Hard to believe we are approaching the end of another year.
This time, two years ago, we were in Manila preparing for a rather massive Christmas and New Years period, one that was unlike anything I had experienced before, or likely too again.
As always, I am winding up all my internet duties in an effort to have a short break. Running two major groups, along with a few smaller research ones, makes for a very busy existence and the festive season break is always a welcome period to ponder what should be done in the year ahead.
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To finish off 2020, a year that has been truly horrible for most of us, I thought I would show a collection of Tutuban images taken by the late William 'Bill' Sullivan.
Bill, besides being one of my closest friends and supporters, was also the PRHS Vice President.
I also wish to thank a number of people for their immense help during the year and then share some photos of the many railway, and railfan, people I have met over the last 22 years.
U10B 2538 in the Tayuman Locoshed.
U14C 915 in the Tayuman Locoshed.
Today she is stored at Caloocan Workshops needing repair.
Former RIHSPI President Karel Brouwers with one of the preserved steamers at Tutuban.
Tutuban Yard.
Fuel tankers at Tutuban station.
Tutuban Yard.
Tutuban Yard.
Withdrawn CTC/CC type railcars.
Tutuban Station.
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Thanks / Maraming Salamat
Over the past year, there have been so many people contributing to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' groups and website.
We thank all those members who have contributed to our various groups. You are the ones that make us what we are.
PRHS Group Moderators:
Reynante Bulaon - Where are you my friend?
Mark Chua - Our Roving reporter
Roberto Cordoba
Graham John Corry
Arvin Danganan
Aldriene Mabale - Sucat Station Page
John Tickvah
Justin Torrejas
Further Thanks:
Aris M. Soriente - For your endless LRT/MRT help.
Jansen Rainhard Clemente - For our logo.
Special Thanks:
Sir Junn Magno (PNR GM) for being the person I have, since 1999, dreamt of leading PNR. Thank you for your tireless work for the nations railways and for your support of what we do.
Thanks to all the other management and staff of the 'Philippine National Railways' for constantly tolerating my passion for what you all do.
Dirk Paul Celoso and Gorio Belen for their tireless recording of railway history.
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2020 has been a horrible year thanks to the C****virus. It has lead to two Philippine visits being cancelled and, what looks to be, at least another year before I can return.
So I thought I would finish off the year looking at some of the many people I have met during the last 22 years of visiting my second home.
No words can express my great respect for this man.
Sir Junn Magno has turned around the nations railways which, at the time of my second visit in 2004, looked to have little future at all.
His love of ralways, and drive to return them to their rightful place, is a real inspiration.
Have known this guy (Mark Chua) for well over a decade now and you could never find a better friend.
He was so very young when we first met up lineside, he later went on and fulfilled his dream of getting a job with PNR.
No Philippine trip would be complete without catching up with this guy. Thanks for being my friend Markie.
Another incredible friend in my mate Reynante Bulaon.
Rey is an awesome railway modeller, who has helped me out greatly with PNR modelling. Another person I could not visit the Philippines without us catching up.
Dinner with my dear friend Kuya Romy (PNR Naga Division).
SM Naga - 2019
Great catch up with Mr Junn Magno and my dear friend Mark Chua.
Mr Regulto is now the 'PNR Transportation Manager', having taken over from Mr Lito Nierva.
Belated Happy Birthday (last week) to you Mr Regulto.
After many years I finally timed a trip to the Philippines that allowed me to finally meet Graham Corry and Reuben Mabz.
Getting to meet Ronx Ronquillo for the first time.
A great chat that I hope to repeat soon.
PRHS Railfan Day Out - 2010
Paco Railway Station.
At rear is David Xuereb (fellow Aussie) and myself.
In front is Ben Exconde, Paul Cabalhin and Adrian Saldana.
PRHS Railfan Day - Blumentritt Station
Ride on a near new ROTEM set.
Ben Exconde.
With railfan Phil Clark at Espana station - 2010.
Another railfan day out, this time to Pasay Road and Buendia stations, just before closure of the later.
Left to right is: Mark Chua, Reynante Bulaon and Michael Lozano.
David Xuereb riding LRT1 1048A during an officially arranged visit.
Dinner with the Philippine Railroad Modellers group.
Visit to Los Banos station with the legendary Bundy Colonel.
The lovely Ms Emma Papa was always with a happy welcome and is greatly missed when I am in the Philippines.
Maraming salamat Ms Papa for all your kindness and friendship over the years.
For the 20th anniversary of the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' we published a full colour souvenier magazine for handing out during Christmas 2018.
This gave me the opportunity to meet many local railfans who I had not previously has the pleasure of meeting.
JC Samson.
Historian Dirk Paul Celoso at far right.
Giving a copy of the PRHS 20th Anniversary magazine to driver Richmond Cinco.
5009 - Tutuban yard shunter.Ones rather patient asawa and sister-in-law at Tutuban station.
The man at far left is Mr Eduardo Labadia of Iloilo City.
Creater of the 'Revive Panay Railways' group, I got to meet him a couple of times in 2017.
We caught up a couple of times, and he generously toured me along the line from Iloilo to Passi, showing much of interest along the way.
More recently I learnt the devastating news of his passing. Thankfully, his daughter has entrusted me to run his beloved 'Revive Panay' group and carry on the dream we both share.
Photo: Eduardo Labadia Collection A wonderful visit with Mr Renato Hortillas (Panay Railways) at the head office in Lapaz Station.
Was always great to catch up with Mr Lito Nierva, who was the 'PNR Transportation Manager'.
He has also since retired and replace by Mr Regulto.
With James Mangun, a fellow fan of all things transport.
Former PNR GM Mr Jun Ragragio.
My interest in other Philippine transportation saw me involved with the 'Philippine Diecast Airplane Collectors' group. During a visit in 2011 we went to lunch with Ian San Gabriel, Carlos Santos and Dick Sy.
At Espana Station with Roberto Cordoba and Brian Young.
Brian set p the now abandoned Philippine Railways Facebook group and was incredibly helpful in arranging us access to many installations.
Jen Dizon was our lovely guide around the LRT1 in 2011.
No idea who this PNR police officer was, but she was too beautiful to be left out :-)
Lysa Blancaflor was our lovely MRT3 guide in 2011.
Mr William 'Bill' Sullivan, the man to which I owe so much.
Without him, and his unwavering support, the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' would not have made it beyond the first decade (something my haters tried hard to achieve).
You are much missed Bill, but will NEVER be forgotten.
My beloved 902 and myself at Tayuman locoshed.
Where I call home.
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The coming years will see some huge railway developments in the Philippines.
Despite the ongoing lies, deceiving actions and white-anting (we do know who you are) of our group, we will continue to be here and further grow our wonderful hobby.
Promoting Friendship and Hobby.
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Finally, a big thank you to all the members of our sister group.
Philippine Association of Rail Enthusiasts.
The premier locally based group.
See you in 2021.
