From 1887 to 1889, Lipa, Batangas became the wonder of the world. After a virus wiped out plantations in Africa, Java, and Brazil, the town became the world's lone supplier of coffee beans. The town became so prosperous that Queen Maria Cristina of Spain granted Lipa with its own coat of arms and the noble title of Villa.
Although it was built either shortly before or after this "golden age", the colonial cemetery of Lipa reflects the affluence of the period. A grand flight of steps ascends to a wide landing marked by a portal where a memorial plaque proclaims the name of the builder: Benito Baras, the Augustinian curate of Lipa from 1865 to 1894.
There is a missing number on the inscribed date of blessing: 7 DE ABRIL DE 18_0. Based on the remaining impression, it could either be an "8" or a "9". Could it be 1880? 1890? Both years are well within Fray Benito's incumbency. Evidence seems to point to an 1890 attribution, since the title of Villa was granted to Lipa in 1887.
But still, what do you think?
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