Ivan Lakwatsero: Faro de Punta de Malabrigo

Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, or Malabrigo Lighthouse, is the light station strategically built at Malabrigo Point (southernmost tip pf Batangas Province) in Lobo, Batangas to guide the ships that passes through the very important Verde Island Passage, a busy maritime route located between the islands of Luzon and Mindoro.

Completed in 1896, this magnificent edifice designed by Guillermo Brockman, has survived the fury of time. In fact, Faro de Punta de Malabrigo is one of the very few Spanish era lighthouses that are still in good shape. Aside from the light which was replaced with a modern, solar powered one, everything from its 17m white cylindrical brick tower to its single-story keeper's house has remained intact and continuously serve the vessels in the sea up to this date.

Old photo of Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, date unknown
photo source.

The whole structure was brought back to its former glory in 2004. As part of Adopt-a-Lighthouse project of the Philippine Coast Guard with the help of Akiko Thomson, Malabrigo Lighthouse has been refurbished and restored almost to its original state. National Historical Commission of the Philippines saw its significance in maritime heritage, thus declaring it a National Historical Landmark in November 27, 2006.

I was able to visit Malabrigo Lighthouse last August 26, 2012 when I came to the town of Lobo for a solo adventure. It's quite far from the main town, requiring about 15 minutes tricycle ride (P150 one way).

front of the lighthouse

I was very much delighted upon seeing this lighthouse, it was indeed in perfect good state (to think that it's more than a century old). The tower and the keeper's quarters were newly painted and the grass in the front yard are very well trimmed. It was such a fine and lovely building.

the white cylindrical tower

the solar panels that power the light

the light of the tower

Although I failed to climb up its tower (entering and climbing up the tower is prohibited), I still enjoyed the views of Verde Island and the mountains of Mindoro from below.