La Naval de Manila.
The image of Our Lady of the Rosary, popularly known nowadays as
La Naval, is actually considered the oldest ivory carving in the
Philippines. It was carved by a non-Catholic Chinese sculptor under
the direction of Captain Hernando de los Rios Coronel. It is made
of elephant ivory which was commissioned in 1593 by Governor
General Luis Perez Dasmarinas for the Manila Dominicans. The
sculptor later became a convert.
The image is dressed in yards of precious cloth of gold embroidered
with silver thread. High-karat gold including precious jewels are part
of the crowns of Our Lady and the Child Jesus. These jewels were
donated by affluent devotees from several generations ago. Her garb
reflects an influence from the 17th century Spanish "Golden Age,"
but her features shows oriental characteristics.
The image suffered damage during the 1762 pillage of Manila by
British troops. In 1907, she was canonically crowned by the Papal
Nuncio, the first Marian image in the country to be so honored.
She narrowly missed destruction during the bombing of Manila in 1942,
and had to be evacuated to a safer locale. In 1954, she was finally
brought to her present home in the Dominican church in Quezon City.
Some scholars have wondered how authentic to the 1593 original the
present statue is. Other images of Our Lady of the Rosary were
commissioned for the same Dominican convent in Manila from the
early 17th century to the present day. In order to approach this art
historical problem, a number of investigations must been carried out.
(Source: wikipilipinas)
You have beautifully captured the Feast of Our Lady of Naval with your vibrant images! Brilliant photoessay! I am very happy that you immerse yourself and your photography with the Filipino culture and heritage. You will never ran out of interesting subjects to shoot! The lowering of our lady from the balcony is such a wonderful moment! It's as if She is descending to the people from heaven! The faith and love of the people for Our Lady is great. Your photos are amazing! Thank you for this post.
Posted by: Ian Francisco | November 22, 2008 at 02:02 AM
the sequence of frames works really well, sidney.
Posted by: angie | November 21, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Wow, Ivory, must be worth something. And she does a disapearing act :-)
Posted by: pieterbie | November 20, 2008 at 01:06 PM
joli graphisme dans les premières images.
Posted by: Marie | November 20, 2008 at 06:19 AM
you have a great site here. keep it up. and thanks for the comment on my site as well. :D
Posted by: Arachne | November 19, 2008 at 03:27 PM
interesting info. =)
i like the colors too, it's so royal-looking.
Posted by: carla | November 19, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Suspense à la vue des premières photos ... où est passée La Naval ?
Bien réalisé !
Posted by: petitlouis | November 19, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Interesting info and great series of photos. So rich in tradition.
Posted by: Laurie | November 18, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Beautiful images and thanks for all the info.
Posted by: Ashish Sidapara | November 18, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I really like all the photos. I'm not a Christian so I've never actually got involved in any celebrations. Nevertheless, your entries have been immensely valuable and helpful for me to gain an insight into the world of Christianity and the beautiful churches.
Posted by: Share | November 18, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Very interesting information and your pictures tell a good story too. Very nice Sidney.
Posted by: Lurch | November 18, 2008 at 08:36 PM
She is quite stunning against the fleur de lis backdrop, wow.
Posted by: Ruth | November 18, 2008 at 06:49 PM
It is huge, isn't it? But it is a lovely statue.
Posted by: joy | November 18, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Bonne idée cette suite grossissante de La Naval de Manila.
Posted by: Gérard Méry | November 18, 2008 at 06:11 PM
She's very beautiful vision.
Posted by: Rach (Heart of Rachel) | November 18, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Grâce à toi, on connait maintenant tout l'histoire de cette sainte patronne. Excellent reportage!
Posted by: jms | November 18, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Its nice to find this blog. You have really good articles on Philippine traditions and heritage. Great pics too!
Posted by: Allan | November 18, 2008 at 02:07 PM
nice series sidney. i like how you captured the image being brought down. images like this has its own story of being miraculous.
Posted by: dong ho | November 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
You were gone when I did the Sacada Series. I dedicated that to you because I felt sad that you stopped blogging. I corrected the links so if you click on the label and the image, it will take you to the original series.
Posted by: Ces | November 18, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I feel sad because Quezon City is relatively near Makati and yet I have never visited La Naval. I wish there will be an opportunity to go in the future.
Have you been to Manaoag as well, Sidney? That place is awe-inspiring as well. We had relatives visit there from Marinduque to ask help from our Lady of Manaoag to help cure a relative of cancer.
Posted by: watson | November 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM
wonderful shots and such an informative post, thanks for the info very interesting reading
Posted by: JJ | November 18, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Uy! I should visit this church too. I'd pass by the church to which this saint is being housed but didn't know about La Naval. Nice set of photos. Very informative write up as well...
Posted by: dodong flores | November 18, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I am loving this series too Sidney. Thanks for all the info. Also, where is this church? Did I miss reading it? You captured a tradition so perfectly.
Posted by: Photo Cache | November 18, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Lovely atmosphere and lighting in the snaps. Love how the orange at the background enhances the idol colors.
Posted by: AC | November 18, 2008 at 06:41 AM