Iloilo City is famous for barquillos. Barquillos are rolled wafer pastries, crunchy with every bite. You can enjoy it with your favorite ice cream. Or you can have it as it is. To make these, you will need a batter by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, and butter rolled out thin to perfection. One of the places that offer this delightful treat is Hinolan’s Barquillos.
They are located along Libertad Street in Jaro, Iloilo City. And you can contact them at 09287051049.
Ma’am Julieta, a former secondary school teacher at Jaro National High School, resigned after 13 years due to health issues related to chalk dust exposure. Eligibility for a teacher’s pension requires a minimum of 15 years of teaching experience.
Ma’am Julieta earned her degree from the University of San Agustin in 1969. She had completed her high school education in 1959 and tied the knot two years later.
The Start of Hinolan’s Barquillos
Her family started a barquillos business in the 1950s, employing about a dozen workers manog-likit (people rolling barquillos in shape). However, the illness of her father and subsequent death led to a decline in business.
The Rebirth of Hinolan’s Barquillos
Currently, Ma’am Julieta and her daughter, Beverly Rapunzel, run the business together. Ma’am Julieta is responsible for preparing the batter, while they employ one worker to shape the barquillos.
The transition from teacher to entrepreneur wasn’t easy. Ma’am Julieta had to navigate a competitive market, differentiating her barquillos through unique flavors and textures.
Ma’am Julieta initially funded the business through a loan. Even today, her production remains modest. Nevertheless, she is content with her recipe, believing it caters to all ages and palates.
Hinolan’s Barquillos Recipe Timeline
The barquillo recipe has its roots in Molo. Ma’am Julieta’s mother adapted the original recipe, and she, in turn, further refined it. After her father’s passing, her aunts took over the family business.
Traditionally, their barquillos were packaged in cans. However, they’ve transitioned to plastic packaging for convenience. To ensure the barquillos arrive intact, they’re carefully packed in recycled tetra pack boxes.
Hinolan’s Barquillos in Digital Age
Director Tara Illenberger, an administrator of the Old Iloilo Facebook Groups, visited Ma’am Julieta’s home and conducted a brief interview. This exposure helped increase the online visibility of Hinolan’s Barquillos.
To further connect with their customers, they established a dedicated Facebook page.
Glimpses of How to Make Hinolan’s Barquillos
Home is where the heart—and the delicious barquillos—are. Operating as a micro-enterprise, Hinolan’s Barquillos leverages simple tools to create their delectable treats.
The “Sharon” Cut
Barquillos are traditionally long, but a customer’s request for a shorter size, later gifted to Sharon Cuneta’s wedding, popularized the “Sharon Cut.”
Candle as Sealer
The traditional way of candle sealing remains their preferred method, even with modern alternatives like electric sealers.
Watch the full presentation of Ma’am Julieta Hinolan-Mempin on 73 Years of Making Barquillos | Julieta Hinolan Mempin during the Pa-Ambit by Old Iloilo last April 2024.
