Bohol's Society Scene Circa 1950's

During the 1950's, considered the golden days when the Philippines was still under the shadow of anything American, parties and balls were formal events where guests and attendees are expected to be dressed up for the occasion.

Talk about Western influence when it came to fashion & style.

Gentlemen had to be in coat and tie and ladies had to be either in cocktail or party dresses or voluminous ball gowns. 

Underneath was the de riguer petticoats for the ladies.

The very formal way of dressing up was practiced up to the early 70's before the casual chic and the laidback bohemian or hippie dress philosophy took over.

 Bohol Jaycees gentlemen Rolly Butalid, Tomas Toledo & Rey Gatal
Baguio City 1959 

 Even a simple merienda or eating at the restaurant means dressing up for the ladies

 Presidential daughter Linda Garcia & Reynald Gatal 
show some dance moves while the country's First Couple looks on

Dancing then meant knowing the steps of cha cha cha, rhumba, tango and the like

A classy way to dance

COURTSHIP & THE NIGHTLIFE IN TAGBILARAN 1950'S 

On the other hand, there was virtually no nightlife to speak of when talking of Tagbilaran, then the sleepy capital town of Bohol

Young men usually organized serenades or harana with groups of friends to back up with guitars when trying to woo the objects of their affection

Looking at these photographs, you just sigh and wonder where good taste and civility have gone nowadays

It was considered a crime when you barge into a party and ignore the dress code. 

Jeans were originally meant to be worn as working attire 

Today, it's mostly dressed down or what we term as smart casual when going to most parties and other social events. 

  

Photo Credits: Reynald Gatal Collection

Life in Tagbilaran Circa 1900's

I have always wondered how it was to live in Tagbilaran City circa 1900. 

Then just this week, my brother Roger shared with me these rare photographs. 

One shows a black & white image of St. Josph's Cathedral in the then Municipio of Tagbilaran, Bohol

SUNDAY MASS IN TAGBILARAN CIRCA 1900'S 

  St. Joseph's Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol Circa 1901

The photograph was taken somewhere between 1901 and 1906. Can you beat that?

At the foreground, one can see some well dressed churchgoers who must have been on their way home for a hearty Sunday luncheon

GATAL- TORRALBA CLAN FAMILY PHOTOS

Here are some 1930's family photos of my paternal grandfather Galicano Gatal who was married to Albina Torralba

Gatal- Torralba Clan. The youngest in the photo is Uncle Rey Gatal . 
Holding him is his mom Albina
Circa 1934 

 Gatal grandparents Galicano & Albina Gatal
with Uncle Rey as a young boy during the 1930's 

Here is the aerial view of another landmark in Tagbilaran which is replicated all over Bohol and in the Philippines. 

It shows two of the three important elements of the Spanish- laid out Cathedral- Plaza- Municipio del Principe triumvirate. 

OLD PLAZA & MUNICIPIO DEL PRINCIPE

aerial view of the Plaza & Municipio del Principe of Tagbilaran

Today, it is now the St. Joseph Cathedral, Plaza Rizal and Bohol Provincial Capitol

OLD TAGBILARAN PORT CIRCA 1930'S

Finally, here's a glimpse of what used to be the original port of Tagbilaran back in the 1930's

AIRPORT SCENE DURING THE 1940'S

During the late 1940's & 1950's, Tagbilaran was just a sleepy town and well- wishers could still go to the airport runway to send off or welcome visitors. 

Today, it would be a security nightmare

PARADES WERE FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Back then, school parades were highly- anticipated spectacles not only for the floats but also for the lovely muses on them. The floral parades were scheduled on the "Tabo" Day when farmers & ambulant vendors sold their wares and their produce from the farm.

FIRST MISS HOLY NAME COLLEGE: Pastora "Pasty" Mendoza later
became Mrs. George Visarra. Circa 1947

How about you guys? 

Can you share some old photographs that show life in vintage Tagbilaran or Bohol?

Photos shared by Roger Gatal