Silay City, Negros Occidental
Philippines
Part 2
Welcome back.
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.
A new research forum for people interested in the sugarcane railways and industry on Negros and Panay Islands (Philippines)
We are always seeking new members to join in.
We are always seeking new members to join in.
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 another 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, back 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 backward 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, for more Hawaiian-Philippine excitement!
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This awesome looking old clapper had no numberplate on it for identification :-(
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu MAZ-4851 waiting its turn to have a dump.
Photo: Brad Peadon
YGU-288 waiting near the old transloader.
No idea what make these unusual beasts are.
No idea what make these unusual beasts are.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FUSO (Mitsubishi) FOX-509 waiting near the old transloader.
Photo: Brad Peadon
An already emptied FAH-819.
Photo: Brad Peadon
That beautiful clunker without the license plate again.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FEV-905 also waiting near the old transloader.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu MAZ-4851.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and Below
Wider views of the parking area outside the former transloader.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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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.
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Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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I just asked my 9-year-old son what he learned in school today
He said, “Apparently not enough because I have to go back tomorrow”.
I’m so very proud of him.
A new research forum for people interested in the sugarcane railways and industry on Negros and Panay Islands (Philippines)
We are always seeking new members to join in.
We are always seeking new members to join in.
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