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).
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.
--------------------------------------------------------Perez Park In Lucena
Lucena on Wikipedia-Some Of It May Be Correct.
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