The bamboo organ of Las Pinas is said to be so famous that every organist in the world has heard of it. The organ was made in 1824 by a Spanish friar and scientist. It is the only known organ in the world to be made entirely of bamboo, since just its trumpet stops are made of metal. It is now housed in the Parish Church of Saint Joseph, just a few hundred metres away
from the Sarao Jeepney factory.
Along with the church and its surrounding structures, the organ has been restored to its original 19th century look. Having sustained major damage in the past as a result of some of the many typhoons and earthquakes to have hit the Philippines during the past two centuries, the organ needed to be painstakingly restored by experts in Germany in the 1970s. Once renovation was complete, it was shipped back from Europe and subsequently declared a 'national treasure' by the National Museum of the Philippines. The International Bamboo Organ Festival is now held annually in February to commemorate its return.
Jule with the original bellows used to pump air into the organ.
The beautifully restored bamboo roof of the church.
The nave of the Parish Church of Saint Joseph.
The world-famous bamboo organ.
A view of the congregation from the organ.
Another beautiful bamboo ceiling in one of the chapels.
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