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. _ _
Yet another in our spotlight series, as we head to Candelaria for a look at the situation there in 2010.
Vendors had set up along the station area, selling a wide array of wares. It was likely that these stalls were operating illegally on railway property, making it difficult to photograph the structure itself.
By the time of our visit in 2022, all the vendors had been removed, likely due to the commencement of the new Inter-Provincial Commuter Service from Lucena to San Pablo.
Candelaria station is believed to have opened in 1913 as part of the Tiaong to Lucena section. However, some sources, other than Wikipedia, suggest it may have opened in 1912.
Interested In All Things Philippines? We Have Heaps.
Candelaria, a municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines, has a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. The town was officially established on August 5, 1879, named after Our Lady of Candlemas, or "Nuestra Señora de Candelaria," the town's patroness.
Candelaria began as a small settlement and gradually grew in population and economic significance. The town's development was closely linked to the agricultural industry, with coconut and sugarcane as the primary crops. The establishment of sugar mills in the early 20th century, such as the Central Azucarera de Don Pedro, significantly boosted the local economy and led to an increase in population and infrastructure.
In recent years, Candelaria has continued to evolve, balancing its rich historical heritage with modern developments. The town remains an important agricultural hub in Quezon Province and is known for its vibrant community and cultural heritage.
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.
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.
We always welcome news, photos and small articles for inclusion on both this site and our parent group (see below). Please email us!
PRHS.Society at gmail.com
The Philippine Railway Historical Society websites and forums on Facebook and Twitter, along with our YouTube channel, have further information regarding these interesting railways and also a number of chat forums for those interested in all areas of Philippine transportation.
Our various forums have the latest news and information from a number of very knowledgeable people. Please join in with our PRHS family, learn about the railways of the Philippines and make new friends.
We now act as a information society, having removed ourselves from the badder elements of the Manila railfan hobby, existing to meet and help others with similar interests.
PRHS - Longest Running Philippine Railways group.
26 years of serving the Philippine railway hobby.
Brad
Australia
FREE PRHS RAILWAY PUBLICATIONS
The PRHS regularly publishes magazines (mostly ezines, but sometimes hard copies) covering different railway topics. Locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, publications aimed at modellers and our occasional magazine 'Along Da Riles'. In the future, we are planning a number of other publications of interest to everyone, along with plans for a regularly updated database, and another plan that could prove to be a first for the Philippines. PRHS: Bringing a railfan hobby to the nation.
Want more information on the PRHS or have another Philippine railway enquiry?
Philippine Railway Historical Society
For all your Philippine railway information photos and chat, please visit our HOMEPAGE! Our group and activities are free - we are here to promote interest in the Philippine railways, make friendships and help with information. We are not a fundraising group and do not ask for funds. Do you support the past and future of the railways in the Philippines? Come chat with us atPRHSFacebook.We look forward to meeting you.
