Guisi Lighthouse:The Rust-Kissed Sentinel

The Guisi Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta Luzaran, is a historical landmark in Guimaras, Philippines. It was built during the Spanish colonial era between 1894 and 1896. It was intended to guide mariners passing through the Iloilo and Guimaras Strait. The lighthouse is considered the second oldest in the Philippines.

❣️The path: As we began our ascent to the lighthouse, the path was a gradual climb that wound its way upward.

The path offers breathtaking vistas of the Guimaras Strait with every upward step.

❣️Ruined Structures: As we arrived at the area, the scene was dominated by the crumbling walls of what were once substantial buildings. The walls are constructed from large stone blocks, now weathered and discolored.

The first building that greeted us was a simple rectangular structure. Like the other buildings, it was weathered and notably no roof.

The second structure was a sprawling, open-air building, the roof was entirely gone. It is the largest structure on the site. The size suggests that it may have been used as an office or a living quarter for officers. Or perhaps the administrative heart of the lighthouse station, since the old lighthouse is located just behind the structure.


The third structure was the smallest among the structures. This building is compact and topped with a corrugated roof. Its age is still evident in its weathered walls.

The last and the farthest structure stood as a testament of abandonment. It is roofless with grass sprouting from its walls.

A deep well for drawing water.

❣️Rusting Lighthouse Tower: The lighthouse is made of metal and is in a state of rusting, indicating exposure to the elements and its age. It's situated at the back of a structure near a cliff, where it once served as a navigational aid. Its rusted condition implies it may no longer be in active use. The lighthouse now is more a testament the to the passage of time.

❣️Modern Lighthouse: Through the archway, a new, white lighthouse stands prominently against a clear blue sky. The modern structure is enclosed by a fence, indicating a functional, operational facility.

❣️Vegetation Overgrowth: Plants and small trees grow atop the walls and within the ruins, adding a touch of green to the scene. This vegetation emphasizes the reclamation of the site by nature.

❣️Other Structures: An old toilet structure can be discerned, suggesting the presence of living quarters or facilities for the lighthouse keepers.

Additional structural elements, possibly the foundations or remnants of other buildings used by the lighthouse keepers, add depth to the scene.

​❣️Historical fact: In 1857, a General Plan for marine coasts in the Philippine Archipelago was drafted and implemented by the Corps of Engineers for Roads, Canals, and Ports. The Guisi Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines. The structure is made of prefabricated metals from France, "tisa" (tiles) from Portugal, and cement from England. This 18th-century Spanish ruin was visible at night to guide mariners passing through the Guimaras Strait.(Information copied from the internet)
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❣️Atmosphere: The overall atmosphere is one of historical decay and natural beauty. Sitting on the weathered stone ledge, looking towards the skeletal remains of the Guisi Lighthouse. I realized that it wasn't just a rusty tower, it was a monument to a bygone era, A sentinel that had guided countless ships through these
waters.
As we head home, I'll carry with me the memory of this place, where history and life are so beautifully intertwined. The weathered structures, reclaimed by nature, filled me with such joy.

The picture was edited using Canva. Historical Facts copied from different sources.