LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 09: EL FARO DE PUNTA CAPONES, Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales

Located on top of the hill of Capones Island is the El Faro De Punta Capones, or commonly known as the Capones Lighthouse. The Capones Island tour, along with the Anawangin and Nagsasa coves and Camara Island tour in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, is included in the island-hopping package.

 

The lighthouse is one of the 27 major lighthouses built during the Spanish colonial times and it was first lighted in August 1, 1890. This is the first of its kind that I came upon. I’ve seen round towers (Bolinao, Batanes, Pasig) and octagonal towers (Bojeador, Engano, Corregidor) but this one is a square brick tower, the design was built similar to Isla de Cabra in Mindoro, which is one of my immediate future destinations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you are in Capones Island, reaching the lighthouse can be short or long depending on how adventurous you are. One is the long cut, a hike up the hill which will take 40min to 1hr from the east side. The other is the shorter but more exciting trail from the west side which will take only 10-15 climb up the hill. The stones are slippery and the waves are somehow violent, and it was not a walk in the park – the steps are steep, at some point we have to rappel or hold the next available tree’s roots or branches. But it’s worth the sweat and struggle.

 

The view from the top of the hill is magnificently overlooking the vast South China Sea. We climb the shaky spiral rusty staircase to the top of the light tower and the view is even more breathtaking. According to our boatman, the lamps no longer work though the original lamps were replaced with modern solar-powered lights and the tower newly renovated. Nevertheless, this historic landmark is still worth visiting.

Special thanks to my (now) constant companion, Tess Nanez, who is religiously on the lookout of my daily activity and calendar entries. She swore I won't be able to go on with my traveltrail without her.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 08: EL FARO DE PUNTA PATAR, Bolinao, Pangasinan

As my quest for lighthouses continues, finding one in the remotest location  might be fulfilling, but also disappointing that these structures have been savaged by elements or just left for decay.

So far, I have been to eight of so many known lighthouses all over the country, the latest is this one in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

El Faro De Punta Patar, or Cape Bolinao, also known as the Bolinao Lighthouse or Cape Bolinao, is located in Bgy. Patar. It is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, the tallest being the Cape Bojeador in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. This may not be one of the old Spanish-time lighthouses, but listed as one of the major lighthouses and historically relevant structures in the Philippines.

The lighthouse can be seen on top of the hill overlooking the beautiful fine sand beaches of Patar in Bolinao. Patar is now a popular tourist destination with so many choices to enjoy the beach, waterfalls, caves, and the Pangasinense culture as well.

The Bolinao Lighthouse and the entire Patar is very accessible via private vehicles. But if you are taking he public transports, a tricycle is available to take you in and out Patar for the whole day for P1000.00. This may include trips to the caves, the waterfalls, the rock formations, and the pristine Patar White Beach. 

How Did I Get There

To split with the travel expenses, I brought along my ever clingy and itchy-feet amiga, Tess Nanez. The last minute invite never bothered her and she was more than twice as excited to come along.

This trip was really intended for Capones Island in Zambales where the iconic Capones Lighthouse was located. Due to an unfavorable weather condition, sailing in San Antonio shores was prohibited to our dismay. Nevertheless, we didn't allowed that moment for us to become unfortunate. We immediately hit the road and took the next bus up the Zambales province and beyond, wherever the road may take us. 

It was a long drive to nowhere. We traversed the stretch of Zambales and soon we ended up strolling and rolling in the pristine beaches of Bolinao, Pangasinan.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 07 : FARO Y LUCES DE RIO PASIG, Muelle De La Industria, Manila

Finding this lighthouse was never that easy. It is located inside Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters along the mouth of the Pasig River. But before entering the PCG gate, one must walk through the congested shanties of Parola Compound in Tondo along the narrow street of Muelle De La Industria from Delpan Bridge. This venture, perhaps, would only be dared by  a handful.

It was a relief to finally reach the gate of PCG compound after that 300 meter or so walk. Before entering the compound, I have to ask permission first to the Guard and after a little questioning on my purpose, I was allowed to go to the lighthouse area and take pictures. I asked one of the Guards to accompany me, and to be my personal photographer, hehe!

The Pasig River Light, also know for its old name Faro Y Luces De Rio Pasig, was built in 1642 erected to protect the country's flourishing maritime industry at the height of the Galleon Trade and the oldest light station in the Philippines. The original structure has been replaced in 1992, completely altered with a more modern design, but sadly, its elegance and grandeur completely lost.