Regular visitors to the site and forum will know I've returned to the beautiful town of Hondagua in Quezon Province many times. Once home to a sprawling rail yard, Hondagua remains one of the most scenic spots along the remaining Philippine National Railways line.
This two-part series showcases photos from my 2010 visit— the last time the station building would be fully intact. On a later visit, a local told us that PNR had begun modernizing the structure but abandoned the project before it was completed.
A heritage disaster up there with that which has occurred at Lucena station.
Hondagua Station, located in the province of Quezon, Philippines, was inaugurated on May 10, 1916, marking a significant expansion of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Main Line South. This extension connected Padre Burgos to Calauag, threading through the scenic landscape of southern Quezon and establishing Hondagua as a key stop on the route.
As part of the Main Line South, Hondagua Station served both passenger and freight traffic, supporting the growing economic activities of the region, especially during the early 20th century. The station’s establishment not only improved connectivity for towns along the route but also played a vital role in facilitating trade and transport between Quezon Province and Manila.
Today, while train services are not currently operating, the sad remains of Hondagua Station stand as a historical reminder of the PNR's expansion era, echoing stories of journeys taken across the archipelago by rail and underscoring the enduring importance of rail travel in the Philippines.
Are you interested in the fascinating sugarcane railways on the islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)?
We have started a new specialising in this topic, aimed at local historians, railfans interested in these railways, and people with a general interest in the industry.
What passes for a passenger service while trains are not in use.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Looking towards Bicol with the mainline on the right and the former leg of the triangle to the left.
Blue wall to the left is the flour mill.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Hondagua town, looking south.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Hondagua RSOM Department Shed signage.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FL-485 - Hondagua Yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Hondagua Engine Crew Dormitory.
I've been told that this building is supposed to be haunted. I've never been inside to try to confirm that :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
BC-514 - Hondagua Yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
BC-xxx - Hondagua Yard.
This modified boxcar remains unidentified. If anyone can help, please email us,
Photo: Brad Peadon
FL-499 - Hondagua Yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FL-3199 - Hondagua Yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
GC-126 - Hondagua Yard.
Gondola (Open) wagon normally used for ballast.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Unidentified GC type wagon.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and numerous below.
A look at this lovely station before an alleged failed modernisation project saw it destroyed.
I acknowledged that I am somewhat heritage biased, but what a far better outcome it would have been to to restore the original historical structure, perhaps with a high level platform.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Can I have a return ticket to Sipocot please?
Photo: Brad Peadon
Not many railway stations with views this beautiful.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
RDO-204 A former observation car, is now in use for internal reasons.
One of the most important items I listed in my 2009 heritage report, and still an item I wish to see preserved.
Photo: Brad Peadon
GC-127 - Hondagua Yard.
Gondola (Open) wagon normally used for ballast.
Photo: Brad Peadon
GC-126 - Hondagua Yard.
Builders plate.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Much more coverage of this trip will be appearing here on the blog. Join ourgroup to be notifiedof every new post.
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