Last Sunday, in the hopes of checking out Buho Bakery, I was only able to take a snapshot of the legendary hole. I posted the photo on Facebook and, since then, had a downpour of likes and comments. It was overwhelming, but what was more overwhelming is the love of Ilonggos for the bakery.
Nestled in an alley along Mapa Street, Buho Bakery is a gem in the City of Love. It offers bread ‘hot’ from the oven. I have been told that all transactions and purchases are made via the hole, if ever the main shop is closed. As of writing, I have a Pan de Coco on my right and I have just been to Buho Bakery.
Upon entry, you will notice an assortment of bread displayed in a glass casing – and more bread in metal pans at the back. I overheard a customer looking for Pancho, but I can’t quite recall what that is. So I asked for Pancho. Turns out, it is bread with creamy filling in between – similar to Pan de Coco. I asked for two – later on I realized that it only costs Php 2.50 per piece. The lady who took my order went back of the shop and took out two Panchos – fresh from the oven! I have to say the bread that is fresh from the oven tastes extremely good.
I ordered more – hence the Pan de Coco. Pan de Coco is a bun filled with sweetened coconut, and it only costs Php 5.50. I also have to commend that the ladies who have been taking orders are really friendly. And they interact with customers with a smile. One even asked if I am new here, and if I am the new ‘boarder’ beside their building.
How to Get to Buho Bakery: It is located in an alley along Mapa Street. Mapa Street can be accessed via JM Basa Street where the former Iloilo Freedom Grandstand stood, or Rizal Street where the University of Iloilo stands. Either way, you will be able to see Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo. Look for the bridge that connects the two Sun Yat Sen buildings. The first alley from the bridge will lead you to Buho Bakery. Jeepneys that pass by JM Basa and Rizal include Lapaz, Timawa, and Jaro CPU.
Alley to Buho Bakery along Mapa Street, Iloilo
Buho Bakery
Assortment of bread
Pan de Coco at Php 5.50
Pancho at Php 2.50. I love Buho Bakery.
Since i was studying in high-school wayback 1994@University of iloilo. Me and my classmates asking me to go with them during our breaktime they named “Buho” i said what is that it’s Buho i said what..? They ask me again to join with them jjst come with us and you well see 🙂🙂🙂 until i found out that whole is they said buho so what kind of bread do you like Panchu then i buy iys inly 1.50 peso that time more chip 😁😁😁 and when i taste it wow super delecious very tasty bread one of my favorite Panchu bread made from “Buho” its a small hole ang its a bales shop❤️❤️❤️❤️
Their pan de sal is an all time favourite, a cut from the rest; their version of this national bread is so uniquely theirs.
Ilonggos have aged with these taste in their palate and have considered these tastes part of the traditional culinary culture.
Let’s continue to patronize what is uniquely ours….