Intramuros Rising

Things are abuzz in Intramuros.

It all started with the restoration of Manila Cathedral last year (still ongoing until now). Then San Agustin also underwent restoration. However, San Agustin's make-over is taking on the project without closing its doors to the public.

I had a tour this week and was surprised that the lower portion of the San Agustin's sala recibidor was also being remodeled. A large piece was being dismantled and moved to another location by the Intramuros Administration. 

The 17th century retablo from Cebu which found a temporary home at the sala recibidor was taken piece by piece from it's designated spot and was being taken to another area within Intramuros. This was/is in conjunction with the rebuilding of the San Ignacio church that will house the extensive ecclesiastical collection of the Intramuros Administration.

The altar piece which occupied the far wall of the room is a massive objet d'art that depicts the significant stages in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Extreme care had to be undertaken to move the individual pieces carved out of Philippine hardwood. 

Even the small decorative scroll pieces which seemed almost unobtrusive had to be moved by two men one at a time. The image of the Holy Infant Jesus was also taken out of its hardwood niche. For now, some of the pieces will be in Casa Manila until the building of the San Ignacio is fully completed.

The Manila Cathedral is nearing its completion. From time to time workers open doors partially to let the dust from restoration works fly out and during those times, one can take a peek on its progress. The church was supposed to be fully restored by 8 December of last year. The waiting makes it more exciting...