LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 18: EL FARO DE ISLAS CALABAZAS, Calabaza Island, Ajuy, Iloilo

Another historical lighthouse built during the Spanish era is the El Faro De Islas Calabazas located in the northeast part of Panay Island, off the shore of Ajuy, Iloilo Province. Due to growing maritime activity along the Guimaras Straits going to Port of Iloilo, the lighthouse was built though Islas Calabazas was not the first choice as site for the lighthouse. Work began in 1892 and the lighthouse was made operational in 1895. The lighthouse is one of the 27 major lighthouses built to illuminate the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish reign.

Faro De Islas Calabazas was built above a small hill overlooking the Guimaras Strait leading towards the Port of Ajuy with housing pavilion and service buildings for the keeper and his family. The tower was that of the tourelle type. The top of the lighthouse was a dome, similar to that of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse's dome. The original tower has collapsed over the years and replaced by a modern light tower similar to Islas Gigantes and Islote Manigonigo.

The entire structure were abandoned for long time now. It was a daunting sight to see the tower was gone, the buildings are abandoned and in ruins, rich fauna has grown uncontrollably everywhere since no one tenders the buildings. The lack of maintenance budget from the local government of Ajuy is preventing the locals of Barangay Nasidman in Ajuy to maintain the lighthouse and clean its surroundings.

My First Visit - November 3, 2014

My objective to add more lighthouses to my list lead me to Ajuy, Iloilo where the Faro de Islas Calabazas is located. After my visit to Faro De Islote Manigonigo, Ms. Vema (owner of Chateau De Aow in Carles) referred me to Engr. Roy Latap (09275226031), a resort owner and an advocate of tourism development in Ajuy, to help with my Ajuy itinerary.

Heading to Ajuy from Carles was very easy. Following the instructions of Engr. Roy, I took the bus for Iloilo City and asked the conductor to drop me off near Ajuy Municipal Hall where we shall meet. It was a 3 hour bus trip and before I arrived, he arranged my accomodation at the El Jardin Inn located near the town's center and along the national highway. 

It was a complete delight to finally meet Engr. Roy. Using his brand new motorcycle, he took me around Ajuy immediately upon my arrival. Along the way, I learned from him how they managed to rebuilt after Yolanda's devastation and how positive he feels about Ajuy's tourism success.

For our first stop, we visited the Tierra Verde Eco-farm where the earliest sugar mill in Ajuy was established. The old tower, large kawa, and other obvious remnants of how muscovado was produced can still be found lying around. 

Now it's time for my Ajuy tour highlight, the visit to Islas Calabazas Lighthouse. A quick lunch then we headed back to Barangay Barrido where I will catch the boat Engr. Roy earlier arranged before my arrival in Ajuy.

My Second Visit - August 24, 2017

While I was on a short trip to Carles, Iloilo, I decided to drop by Ajuy before heading to Iloilo City for my flight back to Manila. Called Engr. Roy's number and fortunately, he was available at that time for a quick lunch and small chat. Again, of course, he helped me arranged a boat to Islas Calabazas for another visit to the lighthouse.

Nothing has changed in the structures since my last visit to the island. The sun was shining so hot but the wind was blowing so cold during that time - I felt so free from agitation and disturbance. I stayed in the island for an hour being in a state of serenity and calmness, something that you can only experience on this island.

    

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 17: EL FARO DE ISLOTE DE MANIGONIGO, Manigonigo Island, Carles, Iloilo

El Faro De Islote De Manigonigo was erected by the Spanish government on the tiny Manigonigo Island, one of the fourteen islands (including the famous Islas De Gigantes) politically administered by the town of Carles in Iloilo province. This lighthouse, which was built in 1894 is part of the 27 major lighthouses built during the Spanish era.

Described as the "grey iron tower", the original design of the light tower was a 10 meter cylindrical cast iron fabricated from France and was believed the be the first of the tourelle-type lighthouses similar to Luz Del Puerto De San Fernando, Faro De Sibulac-Babac De Gigantes, Faro De Punta Luzaran, and Faro De Islas Calabazas.

The original tower no longer exist and was replaced by a modern white metal light tower erected near the original location of the old one, and can be seen from Carles shores. The ruined keeper's house is still standing, and it's fortunate that some caretaker managed to cut the thick bushes allowing me to take clear pictures of the lighthouse and the surroundings

My cute little Anito had a wonderful time posing for the camera.

How I Got There

I could consider this as one of my Off-The-Beaten-Track lighthouse exploration. Carles, for some obvious reasons, was badly hit by Yolanda and even then, was never a preferred travel destination for tourists. Manigonigo Island is likewise isolated and no one visit the island except for Bantay Dagat staff.

To complete my agenda, I called up the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Office to get more information about the lighthouse's location. With the help of Mr. Bombet Marin, the Provincial Tourism Head,  and Ms. Annie Abad, Carles' Tourism Officer (09178311977), I was able to carry out this journey.

I am but very much thankful to Ms. Vema Monteclaro, owner of Chateau De  Aow, who provided my accommodation in Carles at a minimal fee. Ms. Vema was also the one who arranged my boat to Manigonigo Island by persuading the Bancal Barangay Captain to allow us to use the Bantay Dagat Patrol Boat. The 3km distance from Bancal Port took us around 30 minutes to get to Manigonigo Island.

Chateau De Aow Hotel and Restaurant is located few meters before the Bancal Port. Call the resort for reservations.

They also accommodate Gigantes Islands tour c/o Jeonard Monteclaro, Ms. Vema's son.

To get to Manigonigo Island, from Roxas City or Iloilo City, take the Ceres Bus to Carles (direct) or via Balasan then transfer to another bus for Carles and get off to Bancal Port.