Faro De Punta Malabrigo, the Lonely Sentinel of Lobo

By Killerfillers @killrfillr

 There is something about lighthouses that interest me – much has to with their rich history and my fondness for  old architecture. Ever since I  started traveling, I only got the chance to see the lighthouse in Apo Reef in Palawan after two failed attempt in Capones. The modern lighthouse of Apo Reef pales in comparison with all the old Spanish lighthouse that seems to be forgotten in this modern times. Then came our trip to Lobo, Batangas.
One of the few interesting landmarks that caught my attention while scouring online is the Faro de Punta de Malabrigo. While waiting for our lunch, we took a quick drive to visit this solitary sentinel. The white puffy clouds dancing across the endless blue sky was a perfect sight for our short jaunt.  Surrounded by mountain ranges and vast rice fields it was like driving to the roads going to Laiya.
And while the drive to the  more popular town of San Juan is brimming with resort signage it was quite the opposite here in Lobo . My friend who handles the resort that we’ve been staying  told me that celebrities like Christopher de Leon  and Akiko Thompson acquired some properties on this quaint coastal town.From the town of Lobo it took us around 15-20 minutes to reach the base of hill where the lighthouse is situated. We parked our car in a vacant lot before we climb the uphill trail leading to tower. We went around the grounds and surprisingly there were no people around. The ground was wide sprawling with different kinds of plants and  trees, the grass provided a sort of feast for the resting goats.

the white cylindrical tower

just love the contrast of this bricks

the haunting grounds of the lighthouse

No caretaker insight we got closer to the lighthouse.  The gate was padlocked but I wasn’t contented just to look at this architectural marvel. The fence wasn’t high enough so  I decided to climb over the fence. Just a note, I made sure to step on a solid piece of a fence and no parts or whatsoever were destroyed during the process. 

up close

Despite of its obvious deterioration the place is still grand.  Just being on the actual grounds was an eerie feeling. With the rustic metal grills surrounding the fence and some parts of the bricks chip off.  The cylindrical tower was imposing and somehow I feel that I was transported back in time. 

iron porch already rusting

A careful turn on the side of the lighthouse and the sight of Verde Island reel out on the horizon. The bright sunshine paints a contrast to the endless blue sky.  It was indeed a great view.  We just settled in snapping photos around the area of the tower.  

Known as the Faro de Punta de Malabrigo,designed by Guillermo Brockman as a cylidrical brick tower
with metal staircase, adjacent pavilion and machine room.1891.Built by Chinese contractor Jose Garcia,1896
An outstanding work of architecture from the Spanish colonial period.It has served as beacon to sea vessels
at the Verde island passage. Declared as national landmark,27 November 2006. - NHI

I can only imagine those time what this structure went through – guiding ships, surviving numerous war and warning people on impending attacks.  It’s only right that we should not neglect and therefore preserve this historical landmarks.

awesome view indeed

PS: We went here May 2010. It's actually nice to know that this lighthouse now renovated - solar panels were added and most parts of the building are newly painted. Good job! Read more about this on Batang Lakwatsero's recent visit.