La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Philippines
Part 2
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 huge thank you to Mr Shang Gow for all his help with these trucks. His truck knowledge is amazing.
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Above and below
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard which sees a large amount of loaded vehicles waiting to go dump a good load at the mill.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and two below
WCK-957
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
This red truck is a M35 US military truck from the Vietname War era.
The red on on the left is an Izuzu.
Photos: Brad Peadon
FAL-358
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
This one is a real gem—with it's classic bonnet type design.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below
FBK-990 (the colourful one)
The red truck in the photo is another classic survivor from the 50s or 60s.
White on is a Isuzu New Power CXZ.
White on is a Isuzu New Power CXZ.
Photos: Brad Peadon
FFA-451
An M34 ex military truck converted for cane haulage.
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FCA-225
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
Modified Dodge S series.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A somewhat more modern Mitsubishi Fuso NAM-6572.
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FBM-772.
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
GAT-724.
La Carlota Mill truck parking yard.
They sure make use of every possible bit of space for loading cane.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A look across the yard with the La Carlota sugar mill behind the trees in the background.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Note: I'm very ignorant when it comes to trucks.
I can fully admit that. :-)
If you have any correction and/or additions please shoot me a message either by email or on our Facebook page.
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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.
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If you even find some moderate amount of enjoyment would you consider giving us even a little bit of
support here?
Pretty please :-)
Pretty please :-)
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Shang Gow (my amazingly knowledgeable friend).
Nhing Nhings, Tin Tins & Chris our driver.
The friendly truck drivers who are always so good.
The incredibly unhelpful and unfriendly 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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