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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, August 13, 2025

2010: SPOTLIGHT ON PLARIDEL (QUEZON PROVINCE)




Ah, Plaridel Station—a humble slice of Philippine railway history tucked away in Quezon Province. Originally known as Siain Station, it first opened its doors (or rather, its single concrete platform) back in 1916, back when trains were the hot new thing and people still believed the Bicol Express would always be on time.

  At the time, the station was technically in Atimonan, but in a plot twist worthy of a local government reshuffle, the area became its own municipality—Plaridel—in 1962, and the station loyally changed its name like a rebranded fast-food chain. Despite the name change and the decades of wear and tear, the station is still very much in existence, although currently not seeing any use.. Sure, it’s no Grand Central, but it did serve long-distance trains like the Bicol Express during years those trains decide to grace us with their presence.

  Strategically plopped down next to a beautiful section of the Pan-Philippine Highway (that’s the Maharlika Highway for the romantics) and near Siain Port, the station is actually in a great spot for travelers who love the idea of combining trains, boats, and endless bus rides into a single exhausting journey. Need a transfer? Just step off the platform and you’re practically on the highway already. Multimodal transport at its most... rustic.....well it will be once their bottys get into gear and reopen it.

Plaridel town itself isn’t exactly sprawling—it’s the smallest municipality in Quezon, with a population just shy of 11,000. But don’t let its size fool you; it’s got coastline, history, and an attractive little train station (refurbished not so long ago), which is more than some cities can say. The station’s real moment of glory? Acting as a passing loop, where trains going opposite directions can pause, wave at each other, and move along—because sometimes trains need a meet-cute, too.

So, while it may not have air conditioning, digital boards, or a coffee kiosk, Plaridel Station does have one thing: character. And really, in a world of sterile transport hubs and delayed flights, isn’t that something to be proud of?


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Points at the south end of the Plaridel loop.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Remains of an old siding that ran around the back of the building at one stage.
Photos: Brad Peadon



A lovely old church that you look onto from the station platform.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church - Central, Plaridel, Quezon
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
The Plaridel station building back in 2010.
More recently it has been cleaned up and was noted in the marginally attractive light blue colour that 
is inflicted upon the modernised stations.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Looking south from the end of the platform.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
A look at both ends of the station building
Photos: Brad Peadon


A closer look at the church opposite the station.
Photos: Brad Peadon


The nearby jetty had seen far better days.
Photos: Brad Peadon


South end of the loop..
Photos: Brad Peadon


It had been a long time since the 'Freight Express' section was used for it's intended purpose.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Closeup along the rail side of the Plaridel station building.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
An endless parade of buses pass outside the station i9n an effort to keep up with what the railway could be doing if it was actually in use.
Photos: Brad Peadon


Above and below
FL-3034 had been discarded in the old siding.
It was missing it's couplers, so wasn't likely to be going anywhere soon
Photos: Brad Peadon


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Video: Plaridel Station


Video: Plaridel Transport



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MrX, Nhing, and Onyo.

PNR Management & Staff.
wikipedia.org






Interested In All Things Philippines? We Have Heaps.
Check out our new Link Tree site.

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A guide to Philippine transport websites and groups.
A list of recommended genuine locations to find further information on Philippine transport topics 
that will be expanded on from time to time.
Have a look if you wish to learn more.



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Thursday, August 7, 2025

HAWAIIAN-PHILIPPINES COMPANY - 2025 VISIT - PART 4 - MILL TO COLISAP

 


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Hawaiian-Philippine Company 2025 

 Part 4

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.

In part 4 we ride Baldwin #2 (formerly #5) from the mill to Colisap (77) along the mills last surviving field line.

Photos commence at the mill locoshed and take us through to Colisap (77) siding where we pick up some loaded cane trucks.

Come join us for the ride. If you wish to see the videos of the day, check out our PRHS TV YouTube channel.

As I have a general interest in the sugar milling industry as a whole, and have been into a couple of Aussie ones, it was fascinating to finally have the opportunity for a better look at this wonderful and historic mill.

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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 timber/sugar railways of Leyte, Cebu and Mindanao.
You are invited to come join the new forum.

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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.
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Plymouth #17 sitting outside the Hawaiian-Philippine Company mill loco shed prior to our departure.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
Train crew preparing #2 (ex #5) for our run.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Looking towards the Hawaiian-Philippine yard as we depart.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Excited passengers looking forward to a true heritage experience.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Nurse Dave who was with us on the day.
Photo: Brad Peadon


 Empty cane trucks await their next call to duty.
Photo: Brad Peadon


 Baldwin steamers 3 and 4 sitting in the yard dreaming of a day they could one day operate again.
Photo: Brad Peadon


 Above and below.
Exiting the mill gates, the line crosses a local street before curving down towards the big Malisbog River bridge.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Approaching the road/rail bridge.
Photo: Brad Peadon


It is a lovely trip through some bush and canefields.
Photo: Brad Peadon


That tree line to the left is where the mainline south once junctioned off this line. See map at top of the article and image below.
It does appear that all that track has been removed, though it would be good to have a closer look on a future visit.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Enjoying those lovely provincial views.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and two below.
Views to be had from the carriage.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Cane trucks are sitting on the branch to Colisap (77C).
It is not clear whether the whole branch is still in use. It is clearly visible on Google Earth, but there is no indication of train usage as the time the images were taken. 
See two images below.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Above and below.
Has arrived at Colisap (77) to collect the loaded cane trucks.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Above and three below.
The point at the mill end of the Colisap (77) loading point.
Photo: Brad Peadon






Empty cane trucks sitting in the siding awaiting loading.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and two below.
#2 waiting for us to finish before hauling it's load be\ack to the Hawaiian-Philippine Mill.
Photo: Brad Peadon




#2 and trucks sitting on the mainline that appears to continue through to at least San Diego (78).
Photo: Brad Peadon


Beyond where we picked up the loaded trucks is another loading point.
A look on Google Streetscape and Earth would seem to suggest that this now the end of the line which once extended further and from Google Earth looks like it went across the 'Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway'.
Image: Copyright of Google


The first loading point after San Diego (78) which is believed to be that in the image above. It does appear that all traces of track are now gone.
Image: Copyright of Google

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And Coming Soon.

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Nhing Tin & Driver Chris Tablero
Kevin Long & Dave
Management, train, mill, and security staff.


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The listing will regularly be updated and added to.
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