since post-war and, most importantly, it shall meet the demands of the modern academic scene.

Molo Mansion: A Hub for Local Arts and Culture

 

Molo Mansion, a historic gem in Iloilo City, has become a beloved destination not only for its rich heritage but also for its role in supporting the local arts scene. Originally a grand ancestral house, this mansion has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing the best of regional talent.

 

The mansion hosts regular exhibitions and events featuring local artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work. This has made it a cornerstone for the regional arts scene. The mansion’s consistent promotion of art fosters creativity and helps the community appreciate the rich artistic talents within Iloilo and its surrounding regions.

 

Beyond its cultural impact, the Molo Mansion is an architectural marvel. Its neoclassical design, intricate woodwork, and expansive gardens provide a picturesque setting that draws both locals and tourists. Visitors are enchanted by its beautifully preserved interiors, from the elegant grand staircase to the detailed ceiling designs. The house is a perfect blend of history and modern artistry, making it a favorite spot for history buffs and art lovers alike.

 

Not only does the mansion support artists, but it also houses local food brands and artisanal products. The shops inside the mansion sell a variety of delicacies and handcrafted items that reflect the region’s rich culinary and craft traditions. According to a local vendor, Molo Mansion gives local entrepreneurs a platform to reach more customers and showcase the flavors of Iloilo. This fusion of art, history, and local enterprise makes it a dynamic cultural and economic hub.

 

Molo Mansion has quickly become a top tourist destination in Iloilo City, offering a mix of history, art, and culture. Visitors can enjoy everything from art exhibits and cultural performances to sampling local food and purchasing unique souvenirs.

In its blend of old-world charm and contemporary creativity, Molo Mansion continues to uplift Iloilo’s vibrant arts and culture, making it a true landmark of the city.