Above: The main urban area of Cebu City in the 1950s was then confined to a small area that Cebuanos today refer to as “downtown.”

Mr. Alvin CH. Osmeña, a forumer of Cebu City Forums, was kind enough to share for this blog these vintage aerial photos of Cebu City which were shot by his father, Mr. Tomas CH. Osmeña, who was an avid photographer and pilot.

These photos are definitely rare as it offers us a glimpse of how Cebu City looked like back in the 1950s — from above!. When Alvin invited me over email to come to his office to digitize the photos, I didn’t hesitate a second or two. Anyway, kudos to you sir Alvin and all credit for this marvelous opus will surely go to the memory of your father.

Below: Various views of downtown Cebu City from different angles. Familiar landmarks such as Gaisano Main, Gaisano South, Gaisano Metro, Ludo & Luym Building, etc. weren’t built yet.

Below: Views showing City Hall, the then Sto. Niño Church (now a basilica), and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Below: Views of the City Hall-Sto.Niño Church-Magellan’s Cross area.

Below: Magallanes and Juan Luna Streets. The middle part is where the Ludo and Luym Building, a highrise hotel with a revolving restaurant, would rise in the 1960s.

Below: Carbon Market and the then Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos.

Below: University of San Carlos, the then Cebu Normal College, and Abellana High School.

Below: Fuente Osmeña. The capitol building is at the far end.