Saying Goodbye to Manokan Country

(SPOT.ph) Bacolod’s legendary Manokan Country, the go-to spot for the best chicken inasal in the country, has officially been demolished to make way for a P4 billion redevelopment project by SM Prime Holdings. News of this has been out for a while, but seeing it actually happen? The sting is undeniable.

For the uninitiated, Manokan Country has been a Bacolod institution since 1983. It’s where locals and tourists alike flock for authentic, no-frills chicken inasal at any hour of the day—with a side of toyomansi and chicken oil. Aida's or Nena's Rose or Bernadette's comes to mind for some of the best chicken inasal out here.

But now, the 16,875-square meter lot is set to be replaced by a multi-level commercial complex that will modernize the space with retail stores, BPO hubs, and a rebranded Manokan Country. Since January 30, stall owners have temporarily relocated to SM City Bacolod’s North Wing Parking Hub—“just across from the original site”—which will be their address for the next 18 months.

“So far, there have been no significant complaints, and the temporary space with 24 stalls has been fully occupied,” Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez said in a press conference on February 25. The city government is also giving each stall owner P20,000 as financial aid.

Here's what the temporary stalls look like at SM City Bacolod:

Also read: Why Aida's Manokan in Bacolod Has the Best Chicken Inasal

The end of Manokan Country as we know it

As expected, most locals are not taking the news well, but some are more optimistic than others. Reena Gamboa, President of Slow Food Negros Occidental, is a firm believer that Manokan Country's legacy isn't going anywhere, even when the setting has changed.

“Inasal is a staple. It won’t disappear. Somehow, they will find a way to come back,” Gamboa told SPOT.ph. “Manokan Country is the go-to for every Negrense. It is always part of my itinerary when I entertain guests because the vibe is different and the flavors are so local. I don’t think it will ever disappear in our culinary heritage. We all eat inasal.”

Still, for many, the closure of Manokan Country feels like losing a piece of Bacolod’s identity. “Another business we failed to protect,” one user wrote, while others expressed disappointment that a mixed-use building is replacing a place with so much history.

Not everyone saw the closure as a loss, though. A few users welcomed the redevelopment, as it could bring much-needed improvements in cleanliness and hygiene for the space: “Long overdue na.” 

Despite differing views, the overwhelming sentiment is one of nostalgia, with many insisting that no modern structure can ever replace the smoky, street-side charm of Manokan Country. For now, we can take solace in the fact that we can still get the same chicken inasal in the city, just across the street.

Also read: Spot Stays: This Bacolod Hotel Is Right in Front of the Famous Manokan Country