Discovering Pinas

This lighthouse in Liloan, Cebu has been a guiding light for fishermen and sea captains for more than a hundred years. This 102-year-old lighthouse was built by the order of William Howard Taft in 1908 who was the Governor-General at that time. It is one of the few remaining examples American architecture in the Philippines. The lighthouse is octagonal in shape and is 72 meters high. It sits on top of a small hill and is near the posh AyalaLand subdivision called Amara. There is actually an old Spanish lighthouse around the area but is now in ruins. I didn’t see it when we were there but it was the original lighthouse before the octagonal lighthouse was built.

To get there, you can either go by car or through commute. The fare is roughly 20 pesos (as far as I can remember) to Lilo-an from SM City Cebu. Ride a jeep that’s bound for Li-loan or Naga. It’s more or less a 2-hour ride. The landmark to remember is the Li-loan church on your right. There’s a narrow road on the right before the church. Take that road. Well, if you’re going to Amara, it’s the same way. You get off at the church and ride a tricycle going to Amara, or better yet, tell the driver that you’re going to the “Parola”. That’s the Visayan term for lighthouse. I don’t know how much the fare is because we went there by car.

There are actually “Amara” signs along the road that tells you that you’re only 2 kms or 1 km away from the subdivision. But basically, after you go through that road (before the church) you have to look for the “Amara” sign on the left side of the road. You go left when you see that “Amara” sign and follow the road. The Amara subdivision is on the right side. The lighthouse is a little farther down the road. I assure you, the journey is worth it especially when you’re on top of the lighthouse. You can see the whole of Cebu City, Mactan Island and other neighboring municipalities from the top of the lighthouse. The Bagacay Point Lighthouse has been a favorite subject for painters and photographers and the location has been used for wedding shoots. There’s a small restaurant near the place in case you need some refreshments.