LIGHTHOUSES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Lighthouses (parola in Tagalog, faro or farola in Spanish) are significant structures found in almost all the islands in the Philippines. A number of these lighthouses were originally built during the Spanish era and served important roles in the maritime industry during that period.

As time goes by, only some of the original Spanish lighthouses survived and many of them were ruined during the Japanese War, or natural calamities like earthquakes and tropical climate. Some were either rebuilt to their original design, but mostly were replaced and/or left decaying.

Of all the lighthouses in the Philippine history, the oldest documented structure is the Pasig River Light, with an old name Faro Y Luces de Rio Pasig, dated back in 1642. It has been rebuilt several times, and on this present day, with a more modern design which they say, has lost its original grandeur.

The original Faro Y Luces de Rio Pasig.

Old and new existing lighthouses in the country may come in different forms and structures. Settled on top of a hill or along a visible shoreline, these lighthouses are witnesses to rage and calm of the sea. Others say lighthouses signify melancholy, but not for me. I think they are fascinating for the nostalgia they bring, and romantic for its proud isolation constantly looking after every sunrise and sunsets.

Follow me as I walk, hike, climb and set foot on these historically important must-visited lighthouses in the country.