My penchant for Spanish-era lighthouses in the Philippines brought me cruising in the waters of Masbate Island, particularly in the towns of Aroroy and Balud, in search for the old lonely sentinels of the seas that dot the island.

Masbate is home to two of the few remaining Spanish-constructed lighthouses – Bugui Point Lighthouse and Jintotolo Island Lighthouse. These two complementing lighthouses were built before the turn of 20th century, before the Spaniards handed over the Philippines to the Americans.

Let us have a virtual tour in this part of Masbate that we rarely see, the portion of history that seems to be forgotten, the classic and beautiful lonely sentinels that have stood the test of time.