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Welcome one and all to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' blogsite. This site was set up to share photos, historical pieces, comment and virtually anything else pertaining to transportation in the Philippines, with a special emphasis on rail. Occasional we vary from topic, but this is the less serious side of the hobby shining through - cause sometimes, in this miserable and uptight world, we just take ourselves a little too seriously.
Since 1999, the Philippine Railway Historical Society has regularly published items, FOR FREE, of railway interest on our PRHS Website. These include locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, as well as our occasional magazine, 'Along Da Riles'.
 Our interest base has grown over the years with our main Facebook railway group expanding to include groups interested in other Philippine Transport, modelling of Philippine transport and even a group for Philippine railfans interested in overseas railways.
 If it sounds interesting, come join in the fun of the oldest, and most diverse, group dedicated to Philippine railways and other transport.
 We look forward to meeting you.

If you have a question Philippine railway related, just drop us a line, maybe we can help.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

CALOOCAN WORKSHOPS FAREWELL 2025 - PART 1

 




Yep, I know we have been at the 'last visit' stage before.
In fact, I had visited just over a year prior and didn't actually have plans to do so again this year.
The main basis of this trip was a week worth of historical (railway) research stuff based on the sugarcane railways of Negros Island, Occidental and Oriental. This originally only allowed a couple of days in Manila before flying out.
However, a few extra days in Manila, and the news that things seemed to be moving with the closure of the workshops, made for a change of mind and another visit.
In recent years I've aimed to try to record things that I had previously ignored in favour of locomotives and rollingstock. This time I tried to concentrate on the buildings, signage, machinery, and other infrastructure.

There have been many PNR general managers over the 26 years I have been recording the Caloocan Workshops.
However there are a couple I really wish to thank for their assistance in allowing my to cover the final years of this incredibly important and interesting railway location.

Firstly the current  GM Mr Deovanni S. Miranda for granting me permission to visit this year, and at quite short notice.
A huge thanks also to former GM Jun Magno who granted me official permission to cover all the railways before things changed. All of these opportunities have now proved to be very important and allowed me to compile content to share with everyone for years.
Also thank you to Ms Joseline A. Geronimo, Ms Celeste D. Lauta, Ms Emma Papa, Mr Edward Manapol, Mr Estelito Nierva, Junio Ragragrio (former PNR GM), Mr Esperedion Regulto, and the many other managers and staff who have been so kind to this visiting PNR supporter over more than two and a half decades. 
Maraming salamat everyone.



View from the rear of the smaller workshop, looking north towards the entrance and traverser.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Above and below.
Former Japanese Kiha railcar 52-127 may have seen her last days in use.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Former Japanese railcar bookended by two Rotem built carriages.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Of interest in this shot is the fact those yellow chairs are actually from the Presidential Carriage PC-286.
During my last visit this historic carriage was used as an office to the left of where I was standing here.
Today she sits at Tutuban station and will appear in an upcoming video on my YouTube channel. 
Photo: Brad Peadon





Above and below.
DMR-09 which was badly damaged in a collision north of Caloocan on a Bicutan to Gov Pascual service back in September 2022.
Train Set #6 - DMR-09 ITR-06 DMR-06
Further details in the PRHS forum back at the time.
Photos: Brad Peadon






 Above and below.
A massive array of parts needed to help keep the great Philippine National Railways running.
Photos: Brad Peadon





Above and two below.
920 is another accident victim that has been donating many usable parts over the years to help keep her sisters in service.
Sadly she has long since turned her wheels for the last time.
Photos: Brad Peadon






 There's though Marcos Car carriages again.
Photos: Brad Peadon
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The videos above showcase the old Caloocan Workshops, an integral part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) infrastructure, which first opened its doors in 1906. Since its inception, this facility has played a pivotal role in the maintenance, repair, and construction of rolling stock, crucially supporting the operations of the railway network in the Philippines, especially in the greater Manila area.

Over the years, the workshops have adapted to meet the evolving needs of the PNR, making significant contributions to the development and upkeep of the country's railway infrastructure. However, with the gradual reduction of the railway system's scale, the prominence of the Caloocan Workshops has also diminished.

Note that despite the thumbnails, it was not to be our last coverage of the Caloocan Workshops.
This is further evidenced by this new series compiled from our recent 2025 visit which, for the 4th or 5th time, seems definite to be the last with movement having started on it's being wiped out.

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Nhing, Tins, & whoever the driver was.
Deovanni S. Miranda (PNR GM)
Mark Chua (PNR) for your endless help.
Rogelio Cabanilla (PNR RSMD)


Philippine National Railways Management & Staff.
wikipedia.org











Philippine Transport Modeller
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#semiretiredfoamer

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Thursday, April 10, 2025

HAWAIIAN-PHILIPPINES COMPANY - 2025 VISIT - PART 1

 


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In March of this year, we were incredibly fortunate to be warmly hosted for a visit to the historic Hawaiian-Philippine Company sugar mill in Silay City, about 28 minutes north of Bacolod in Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Unlike our somewhat impromptu visit in 2023, this time I opted for a more official approach. With the kind support and blessing of the company chairman, we were granted the opportunity to experience what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable moments in my 26 years of exploring the railways of the Philippines.

Overflowing with excitement, we arrived in the area a full 90 minutes ahead of schedule. We used this time to photograph some of the mill’s fascinating infrastructure—the former Harbour Line crossing the island’s main road, the transloader area, and the impressive bridge over the Malisbog River, which still carries cane train traffic on the remaining active portion of the mill network.

By 10 a.m., we had arrived at the mill office as arranged. After signing in, we were led through the mill itself en route to the locomotive shed—an experience I assumed would be the extent of our visit.

To say I was stunned to find Baldwin No. 2 (originally No. 5) in steam would be an understatement. At first, I thought it was simply being tested, and I rushed to capture some shots as steam hissed from its valves.

Then came the surprise—we were told it had been steamed especially for us, and that we’d be heading out into the cane fields aboard a working run to collect loaded trucks. I was floored.

Given the serious health challenges I’ve faced over the past six months, this moment held even deeper meaning. It was emotional in ways that are difficult to express.

Throughout the day, we were met with nothing but kindness and hospitality. From management to mill staff, the generosity and warmth extended to us was overwhelming. There were far too many wonderful people to name, but each left a lasting impression.

I left the Hawaiian-Philippine Company with a full heart and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

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Some people I really must thank.

Mill Chairman: Mr Paul Andrew Curran
Thank you sir so much for allowing my visit to your mill, and for ensuring a link to the amazing heritage of the sugar industry of the Philippines.

HR Division Manager: Ms Gloria Pasustento
For your wonderful help organising our visit.  

CoGen Head & Steam Loco Operation: Mr Rodeo Suating

Also to all the train operating division and the other mill staff. All who were so incredible.
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Are you interested in the sugarcane tramways and industry on the 
islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)?
Also covering the lumber/sugar railways of Leyte and Mindanao.
You are invited to come join the new forum.



  The Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCO), established in 1918, is the oldest operational sugar central in Silay City, Negros Occidental, as well as one of the oldest in the country. Founded by members of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, HPCO aimed to reduce production costs and provide employment to locals. Grinding operations commenced on January 15, 1921. ​

  Over the decades, HPCO has maintained its prominence in the sugar industry. It is one of the few producers of muscovado sugar, producing it through traditional artisanal methods. Additionally, HPCO operates a couple of steam locomotives for special occasions, occasionally even on sugarcane haulage duties, reflecting its rich industrial heritage. ​

  Today, HPCO stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of sugar production in the region, blending historical traditions with modern practices.


Above and two below
Crossing of the main road through Silay looking towards the end of the former Harbour line.
Photos: Brad Peadon





 Above and below.
Former harbour line passing the transloader area on the left.
See links below to see articles about the old trucks here in 2023.
Photos: Brad Peadon





Point just east of the main road crossing.
Unknown if this gave access to the transloader area from the Harbour line, or related to the former Guinsang (4) siding.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and below 
From the same point as above, but looking westward away from the mill.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and two below 
Former railway sidings around the Hawaiian-Philippines Laguay transloader.
Note the railway wheelsets in a couple of these. 
 Near the wheelsets appears to be a capstan which was likely used to help shunting cane trucks at the transloader.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Above and below 
Stored Baldwins 3 and 4 sitting in the mill yard.
We are not currently sure which is which.
We will look at the whole steam and diesel fleet in upcoming posts.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Above and below
 The impressive road/rail bridge over the Malisbog River not far from the mill.
This is the last operational line of the once large system (maps earlier in the article).
Here we are looking towards the far end of the line.
Photos: Brad Peadon



 Looking towards the end of the line.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Above and two below 
The road/rail bridge over the Malisbog River taken from the far end.
Photos: Brad Peadon




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Nhing, Tin & Driver Chris Tablero.


Railways Of The Philippines - Reg Carter

Wikipedia
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Check out our new Link Tree site.

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Are you interested in the sugarcane tramways and industry on the islands of Negros and Panay?
Also covering the lumber/sugar railways of Leyte and Mindanao.
You are invited to come join the new forum.
   



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