True to it's neoclassic form, the pulpit's construction echoes the architectural style of the façade. CLICK FOR BIGGER SIZE..

Carcar Church is one of a few simbahan in Cebu that still has its pulpit intact. Like it’s simple neoclassic façade, it echoes the architectural style and you’ve got an unassuming woodpiece that nevertheless, stands out from the whitewashed walls.

The photos used in this series were taken between 2005 and 2008 as the author visits this church from time to time. Special thanx to Lorens Gibb Lapinid for the assistance in 2008. It’s a far cry from the elaborate carving of San Agustin’s exquisite pulpit or those found in Boljoon and Argao, this province, as these are from a different, much earlier era. It’s also smaller than the one in Liloan, Cebu, a contemporary.

What probably sets this pulpit apart is that the wooden staircase is wrapped halfway into the massive column, left side, a consequence of it being a three naved church. In single naved edifices, it is usually located at the corner of the crossing or conveniently attached to the wall for those structures without the transept.

Unlike other pulpits that are hung on the wall, this one is supported with a column that rises from the floor. Instead of a decorative and inverted pineapple at the base, wooden leaf carvings can be seen. The tornavoz or soundboard is also quite simple with a series of curved wooden panels make up the parabola.

Today, it seems that this pulpit is deteriorating as this is currently propped up at the base to prevent it from falling.

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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