Silay City, Negros Occidental
Philippines
Part 1
Welcome.
Let me first start this blog entry by admitting that, for the most part, I really have little idea of what I am talking about HERE.
Unlike a few self-proclaimed 'experts on everything' in the Aussie railfan community, I don't wish to insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise.
If you have further information on any of the trucks below, please make contact. We will add it, plus credit you for the help.
As a lifelong rail fan, trucks have rarely come onto my radar. Occasionally I've photographed them, either because their old like me or while I'm bored waiting on the next train.
However, recently a 25-year dream of visiting the island of Negros Occidental came true, and I quickly set about looking for any surviving relics of the former railways of the sugar industry there.
Probably the most important part of the trip was a visit to the Hawaiian-Philippine Company's sugarmill in Silay City.
A huge mill that was established in 1918 and the oldest operational mill in the city.
Actually, unknown at the time of visiting due to scarce information, the Hawaiian-Philippine mill has the last bit of operational cane railway known to still exist in the country. Not only does this short section still haul cane, but two of their surviving 'operational' (there are four stored) steam locomotives are available for hire by tour groups.
The mill itself, including the railways, is to be covered on our other blog.
Our visit to the mill started when we first turned off the main road north of Silay City, and onto what I think is called Hawaiian Tanza Road which leads to the mill.
I wanted to first check out the railway remains at the 'Hawaiian Luguay Transloading Station' where, in better days, the trucks would dump their load, and rail would shuttle it to the mill on a section of line that parallels the road.
While the track is still intact, including a small section that continued westward towards the canefields (see link above), it is in a very bad condition and the trucks seem to now wait here for their turn to go directly to the mill.
At the mill, they are tilted backwards for unloading. Something we were not allowed to photograph at the time. :-(
I hope the following selection of photos is at least marginally as interesting as the sight of these old beasts was for me on the day.
Stay tuned, as there is a second lot to come. Sorry!
-----------------------------------------------------------
9AA-063 a particularly unusual design. May be a local rebuild.
Any further details would be appreciated.
Photo: Brad Peadon
NNW-327. They sure load them to the maximum capacity.
Just visible to the right is the old railway track into the former transloader.
Photo: Brad Peadon
MVA-481 was one of the many classic-looking trucks when we arrived.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu MFG-814 with FFP-786.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below two trucks of a similar design to the red/yellow one above.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FFP-786.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FEV-905 drives through the former transloader before waiting its turn to go to the mill..
Photo: Brad Peadon
FEP-722 of some unknown make.
Photo: Brad Peadon
TLN-306, another one of those Isuzu designs that are so common there..
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAU-269 seems to be of a far less common Chevrolet design.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAG-427.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAC-506 another lovely looking Isuzu deign..
Photo: Brad Peadon
-------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus
Putting this here as I really have nowhere else suitable.
A more modern design Hyundai cane truck broken down to the north of Bacolod City.
I didn't see any of the oldies broken down........
Just saying.
Photo: Brad Peadon
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Silay City, located in Negros Occidental, Philippines, is often referred to locally as the "Paris of Negros" due to its amazing cultural heritage and well-preserved ancestral homes, many of which can be seen while driving through while driving through en route to the mill.
Known for its busy sugarcane industry, Silay played a significant role in the development of Negros Occidental's economy.
One of the city's highlights is the San Diego Pro-Cathedral (also on the main road through town), a beautiful structure showcasing neo-Gothic architecture. The city is also home to various heritage sites and museums, like the Balay Ni Mayang, which display the local history and culture.
Silay, like so many Filipino cities, hosts several festivals, including the Sinulog sa Silay, which celebrates the city's patron saint, San Diego de Alcala.
The blend of tradition, history, and local festivities makes Silay a charming destination for both locals and tourists.
The sugar industry also makes it a terrific destination for those of us with an interest in both it and the associated transport history.
Additionally, its proximity to natural attractions, such as the nearby mountains and beaches, adds to that appeal.
Nhing Nhings, Virl Virls & Chris our driver.
The security guard who eventually offered to take us through to the railway area.
----------------------------------------------------
Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
----------------------------------------------------
