Last Updated on 09/16/2018 by FilipiKnow

Since the advent of photography in the Philippines in the mid-19th century, different faces showing a gamut of emotions and stories have been preserved for us to marvel at.

Photography has also provided us with a virtual gallery of Filipinos–prominent or forgotten–whose beauty remains captivating despite the many generations that came and went. These faces reflect our history–the struggles we went through and how colonization left a mark on the way we dress, look, and perceive ourselves.

Also Read: These Century-Old Photos from National Geographic Bring The History of Filipino Tribes To Life

Call it superficial, but feasting your eyes on these vintage photographs is actually a good way to explore how Philippine fashion and beauty have evolved over the years. So, for the benefit of the millennials who think Instagram is the only place to find anything beautiful, here are some of the most fascinating eye candies from the archives of Philippine history: