RIHSPI launches the Reese Channel

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Admin

RIHSPI recently launched the pilot episode of its newest media project, the Reese Channel. It is hosted through the popular video-sharing website, YouTube.

The episode featured the newly donated Japanese sleeper coaches of the Philippine National Railways and provides viewers with an up close look on the sleeper coaches.

Engr. Esperedion Regulto of the Manila Yard Division was interviewed about the features and amenities that will give Bicol bus operators a run for their money once the Manila-Bicol service resumes later in the year.

The Reese Channel is shot in high-definition video, and provides closed captions in English and Filipino for persons with disabilities. Soon it will feature topics about railway heritage and preservation, as well as public awareness for better appreciation of the railways of the Philippines.

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RIHSPI conducts Annual Meeting and Election of Officers

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Admin

TUTUBAN, MANILA – RIHSPI conducted its annual meeting and election of officers last January 29, 2011 at the PNR Tutuban Station canteen.

Part of the agenda was the evaluation of 2010 projects and plans of action for future projects. Also discussed was the the masterplan for the Railway Heritage Park and Museum to be developed on the existing PNR Caloocan properties.

Explaining the Caloocan Masterplan

Outgoing VP Brouwers explains the details of the Caloocan masterplan.

For the first time, an organized ballot system was used for the election of the Board of Trustees. Twelve members conducted their votes on the venue, while seven members cast their votes through an online proxy voting system.

Tally of votes

Final tally of votes for the RIHSPI Board of Trustees.

The newly elected officers and trustees of RIHSPI are the following:

Karel Brouwers, President
Alberto Nual, Vice President
Edlee Tusi, Secretary
Jaime Tiongson, Treasurer
Trustees: Antonio Figueroa, Victor Dennis Nierva, and Juan Carlos Salamat

Election of Officers were conducted at a separate venue a day after the Trustee election.

RIHSPI Group Photo 2011

RIHSPI officers, members, and member applicants pose in front of one of the Japan-donated sleeper coaches.

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RIHSPI conducts Caloocan inspection

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Admin

CALOOCAN– RIHSPI conducted an inspection of the PNR Caloocan Yard together with PNR consultants, Paul de Quiros and Gera Sison.

RIHSPI with PNR Consultants

(From left to right) RIHSPI Vice President Karel Brouwers, Mr. Gera Sison, RIHSPI Member Alfred Imasa, and Mr. Paul de Quiros. The Horace L. Higgins Hall is shown in the background.

RIHSPI Vice President Karel Brouwers toured the consultants to various places of historical interest inside the PNR Caloocan property. They visited the old PNR Printing Press containing heritage machines that are kept in good condition.  VP Brouwers outlined the RIHSPI proposal for a Museum and Heritage Park and explained the places that the Society would like to acquire for restoration and reuse.

Vice President Brouwers tours Mr. Sison

VP Brouwers tours Mr. Gera Sison around the PNR Caloocan property.

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RIHSPI pays courtesy call to the Laguna Governor’s Office

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Admin

STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA – RIHSPI members led by Vice President Karel Brouwers paid a Courtesy Call to the Office of the Provincial Governor of Laguna represented by Mr. Carlos F. Dolendo, Chief of Staff of Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito last October 11, 2010 for discussions for a Laguna Efficient Railways (ER) Masterplan.

RIHSPI with Mr. Dolendo

Mr. Carlos F. Dolendo (left), Chief of Staff of the Governor of Laguna, talks to RIHSPI Treasurer Jaime F. Tiongson (center) and RIHSPI Vice President Karel Brouwers (right).

RIHSPI will assist the Governor’s Office to hold exploratory meetings with representatives from the Philippine National Railways (PNR) for plans to revive the long-defunct Sta. Cruz – Pagsanjan branch line of PNR, further boosting the local economy and tourism of Laguna, and helping alleviate increasing road traffic conditions.

RIHSPI with Laguna Provincial Officials

From left to right, RIHSPI VP Karel Brouwers, Mr. Carlos Dolendo, RIHSPI Treasurer Jaime Tiongson, Mr. Raffy Alava Antonio, and RIHSPI member Alexis Almasan.

In addition, RIHSPI will also provide the Governor’s Office old Laguna railway photographs from the 1900s to be placed in the proposed museum and working library at the old Provincial Capitol Building ground floor, which will be repaired and rehabilitated to house the Governor’s Office at the second floor once again. Presently, the Governor’s Office is located at the back of the old Provincial Capitol.

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RIHSPI pays courtesy call to the new PNR General Manager

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Admin

TUTUBAN, MANILA – RIHSPI members led by President Alberto Nual paid a Courtesy Call to Junio M. Ragragio, new General Manager of the Philippine National Railways at his office on October 5, 2010 wherein discussions for possible restoration projects and establishing a railway museum in Paco and Caloocan were held.

RIHSPI officials with new PNR GM Junio Ragragio

Hon. Junio M. Ragragio (center), PNR General Manager, talks with RIHSPI President Alberto Nual (right) and RIHSPI Vice President Karel Brouwers (left).

RIHSPI will assist PNR by providing old photographs to be used as a guide for rail station rehabilitation and restoration and provide historical information about possible heritage artifacts to be placed in the proposed rail museum. The restoration of the Abad Santos and Solis Signal Boxes were also given full support by GM Ragragio. RIHSPI and PNR will landscape the vicinity of the Abad Santos Signal Box.

Explaining the Abad Santos project

VP Karel Brouwers explains details of the Abad Santos Signal Box restoration project.

The existing exhibits at Tutuban lobby showing Buda 22 and a photo mural will also be expanded wherein a mini-museum will be placed in close coordination with PNR.

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