I was looking at archival photos of churches in my files and found two images of the retablo mayor of Oslob Church in Cebu. It is resplendent with all those finery and decorations that are done on special occasions like the feast of the main patron, Inmaculada Concepcion or during the Lenten Season.

The photos might have been taken during the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Notice the benches placed infront of each other just before the altar. These were usually reserved for the elite while the townspeople stand further with no benches or seats provided.

At the left image, notice the painted ceilings which, unfortunately, during the fire of 1955 was totally gutted by fire. The interior seems to have its own trompe l’oeil judging from the topmost photo wherein at the right, one of the pillars is painted. Compare these with the interior circa 2005, before the fire of 2008 and really, there’s a big, big difference. These two archival images are courtesy of Pedro Galende, OSA, San Agustin Museum Director.

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Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph was published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

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