The choirloft of Carcar Church
In most old churches in the Philippines, the choirloft is situated at the far end of the church and just above the main portal. Carcar Church is no exception. Entrance is through a flight of wooden stairs at it’s left. A close inspection of the walls near these steps indicate a previous installation that shows a direct ascent up. Today, one negotiates a total of three flights.
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. There’s not so much to be seen in the choirloft today and is no longer used for its main purpose. However, looking at the walls are a series of faded frescoes that indicates how this church was previously decorated. The woodwork also echoes the style that can be seen in the kumbento.
One thing that do catches one’s attention is the base of the choirloft. It sports a coffered ceiling that, based from archival photos, was how the original central nave looked like before it was painted.
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- The choirloft of Carcar Church
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- Worm’s eye view of the choirloft. Note the coffered ceiling at the base
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- Coffered ceiling that opens above the portals. This is the base of the choirloft.
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- Wooden steps that leads to the choirloft
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- Closer view of steps showing filigree and markings of a previous staircase etched on the wall.
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- Detail of wooden steps
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- Detail of wooden steps showing graffiti
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- Faded frescoes located at the walls of the choirloft.
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- Detail of choirloft arch near the church ceiling
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- Detail of wooden relief of choirloft arch
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- Detail of relief of choirloft arch
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- Detail of floral relief at the base of the choirloft as it was in 2005 before it was painted.
