A Class Picture of Young Filipino Boys in the 1930s

Photo inscription: C.B. Welcome C.A.V.
Intermediate Boys Grade V-VI-VII
1935-1936

A class photo depicting the Filipino youth of the 1930s.

The front row boys are wearing scarves knotted in a way boy scouts or farmers do.

The second to third row are wearing high-waisted khakis (some in pinstripe) and white dress shirts. The chic boy on the left is wearing an all-white outfit. Long sleeve shirt paired with high-waisted shorts and low-cut penny loafers. Ah the 1930s was truly vintage posh even among gradeschoolers!

The boys on the top row however are wearing light-colored shirts with large pockets.

Hair is generally swept back, greased and fluffy on top - evidence of hat hair. Refer to noticeable hat on the right side of the photo near the window.

These boys are between the 90-94 age range today, and most likely WWII war vets.

Portrait of a Filipina

A very poised Binibini (young lady) sitting like a queen on a rattan wicker throne. The long train from her dress is sprawled to one side; her shoes stepping on the fur of a dead animal. Her eyes towards the lens, her lips almost a half-smile like the Mona Lisa herself.

There's a handwriting scribbled at the back of the photo, the portrait was taken as a memento for her sister who lives far away.

My grandma told me that getting your portrait done back in the day meant saving up for it, spending that amount of money in the province and traveling for hours to reach the Kapitolyo required much planning. It was an anticipated event especially for young women. This was a step up from the previous generation who would do a "sitting" with painters for a portrait.

Manilenos often have the opportunity to get their photos taken, studios were more accessible to them. They would have clothes tailored just for their photo sessions. As for the average low income or provincial Pinoy, most only have their wedding portrait as the sole occasion to have photos professionally done in a studio.


She could be from a well-to-do familia and can afford her own elegant terno made for this shot. Or like the enterprising studios of today, they have props and some wardrobe ready for their customers.