Pasig River Light, Maritime navigation lighthouse in San Nicolas, Manila, Philippines
Pasig River Light is a cylindrical five-story tower with a balcony and lantern, constructed from rubble masonry and concrete blocks at the river mouth. The structure was equipped with a sixth-order Fresnel lens that could project light far across the water to guide incoming vessels.
The first light station in the Philippines was established in 1642, though the actual tower was built and first illuminated in 1846 at the north jetty. This 200-year gap shows how maritime infrastructure evolved in the region.
The surrounding neighborhood is called Parola, a name derived from the Spanish word for lighthouse, reflecting Manila's role as a working port district. This name remains deeply connected to the area's maritime identity even today.
The location at the river mouth is easily accessible by water, though land access may be limited due to port activities in the area. Visitors planning to explore the surroundings should choose times when ship traffic is lighter.
In 1877, the tower underwent a striking transformation when its original white paint was changed to yellow and the light was switched from white to red. These visual changes helped sailors identify the beacon more quickly against the night sky.
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