La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Philippines
Part 1
Welcome back, thrillseekers!
Let me kick things off by confessing: when it comes to this particular topic, I’m mostly just winging it. Unlike some of the honorary PhDs in “Everything Railways” floating around the railfan scene, I’m not about to fake it 'til I make it—and I definitely won’t insult your intelligence by pretending to be an expert.
So, if you’ve got some juicy facts or corrections about any of the trucks below, hit me up! I’ll gladly add your info and give you full credit, street cred included.
As a lifelong train nut, I’ve gotta admit—trucks have never really been my thing. Every now and then I’d snap a photo of one, usually because it looked as ancient as I feel, or because I was bored stiff waiting for the next train to show up.
But recently, something amazing happened: I finally ticked off a 25-year-old dream (a second time ;-) ) and made it to Negros Occidental & Oriental! And naturally, I went full railfan mode, diving headfirst into the hunt for any surviving bits and pieces of the old sugar industry railways. Spoiler alert: it was like a treasure hunt, minus the pirates.
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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YBF-295 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
Hino TCU-373 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Some of these numberplates are near unreadable
Photo: Brad Peadon
T-063008 - Truck Parking Area
Unusual rego on this one, very much unlike the rest.
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu NHR-557 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu NDF-368 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
MEF-804 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
MAP-5039 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
These are an unusual looking thing. Does anyone know the make?
Photo: Brad Peadon
As close to the Central Azucarera de La Carlota mill as I got this trip
Photo: Brad Peadon
JAR-9823 - Not sure what this structure was originally, but these were parked in an area next to the main parking area seen earlier.
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
JAJ-4242 - Just Outside Main Truck Parking Area
Almost looks like a mega-Jeepney
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu GKE-167 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FVD-528 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FORD FPV-945 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FFZ-465 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FES-897 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FCH-427 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAT-229 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAS-306 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
Isuzu FAM-791 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAL-886 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAE-483- Just Outside Main Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
FAD-779 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
DBZ-915 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
DBR-870 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
CEE-621 - Truck Parking Area
Central Azucarera de La Carlota
Photo: Brad Peadon
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La Carlota City is a charming spot tucked away in the province of Negros Occidental, in the heart of the Philippines’ sugar-producing region. It’s a place where history, agriculture, and small-town warmth all come together—kind of like if a heritage town and a sugarcane field had a really wholesome baby. While it may not be the first name on every tourist’s itinerary, La Carlota has its own quiet charisma, especially if you’ve got a thing for colonial-era buildings, heritage churches, or just really scenic drives through fields of green.
The city’s claim to fame is its strong ties to the sugar industry. It’s surrounded by miles and miles of sugarcane, and it’s home to one of the country’s oldest sugar mills, the less than friendly Central Azucarera de La Carlota. If you’re into industrial history or love the smell of molasses in the morning, this place is basically a unwelcoming pilgrimage site. Back in the day, narrow-gauge railway lines snaked their way across the countryside, connecting sugar plantations to the mill. While many of those tracks have vanished, the railway legacy still lingers—if you know where to look.
La Carlota also has a strong sense of community and a pace of life that doesn’t rush for anyone. People here are friendly, laid-back, and probably know half the town by name. The city also comes alive during its annual Pasalamat Festival, a colorful, music-filled thanksgiving celebration that blends Catholic traditions with indigenous rituals. Think street dancing, costumes made from farm produce, and enough food to put you into a very festive food coma.
While it might not be buzzing with nightlife or ultra-modern attractions, La Carlota’s charm lies in its authenticity. It’s a great base if you’re interested in heritage travel, industrial archaeology, or just exploring the off-the-beaten-path parts of Negros. Whether you’re chasing down ghost tracks from old sugar railways or just soaking up the scenery with a cold drink in hand, La Carlota welcomes you with open arms (unless you are the sugar mill which were the gold standard in unfriendly)—and maybe a sugarcane snack or two.
Nhing Nhings, Virl Virls & Chris our driver.
The friendly truck drivers who are always so good.
The incredibly unhelpful people at the La Carlota Sugar Mill.
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Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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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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