Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

About Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is one of the Philippines’ most unique and treasured musical instruments, drawing visitors from around the world. Built in the early 19th century by Spanish priest Fr. Diego Cera, this one-of-a-kind pipe organ is crafted primarily from bamboo, showcasing both Filipino ingenuity and a rich cultural heritage. Housed in St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, the Bamboo Organ continues to fascinate tourists and music enthusiasts with its historical charm and enchanting sound.

If I am not mistaken, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ was our topic when I was in grade four in Sibika at Kultura. The subject was interesting, so the history of the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ remains fresh in my memory, even with the long name of the man who created this majestic organ. Fray Diego Cera Dela Vergin del Carmen was a Spanish missionary born on July 26, 1762, and was the first parish priest in Las Piñas during the Spanish era. He is the man behind this national treasure - the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. He actually came from Graus, now in Huesca, Spain, but his heart still loves the Philippines. F. Diego Cera is also a man of titles; he is a Musician, Architect, Organ Builder, Botanist, Physician, Painter, and Geologist.

Las Piñas Bamboo Organ History

Bamboo spread out in the town of Las Piñas, so F. Diego Cera made it the medium of his artistic mind. Since bamboo can produce different sounds through the air, he created the idea of building an organ. But how did he do that? It's a long story, but here’s the life of the bamboo organ: the cutting of the bamboo and the selection of wood began in 1816 and were completed sometime in 1821, except for the reed stops. In 1824, the 122 horizontal reed pipes were completed. Similar to what happened to some century-old churches in the Philippines, the church and the Bamboo Organ were both damaged by three earthquakes in 1880. As a result, the pipes were disassembled and placed in the old sacristy.

Two years later, another typhoon blew off the roof, so the chest of the Bamboo Organ was partially damaged. In 1888, the church was rebuilt, but due to severe damage, the Bamboo Organ remained unplayable for the next decades until it was rediscovered by tourists in 1911. The tourist brought this concern to the public, so it was repaired several times, and an electric motor was installed to generate power from the wind.

Play the video above to hear the majestic sound of the bamboo organ.

The organ comprises 902 bamboo pipes and 129 metal pipes, totaling 1,031 pipes. Not everyone who knows how to play the organ can operate this bamboo organ, but only the selected choir members are permitted to do so. The local parish and the local government of Las Piñas, with the assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, have created various programs to preserve its original appearance and sound.

Las Piñas Church

Las Piñas Church, also known as St. Joseph Parish Church, is a historic landmark that beautifully blends faith, heritage, and culture in the heart of Las Piñas City. Built during the Spanish colonial period, this church is most famous for housing the world-renowned Bamboo Organ, a 19th-century musical treasure that continues to enchant visitors. With its stunning architecture and rich history, Las Piñas Church remains a sacred place of worship and an enduring symbol of Filipino devotion and craftsmanship.

It was in 1972 when the Bamboo Organ was brought to Bonn, Germany, for a full restoration. The contract was awarded to Jahannes Klais Orgelbau KG. While the organ was in Germany, the church was restored to its original state with the help of the Filipinos. After restoring the bamboo organ in Germany, it was played for the first time at the Klais Factory in Bonn, Germany. With the assistance of Sabena Airlines, the restored organ was returned to the Philippines in March 1975. In the same year, an inaugural concert was held at the house of the Bamboo Organ, which is St. Joseph Parish Church.

How to Get to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

You can ride a bus from EDSA and alight at Coastal Mall. Cross the Footbridge. Then, take a ride to Tambo in Zapote, and alight at Las Piñas. If you still can’t find it, you can ask the residents in Bayan.

Summary

A visit to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is more than just a musical experience—it is a journey into the Philippines’ history, artistry, and enduring faith. Whether you come to witness its melodic performance or to admire its cultural significance, the Bamboo Organ stands as a symbol of Filipino craftsmanship and resilience. Truly, it is a heritage treasure worth celebrating and preserving for generations to come.

As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.