Oct 13 2008
A peek at the cemetery of the rich
Above: The imposing Osmeña mausoleum.
It’s filthy, deserted, and surrounded with shanties. Who would ever think that this was the final resting place of some of Cebu’s prominent families? None I guess but the magnificent mausoleums, the marble statues (Carraras for sure), and the very familiar family names resound a grandeur that would give ordinary visitors a hint that surely this was no ordinary cemetery during its heyday.
The cemetery’s main attraction is the Osmeña mausoleum which stands majestically in the middle of a sprawling lawn. A plaque suggests that it was built in 1920. It is a rectangular neo-classical structure that contains the mortal remains of Doña Estefania Chiong Veloso de Osmeña, Sergio Osmeña Jr., and several other members of the clan. Estefania was the wife of Philippine Commonwealth President Sergio Osmeña Sr. Their son, Sergio Jr., rose to become governor of Cebu, mayor of Cebu City and later as senator of the Philippine republic.
Surrounding the Osmeña Mausoleum are several smaller mausoleums of other prominent clans. A number of the mausoleums are already empty of burials — transferred perhaps to newer cemeteries or bone chambers in the suburbs.
We did not expect to visit this place if not for a vintage photo of the Osmeña mausoleum posted in Skyscrapercity Forums which aroused our interest. I was with Mr. Jose Bersales, an archaeologist from the University of San Carlos, and “Sir Lawrence,” a senior manager of BPI who is also into heritage.
Note: Photos of the actual tombstones will not be posted to respect the dead and to maintain the privacy of the families.
Below: Details of the Osmeña mausoleum.
Below: Entrance to the crypt.
Below: The Jerez mausoleum.
Below: Marble relieves at the Jerez mausoleum.
Below: A fully carved marble statue (around 6 feet high from pedestal to cross).
Below: Details of the marble statue.
Below: A marble relief panel (around 5 feet) at the Sotto plot.
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October 21st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I’ve learned last June that the Archdiocese of Cebu will initiate the restoration of this area..but they should need the help of those families who once owned this edifices.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Clarence, I don’t have any idea as to how many years it (Osmeña Mausoleum) was built.
This structure is made of solid reinforced concrete typical of buildings built during the American era.
It was built in 1920 though as stated by a plaque inside the crypt.
November 15th, 2008 at 8:29 am
wow!
ka nice architecture.
Any idea bai Arnold if pila ka years ni nabuhat?
puluyanan nmn ni sa mga buhi oi
November 11th, 2008 at 6:27 am
never seen such a humongous family burial place like that elsewhere.