Bacolod Manokan Country (Home of the BEST Chicken Inasal) is now DEMOLISHED

The End of an Era but a Signal of New Growth and Opportunities.
This is how I see the demolition of this popular landmark in Bacolod that is the Manokan Country. It's indeed time for a change. The place is ready for a P4-billion redevelopment project by SM Prime holdings.                                                                                                             

A LEGACY DISCONTINUED?

The Bacolod Manokan Country is more than just the famous authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal like that of Aida's, Rosing's, Cita's, Nena's. and more.  It is also known for oysters and it also popularized the use of chicken oil. This legacy spread to Bacolodnons, Negrenses and eventually to tourists who came to know about the legendary taste of the chicken inasal of the City of Smiles. 

PLACE OF UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

From its humble origins in the 80s in a solitary lot that is a former seashore turned into a reclamation area, the tenants saw success as large groups ate there to celebrate events like birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Before the construction of SM Mall across its building, traffic and parking were already a headache but it was a sign that people just want to go there to dine. 

QUESTION OF HYGIENE
Decades pass by and Manokan Country has fallen into a landmark with food handling and safety issues problem. There were news of food poisoning and other issues such as customers seeing rats running in the kitchen area while others were witness to unhygienic practices of some tenants. Comfort rooms were stinky and some dining tables are near these areas. With these issues, the City Government stepped in. Thus, the plan to renovate the area took place but without objections from internal and external forces. The plan stalled for many years. 

THE BIG SHIFT

However, a major change began to rejuvenate the future of the Manokan Country as the Albee administration were seriously focused in overturning the stalled plans. There were challenges  as tenants felt they were losing the opportunity to do business and carry on the legacy. But with SM, as its partner, the local government breathe fresh air to this vision and also gave the tenants temporary solutions to continue business with SM providing them a temporary Manokan Country at their North Block area. As for the future plans, SM released their proposal that includes multi-level parking areas with elevators, twin BPO buildings, a comfortable and cleaner dining area with AC, and a bridge connecting SM City Bacolod mall.  

AN EXCITING ERA IS ABOUT TO COME
Tourists and locals who love to dine in Manokan country were so glad to see these changes coming. Of course, there were some who hated the modern design or the fact that it's SM again that is destroying heritage sites. Some pointed out, the contemporary look of the planned Manokan Country erases the street food vibes and culture but there are also many who praised the vision as these signals a better and safe place for families and tourists to eat and enjoy authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal.