Puente de Malagonlong

Before 2015 ends, let us just share to you these videos of our adventurous selves visiting one of the country's oldest Spanish-era bridges. I'll be blogging about this next year — that's technically a few hours from now. Can't do it right away because of time constraints (oh poor corporate slave that I am).

This bridge which we visited last Sunday (December 27) is the fabled Malagonlong Bridge, more popularly know by its Spanish name: Puente de Malagonlong. At 445 feet, it is said to be the longest bridge during its time. It's located in the pastoral outskirts of still rural Tayabas City in the province of the same name. Puente de Malagonlong, which I also suspect served as an aqueduct, was constructed between 1841 to 1850 using manual labor. Coral stones, egg whites, and apog (lime) were used as mortar because cement wasn't available back then. But look at it now: it's still standing proud despite the greens covering it. It was built to last, having survived numerous earthquakes, typhoons, and the last great war.

It was a fun experience for the whole family, especially for my kids who don't have the luxury of roaming around our noisy neighborhood. But we didn't allow them to swim because the current is so strong and the cold climate is not fit for swimming. Perhaps next time when time (and budget) permits.

Without further ado, here's the bridge.

Río de Dumacaa.

Advanced Happy New Year to all!