My fascination with lighthouses started just recently when I first visited one in Corregidor, Cavite. Perhaps because of its historical significance, or simply because its main purpose is to serve as guide to sailors amidst rocky shores. The ocean has its dark secrets so they say, but the flashing light from the lighthouse is always a symbol of hope, peace of mind and comfort.
Located in the southwestern point in the island of Luzon specifically in Calatagan Batangas is Cape Santiago lighthouse, which stands a towering height of 51 ft. in a cape at the tip of Santiago Peninsula facing South China Sea in the west, Pagapas Bay and Balayan Bay to the east.
Port of Calatagan is just approximately 6km away from the lighthouse.
According to www.batangas-philippines.com, the name Santiago was named after the then landowner, Don Santiago Zobel. The one-hectare property was a donation from Don Santiago for the construction of the lighthouse.
Fast Facts:
Lighthouse: Faro de Punta Santiago or Cape Santiago
Location: Calatagan, Batangas
Date First Lit: 1890
Tower Height: 51 ft / 15.5m
Focal Plane: 89 ft/ 27.1m
Status: Active
Current Condition: Original lamp and lantern room were replaced. According to Kuya Junior, solar panels were recently installed as a source of light from the lighthouse tower.
We were lucky Kuya Junior, the lighthouse caretaker, was around when we visited. According to him, he is also the caretaker of the Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo, Batangas. I was not aware that we have to text him first since entrance to the lighthouse is by appointment. Fortunately tourists ahead of us informed Kuya Junior of their visit so we also had the chance to enter its gates at the time.
The spiral staircase leading to the tower consists of 65 steps to the lighthouse top. The interiors, no matter how rustic they appear, are rigid and stable as they’re made of bricks, hard wood panels and lime cement. The entire lighthouse in itself is resilient as it has withstood different calamities, even the Spanish, American and Japanese wars. Kuya Junior even showed to us the scars these historical wars left to the lighthouse. It is amazing that decades later since 1890 when it was first lit, the lighthouse still remains important and relevant especially to the mariners, since it still currently guides the vessels from Manila heading towards the southern islands of Visayas.
Meet Kuya Junior, the lighthouse caretaker. His grandfather was one of the original caretakers.
Aside from my fascination of its historical facts, what struck me most is its majestic view of the Verde Island Passage, Pagapas and Balayan Bay. The white sands along the entire stretch of Calatagan shoreline is breathtaking. From the lighthouse top, Kuya Junior also told us some celebrities who owned parcels of land around the lighthouse area such as Joey Marquez and Gloria Romero to name a few.
God’s magnificence is beyond human intellect. Understanding God is like an ant trying to understand the internet.
How to Get to Cape Santiago Lighthouse
By Private Vehicle
via Crisanto M. Delos Reyes Avenue in Amadeo
From Coastal Road, head southwest on Manila via Cavite Expressway then take the exit on the left towards EPZA. From Rosario, Cavite; take Governor Ferrer Drive and Crisanto M. Delos Reyes Avenue to Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. From Nasugbu-Lian intersection, drive from Calatagan-Lian Highway to Calatagan. The Cape Santiago Lighthouse is located at the southernmost tip of Calatagan.
By Public Vehicle
via bus or van
Should you wish to ride a bus, go to Coastal Mall and take Calatagan-bound buses. If you’re taking the van, the terminal is located near Kabayan Hotel in Pasay City. Once in Calatagan Market, you may hire a tricycle on the way to Cape Santiago Lighthouse.
Other Important Information and Updates
1. Entrance is free, but they accept donations in cash which is then recorded to Mang Junior’s logbook. Donation proceeds will be used for the lighthouse restoration.
2. Getting to the lighthouse is quite difficult for the lack of road signs and smooth pavements leading to the place. Billy, our car, suffered minor scratches just to reach the lighthouse.
3. To contact Kuya Junior, you may text him at 0919-841-64-86. Be sure to schedule an appointment days ahead as he is also the official caretaker of another lighthouse in Batangas located in Lobo, Batangas which is hours away from Calatagan proper.
My #calabarzoned Hugot
The Cape Santiago Lighthouse is a beauty in itself. However, I wish the government will take notice of its importance-both in its cultural & historical aspect and its necessity as the main lighthouse in one of the busiest marine passage between Luzon and Visayas. The unobstructed view of the Calatagan peninsula is amazing, but the narrow roads leading to this hidden gem may drive potential tourists away. I hope the local government will set aside budget for its development so as to attract more visitors and promote local tourism.
#calabarzoned 