NOTE: THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE BOHOL CHRONICLE’S SUNDAY PRINT EDITION.
In an era dominated by selfies and instant photography, the experience of visiting a professional studio for a portrait may seem archaic. However, for the residents of Tagbilaran City aged thirty and above, there is a profound nostalgia for the time when one stepped into The Original: Ramasola Studio for a meticulous portrait session and being immortalized in a photograph.
Established in May 1963 and still situated in the same building, Ramasola stands as a pillar in the local community through six decades of portrait photography. Through its lenses, it has not only captured images but also the very essence of our people’s smiles, as well as the distinct character and unique tapestry of Boholano life.
Remember the pride every graduate feels when pinned with a tiny ribbon on their chest? It signified assurance that a Ramasola photographer would be there to capture the perfect moment of receiving one’s diploma. And after the graduation rites, there was that joyful anticipation to pose against the beautiful backdrop of stairways leading to clouds that the studio put up outside the venue.
Since its inception, the Ramasola Studio has been more than a place of photographs, it is a sanctuary for memories. From milestone events such as graduations, weddings, baptisms, and even death to everyday moments of laughter and joy shared among classmates and friends, each portrait serves as a mirror reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the locality. From the playful innocence of children to the weathered wisdom of elders, the studio has been a silent witness to all those expressions.
What sets Ramasola Studio apart is its ability to carefully frame and thoughtfully compose every shot, fostering a sense of self-awareness in the subject and a connection with the photographer. It transcends the simple act of taking a picture, elevating it to a form of art.
After all, the studio was started by Teodorico “Ric” Martinez Ramasola, who is considered the “Patriarch of Boholano Artists”. Mentored by National Artists like Botong Francisco and Vicente Manansala, he had won two national art competitions in the 1960s. After graduating from the University of Sto. Tomas with a course in Fine Arts, major in Painting, he was convinced by friends to practice his art in Manila. But home beckoned, and he had the intention to carry on a legacy. His father, Ponciano Ramasola Sr., was a sculptor and artisan who had earlier established a photography studio in their hometown of Maribojoc.
The legacy lives on as The Original Ramasola Studio continues the tradition of capturing moments and preserving memories for generations of Boholanos even at this time of ubiquitous selfies.
Beyond its role as a mere photography studio, Ramasola Studio has ingrained itself deeply into the fabric of the local community life. It has witnessed families grow and evolve, becoming a trusted custodian of cherished memories. Its walls echo with laughter, tears, and countless stories. Whether as a gathering place for family portraits or a backdrop for local events, the studio has remained a constant presence, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. (By: Sonieta D. Labasan)