LUCENA 2009

 

Over the years, I have visited Lucena City (founded 1879) on many an occasion. while mostly passing through on trips to and from Bicol, a couple of times it was the focal point of a research trip down south and, on two occasions, our camp for a night.

While I would not say it is one of my most favourite places in the country, it is of much interest and, besides the time we flew through in one of those scary provincial buses, a stop here is always a must.

Although we passed through on a bus in 2007, this trip in 2009 was our first chance to have a bit of a ferret around.
Although I was primarily there to check out the railway history, the first thing that struck me was the vast amount of Volkswagon Beetles, the classic type, that were to be found.

Anyway, enough of that guff. This first visit mostly saw us exploring historic railway station and the amazing Perez Park right next door.

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Help Typhoon Rolly victims.
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Perez Park, named after the late Governor, Don Filemon E. Perez, has a history that dates back to the early 1920s.
The park is a lovely oasis in a very busy city, and sits in front of the impressive 'Quezon Provincial Capitol Building' (seen here).

Across Quezon Avenue, from Perez Park, is the equally impressive 'Iglesia ni Christo' church.

Nearby Perez Park is the historic Lucena railway station, or what is left of it following partial demolition. Thankfully, this act was stopped by local authorities, with a demand that it be rebuilt. Sadly, until now we are still awaiting this restoration to be carried out.

First opening in 1913, it has had mixed fortunes over the last few decades, with typhoons often closing the line and restoration of services often short-lived.

However, it does see the very occasional passing train, operating between Manila and Naga for passengers or rollingstock transfers.

The Lucena station building was a stunning, and very sturdy building, that could have probably gone on to serve for the next century and beyond.
It is of a cobblestone design that can be found at a number of locations along the Bicol line.

Lucena Shed.

Lucena locomotive shed.

Mostly now used for rollingstock associated with local trackwork.

Finally, in closing, here is a photo of the station in 2018.

Thankfully the demolition stopped before all was totally lost. We are hopeful that work to restore it commences soon and that it will one day be able to serve passing rail traffic again. 

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TYPHOON ROLLY - Can You Help?
A number of suggestions.
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Perez Park In Lucena

Lucena on Wikipedia-Some Of It May Be Correct.

Philippine Railway Historical Society - Facebook

Philippine Railway Historical Society Blog

EVERS COMMONWEALTH CINEMA

 

You can probably understand why I was a little hesitant to actually go into the cinema at Evers Gotesco Commonwealth, in Quezon City, Philippines.

A couple of things stick out upon reading this again.

1, 2 and 4 carry a fine of either P100 (AU$3) or imprisonment.
This seems to be two very different extremes. Who decides if that Champion cigarette being smoked was worth $3 or jail? Is jail reserved for someone who is smoking 25 of them at once?

Deadly weapons was the most concerning though.
I mean, having to endure someone with grenades and guns would be scary enough, but imagine the PTSD resulting from a hot dog on a stick. 

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COOGEE BEACH 2008

 Coogee Beach

Sydney, Australia

Time for a little change of pace, as we divert from the usual Philippine posts, to look at a location more local (well, for me anyway).
 I haven't done a huge amount of this sort of photography around Sydney, which is something I sort of regret now.
Coogee is a beachside suburb to the south-east of the 'City of Sydney'.
 The name comes from the Aboriginal word 'koojah' which, unfortunately, means 'smelly place'. Probably a fact that is left off any tourism material. :-)

'Bali Bombing Memorial' on Dolphin Point.
A memorial to the 20 Australian victims of the 2002 bombing in Bali.

Yeng and Maria waiting the food to arrive.

Coogee Beach seen from the north end.

Look, a seagull.

Dolphin Point from Coogee Beach.

Emyrose trying to build a sand Jeepney.

Sydney's ubiquitous seagull enjoying the Coogee view.

The sun is about to disappear at the end of a 

rather long day.

Walkway dividing the beach and Goldstein Reserve.
Beyond the reserve is the suburb of Coogee. 

The shops at Coogee during a bit of an artistic moment.

Lamp pole (obviously).
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Other Posts Of Little Interest:

Retired Sydney Lady Ferries.

Tagaytay / Taal Volcano.

Farewell Flemings Food Stores

Tanduay Rhum Factory Tour.

Ermita Jeepneys.