Continuing on with our 2009 series of south line station explorations, we now reach Candelaria, a decent sized structure which, at the time, appeared to be more a market than a railway station.
San Pablo Station - Tiaong Station
Admitedly, at the time there were no regular train services, thus allowing these unwanted vendors to take over.
Today, the station has been cleared out and is served by a local commuter service based at Lucena.
It hasn't, as of August 2022, had any form of restoration done to it. Passengers use a small set of stairs to access the trains.
Comparison photos will appear in a future blog posting.
It really was a challenge to try and photograph Candelaria station back in 2009. Initially, I didn't even realise we were at the station.
A wide view of the whole station was near impossible, all you could really see was the edge of the awning.
To obtain images of the actual structure, you had to run the gauntlet of vendors and try to get something behind their makeshift shops. Far from ideal.
Photos: Brad Peadon
The Manila end of the station probably gave the best opportunity for a clear look at the structure. But still, the massive collection of trikes, and other road vehicles, meant getting out wide was impossible.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above: This vendor must have just railed their business to the station on a makeshift sled.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Another rail mounted vendor.
Photos: Brad Peadon
A good look at the awning design supports.
I believe that there are dates appearing on that rail if you look closely enough amongst the rust.
Photos: Brad Peadon
It must have once been a very impressive looking station.
I have not yet found a photo of it in better days.
Photos: Brad Peadon
There are rails there under all the guff.
While none is visible, it could be reasonably assumed there was a passing loop where that road is.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Locals keeping the vendors in business.
Photos: Brad Peadon
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Thanks:
To my patient asawa and brother-in-law who accompanied me on this epic south adventure.
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