Stretching towards the sky, the Customs Tower Lighthouse stands as a sentinel. It silently overlooks the bustling harbor. Let me tell you about this beacon. This is not just a structure. It’s a story etched in concrete and light.
The Pasig River Light, as it was originally known, boasts a rich history. A light station first appeared here in 1642. However, the first lighthouse tower wasn’t built until 1846. The ruling Spanish government erected it. Imagine Manila back then. The Customs Tower Lighthouse marked the Pasig River’s entrance. Vessels cruised Manila Bay seeking the inland Port of Manila. This port bustled along the Pasig River banks in Binondo and Intramuros.
Locally it was called Farola. That is Spanish for lighthouse. The Customs Tower Lighthouse quickly became a harbor landmark. It stood conspicuous until the 20th century’s early years. The construction of the new Port of Manila changed things. Land reclamation obscured the Customs Tower Lighthouse light from Manila Bay. Its location shifted about 1.5 kilometers upriver from the present river mouth.
The Customs Tower Lighthouse played a vital role. On September 1, 1846, its light first shone. The Pasig River divides Manila into north and south. The Customs Tower Lighthouse became a welcoming beacon. Mariners of inter-island vessels entered the Pasig River. They sought berths along its busy wharves.
In 1870, changes came. The light apparatus was replaced. A new fixed red light appeared. Its visibility was shorter because of its color. However, it was easily distinguished from other city lights. The 1877 almanac noted another change. The Customs Tower Lighthouse color changed from white to yellow or amarillo. Two lighthouse keepers manned it.
Sadly, the Spanish colonial lighthouse met its end in 1992. It was demolished for unknown reasons. Its historical significance was ignored. The original 1846 tower stood 49 feet tall. It was a five-story stone structure. Its design was unique. The first four levels had tangent circles if viewed from above. Only the gallery-lantern room centered above the fourth level. Behind the tower stood the lighthouse keeper’s house. It was detached and made of masonry. The white tower’s effective focal point stood 52 feet above sea level. Its original light was fixed white and visible for 10 miles.
The replacement tower is made of reinforced concrete. It was built on the old tower’s foundation. This present tower is unpainted gray concrete. Its conical structure has a focal plane of 43 feet above water. The Customs Tower Lighthouse stands 46 feet tall. It is slightly shorter than the old tower.
Today, the Customs Tower Lighthouse doesn’t serve its original function. The light is obscured from Manila Bay. The larger Port of Manila blocks it. However, the Philippine Coast Guard Station of Manila stands adjacent to it. The reclaimed lands have become a shantytown. It is now known as Parola or lighthouse in Filipino. The Maritime Safety Services Command maintains all Philippine lighthouses.
The Customs Tower Lighthouse stands as a testament to Manila’s maritime past. It reminds us of the harbor’s history. It also serves as a silent witness to the city’s changes. As you stand here, imagine the ships of old. Picture the light guiding them safely to port. The Customs Tower Lighthouse is more than a structure. It’s a beacon of history.