choir loft chair

Engraving on a choir loft chair at San Agustin Church, Intramuros....

 

Interestingly, these chairs are hand-carved in the 17th century on molave hardwood. The church is of the baroque style, constructed during the Spanish Colonial Era, and had been named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993. Also, looking up on the ceiling of the church would give an impression of three-dimensional artwork, but is in fact a trompe-l'œil, an art technique that deceives the eye.

What's more interesting though is finding out that the tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi is located on the east side of the altar! de Legazpi was the first governor-general of the Philippines and the founder of Manila, having made a peace pact with Rajah Sulaiman and Rajah Lakan Dula. He also ordered the construction of the walls of Intramuros which still stands today. Before settling in Manila, de Legazpi also made the famous blood compact with Datu Sikatuna in Tagbilaran, Bohol on 1565.