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Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2017: Leyte’s Festival of Festivals

September 5, 2017 By Marydel Mitch Flores Leave a Comment

The Pintados Festival in Tacloban Cty is a Filipino Festival with its own unique flavor. It recalls the Pre-Spanish history of the native Leytenos from wars, epics and folk religions. The most expected aspect in Pintados is the festive dancers, painted from head to toe with designs that look like armor to resemble tattooed warriors.

This year, the Pintados Festival once again showcase the unique culture and history of the people from Eastern Visayas. It is one of the local traditions of the province that celebrates the ageless art of body painting. So I am here to bring you all over the event by experiencing the Pintados Festival.

Body paint

A boy with ageless art of body painting.

It was 27th of June, around 7 am when I and my boyfriend went to Grandstand for the Pintados grand parade. I can see a lot of people roaming around the area and there were also police officers securing the place. And since we have an I.D. it was easy for us to enter and exit the vicinity. But as usual it didn’t start immediately; it was around 9 a.m. when the parade started.

Grandstand

Contingents at the Grandstand while waiting for the parade to start.

The procession started at Grand Stand going to Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Paterno Street, Sta. Cruz Street, Juan Luna Street, Avenida Veteranos, Real Street, Justice Romualdez Street, Rizal Avenue,  and then back to Grandstand.

Under the heat of the sun, the different contingents in an amazing array of colors fill the streets of Tacloban City. At first sight, they may seem outrageous as grown men pour into the streets decorated in such dazzling colors as luminous blue or neon green. But as one gets used to this and sees the dances depicted, one gets a glimpse of the history of the people that once lived on the islands of Leyte so long ago.

Kaplag Mahaplag

Kaplag festival of Mahaplag

 

Tribu Mangirisda

Tribu Mangirisda of Tanauan , Leyte

 

Patiklos festival

Patiklos festival of Sta. Rita

Despite of the heat of the sun, the sweat, the exhausted feeling dancing all over the street, I can still see each of them smiling without any hesitations. And though I feel like I’m a dead beat that day, while taking pictures of them. I still enjoy experiencing the music, the parades, and the warm atmosphere of a fun, local festival.

Around 10:30 a.m. the parade is over, the contingents were about to prepare for the program and ritual dance which will start at 1:00 p.m. So, we decided to eat our lunch first before going back to the Grand stand.

After taking our lunch, we witnessed different ritual presentations from the contingents. Joining the festivals from the Leyte province were the Lubi-lubi festival of Calubian, Buraburon festival of Burauen, Tolo-Usa festival of Tolosa, Buyugan festival of Abuyog, Sanggutan festival of Barugo, Kaplag festival of Mahaplag, Maisayaw festival of San Isidro; Ibid festival of Caibiran, Biliran province, Patiklos festival of Sta. Rita, Samar, and Tribu Mangirisda of Tanauan , Leyte.

Seven competing contingents are from Leyte, one from Samar and one from Biliran and while all contingents were bursting with their energy, massive and colorful props that completely filled the streets as well as the basketball court sized stage.

pintados5

Contingents were bursting with their energy, massive and colorful props.

 

 

Ibid festival of Caibiran

Ibid festival of Caibiran, Biliran province.

 

Maisayaw festival

Maisayaw festival of San Isidro

 

Patiklos festival

Patiklos festival of Sta. Rita

This year’s Kasadyaan competition was won by Buraburon festival of Burauen with P750. 000 cash prize. The second place went to Buyugan festival of Abuyog with P500, 000 cash prize, while the Sanggutan festival of Barugo was the third place winner with P250, 000 cash prize. All the participating contingents will also receive P 50, 000.

 

Sanggutan festival of Barugo

Third Place: Sanggutan festival of Barugo

 

Buyugan festival of Abuyog

Second Place Winner: Buyugan festival of Abuyog

 

Buraburon festival of Burauen

Grand Champion: Buraburon festival of Burauen with Best in Street Parade, Best in Festival Music, Best in Costume, and Bitoon han Leyte 2017

 

The superior story line, dance execution, and set designs of Burabon Festival stood out and earned the nod of the judges. Huge and larger than life images of the Senior Santo Nino de Tacloban were the common props of the participants that expressed the adoration and filial piety of the Leytenos to the Señor Santo Niño.

 

Senior Santo Nino de Tacloban

Huge and larger than life images of the Senior Santo Nino de Tacloban.

Meanwhile, Kasadyaan which means “merriment” in the Visayan dialect plays an important role for it strengthens the sense of pride and portrays the local folklore and legends of the municipality. This marked the beginning of the Pintados Festival, which was first celebrated in June 29,1987. In 1995 the foundation started the Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival and was henceforth called as the “Festival of Festivals.” Little did they know that they were laying the groundwork for making the festival a national cultural event depicting the rich cultural past of Leyte and its colorful customs and traditions.

The Pintados Festival managed by Pintados Foundation, Inc. was formed by the people of this city in celebration of the feast day of Sr. Santo Niño. Years later, it was merged with the Kasadyaan Festival chaired then by now mayor Petilla.

Sangyaw Festival 2017 in Tacloban City

September 5, 2017 By Marydel Mitch Flores Leave a Comment

Sangyaw Festival is a religious, socio-cultural event and a popular native festival held every 29th of June in Tacloban City. Sangyaw means “to herald news” in the local dialect. It was created by former first lady Imelda Marcos in the 80s.

The festival has been revived in 2008 by her nephew and former Mayor Alfred Romualdez. The revived festival became a big success and participated by cultural contingents from different performing groups of various festivals in the country to compete on this side of the region.

 

Parade of lights 2017

128th fiesta celebration of Sangyaw Parade of Lights, brightly colored lights with the conceptualized floats.

This year, the Sangyaw Festival once again showcase the unique culture and history of the people from Eastern Visayas. Thousands of Tacloban residents were mesmerized and amazed on Wednesday night (June 29) by the Sangyaw parade of lights with its theme: Unity in progress, an annual event hosted by the City Government in line with its 128th fiesta celebration.

It was around 5 p.m. when we head to downtown area and witnessed the parade of lights. And as usual, some roads were closed to pave the way for the 128th fiesta celebration. We were just standing in front of Real Mcdo while waiting for the parade to pass by in our area.

 

Sangyaw parade

At MacDonald’s Real while waiting for the parade.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Tacloban City.Patterned after the previous year’s Sangyaw Parade of Lights, brightly colored lights with the conceptualized floats and the dancing Street performers coming from Tacloban’s barangays, schools and community based contingents were seen during the parade.

 

Parade of lights

Competing contingents of the 2017 Sangyaw festival of lights were: the Barangay Contingents (Brgy. 77 Fatima Village; Brgy. Aslum Sagkahan; Brgy. 39 Serin; Brgy. 23-A.P. Burgos; Brgy. 49 Youngfield; Brgy. 2 Jones Street; Brgy. 6-A Sto. Nino Ext.; Brgy. 70 Rawis Anibong & Brgy. 92 Apitong.

 

Parade of lights

Brgy. 58 Aslum Sagkahan

 

Parade of lights (brgy. category)

Brgy. 2 Jones Street

 

Parade of lights Brgy. Category

Brgy. 70 Rawis Anibong

School participants were Collegio de la Salle Foundation of Tacloban City; Northern Tacloban City National High School; Kapagian School; Eastern Visayas State University; Palanos Elem. School; Cirilo Roy Montejo National High School; Sto. Nino Sped Center; Scandinavian National High School & Fisherman’s Village and the Merry makers (Jolibee; Taebo jammers Asso. of Tacloban; Rising Star Movers; Tacloban Institute of Technical Studies Inc. & SMART Float with Migo Adecer).

 

Parade of lights school category

Fisherman’s Village (School Category)

 

School category

Parade of lights School Category.

Together with the City Government and barangay family Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez was joined by her husband former Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, daughter Sofia, 1st Dist. Leyte Congresswoman Yedda Romualdez , Atty. FM Romualdez, guest Sen. Sonny Angara, DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes and the SANGYAW Foundation Inc. family.

Sangyaw festival also featured celebrities like Joseph Bitangcol, Michelle Vito, and Neil Coleta.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Tacloban City.

 

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Joseph Bitangcol, Michelle Vito, Sofia Romualdez, and Sen. Sonny Angara

 

This year’s Sangyaw competition winners of each category were: Barangay Street dance Champion- Brgy. 92 Apitong; 2nd placer- Brgy. 49 Youngfield; 3rd placer- Brgy. 58 Aslum Sagkahan with awaiting cash prizes of 70K, 50K & 30K. While for School Category Street Dance Champion- Palanog Elementary; 2nd placer- San Jose Central School; & 3rd placer- EVSU with cash prizes of 50K, 30K & 20K.

Meanwhile, the winners for the BEST Float were: Champion- Kapangian Central School; 2nd placer- San Jose Central School and 3rd placer- Sto. Nino SPED with awaiting cash prizes of 80K, 50K & 30K.

On the other hand, the Merrymakers competing categories were: Champion- Taebo jammers; 2nd placer- Rising Star and 3rd Placer- Jollibee with awaiting cash prizes of 10K, 7K & 5K. Other joining barangay contingents got 5K each.

Parade of lights 2017

The week-long celebrations peaks on the 30th of June, the Grand Fiesta of Tacloban celebrated with the traditional turn-over ceremonies of the “Teniente” made by the immediate past Hermano Mayor to the incoming Hermano Mayor. This is accompanied by the ritual of giving the medallion containing the names of all Hermanos Pasados and the Standartes. Fireworks and grand parades mark the occasion. Every house in the city prepares a feast and opens its doors to guests and well wishers.

Top 12 Things to Do in Tacloban City and Nearby Towns

March 5, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

The statue of Christ looking Tacloban City from the above

The statue of Jesus Christ built on top of Calvary Hill in Siren District, Tacloban City

Tacloban City is the commercial center of Eastern Visayas, a region composed of three major beautiful islands: Samar, Leyte and Biliran. Samar is well-known for its amazing caves, rivers and rock formations, while Leyte and Biliran are famous for their pristine islets and white beaches. Though Tacloban, which is a highly urbanized city, doesn’t have the best natural tourist attractions, like huge caves and powdery white-sand beaches, the city is one of the places in Eastern Visayas every tourist shouldn’t miss to explore.

Through Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (the biggest airport in Region 8), Tacloban is considered as the main gateway by air to any place in Eastern Visayas. Tourists from around the globe would probably set foot in the city when they travel to any place in the region.

Tacloban offers its own unique attractions and activities both for local and foreign tourists. You can even stay for weeks or months to explore this city dubbed as the City of Hope. So if you are thinking of what to do and where to go when you’re in Tacloban City, here are 12 things you can do within the city and nearby towns. [Read more…]

7 Yolanda Memorial Monuments in Leyte and Samar

November 10, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

The second year commemoration of the Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) went well. Even if it was raining, thousands of people in Eastern Visayas especially in Tacloban City took part of the various activities dedicated to the victims of the super typhoon which struck most part of the region during that frightful morning of November 8, 2013.

The highlights of the two-day commemoration was the candle lighting activity along the main streets of Tanauan, Tolosa, Palo and Tacloban City, unveiling of the memorial markers in Anibong, Sagkahan, and installation of the commemorative tablet at Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport where Pope Francis celebrated a Holy Mass on January 7, 2015, a spot which was considered as ground zero during the said typhoon.

Speaking of memorials, there have been many memorials which have been built in honor of the victims and the people who helped the survivors to build back what was destroyed by Haiyan. Here are some pictures of the memorials made after super typhoon Yolanda:

1. M/V Eva Jocelyn Yolanda Memorial Marker, Anibong, Tacloban City

M/V Eva Jocelyn remnant, one of the cargo vessels washed ashore during the storm surge, made as a Yolanda Memorial Marker in Anibong, Tacloban City.

M/V Eva Jocelyn remnant, one of the cargo vessels washed ashore during the storm surge, made as a Yolanda Memorial Marker in Anibong, Tacloban City.

Unveiled on November 7, 2015. This is the actual bow of the M/V Eva Jocelyn made into a memorial marker. This memorial is in honor of the residents of Barangays; 67, 68, and 69 who died in that spot when this cargo vessel was swept ashore by a gigantic storm surge that was caused by the strong wind that reaches 375 miles per hour.

Read more about this here: The Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker

2. Yolanda Memorial Monument, Sagkahan, Tacloban City

The Astrodome Memorial Marker was unveiled on November 8, 2015 located in Sagkahan District, Tacloban City beside Tacloban Convention Center where more than 8 thousand people evacuated and survived the storm surge.

If you want to see more photos of Astrodome Memorial Marker more photos check out our facebook page here: FAQ.ph

3. Holy Cross Memorial Park, Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City

This mass grave is located in Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City is the final resting place of thousands of people who died during the Super Typhoon Yolanda. This was 3,000 white crosses were put on top of the mass grave as markers where families, relatives and friends could put a flower, light a candle and offer a prayer for their loved ones who lost their lives during the storm.

4. Araw Memorial Park, Government Center, Palo

Araw Memorial Park is located at Brgy Candahug, Palo, Leyte. This shows both the post Yolanda response and the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War in the 1950s.

This was unveiled on December 5, 2014 a few days before the South Korea Military Joint Support Group left. Since December 2013 the South Koreans were able to repair of 66 public buildings including; 37 schools and 25 government facilities. They also helped in the clearing operations, medical services and feeding programs.

To see more photos of Araw Memorial Park, check out our facebook page at FAQ.ph

5. Eternal Flame Memorial Garden Common Graves, Palo, Leyte

Eternal Flame Memorial Garden Common Graves located in Brgy. San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte is the final resting place of 378 residents of the said barangay who lost their lives to the Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The memorial is located right outside San Joaquin Parish. Names of the residents who were buried in the mass grave are written on granite. There is also a shade-like structure with names of the people who died including their birth date and death. There is also a sculpture of a candle at the center called “Eternal Flame”, instead of flame; a praying hand would be seen on top.

See more photos of this memorial here: FAQ.ph

6. Tanauan Yolanda Monument, Tanauan, Leyte

The place where Yolanda Monument stands now was once a mass grave located in Barangay Calogcog, Tanauan, Leyte. More than 200 people are buried in this memorial park which was blessed on March 31, 2015.

7. Yolanda Memorial Marker, Sta. Rita, Samar

The Yolanda Memorial Marker in Candaya Rotunda in Sta. Rita, Samar was put up and blessed last year during the commemoration of the Super Typhoon Yolanda.

These memorials will be there to remind us all and the next generation about the horrible devastation done by the strongest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines. They likewise represent the resilience of Filipinos that no matter how harsh the condition gets, no matter how much we lost, no matter how much pain we endure and how hopeless the situation gets, we will always get back on our feet and continue to fight back whatever challenges that may come our way.

Little by little we have recovered from the great loss. As we can see, most of the places which were greatly damaged two years ago are in a much better state than it was before. We can see new establishments opening which also opens an opportunity for a reliable income to the locals. As we move forward to a new and better life, may we never forget the people who helped us during the darkest days of Eastern Visayas. And may we also find it in our heart forgiveness for the people who did not despite their capacity to do so.

Two Years after Yolanda, Hundreds of Families still Live in Bunkhouses

November 9, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

Bunkhouses in Brgy 63

Bunkhouses in Brgy 63, Tacloban City

Two years ago Super Typhoon Yolanda left 6,300 casualties; and more than 28,689 people with injuries. 1, 061 remains missing and hundreds of families still live in bunkhouses.

According to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the damage to property caused by Yolanda stands at P89,598,068,634. This includes the thousands of houses of people along the coastal areas who were left homeless. Because of the help coming from various international Non-Governmental Organizations or iNGOs, NGOs, and the government, infrastructures and houses were rebuilt.

In an article posted on thestandard.com.ph on October 29, 2015, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman, was quoted saying; “We are assuring [the public] that by the end of October, there will no longer be bunkhouses in Tacloban. These aren’t safe so we’ll remove them.” Yet, when our team visited the place on November 6, some 307 families still remains at NHA Bunkhouse in Barangay 63, Tacloban City. [Read more…]

The Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker

November 6, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn Memorial at Anibong District Tacloban City

Time flies so fast, two days from now we will be commemorating the darkest day ever faced by the people in Eastern Visayas specially Taclobanons. I am sure those who were here that dreadful morning have a story to tell. An experience we would never forget until we grow old.

Many lives have been taken away, many lives have been ruined because of the loss and destructions but with the help of various local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) the region have slowly risen back and even better.

Almost two years ago, 10 cargo ships were swept ashore by the storm surge caused by the force of the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Eight (8) of which were stuck within in barangays 68, 69, and 70. For some months, there had been deliberations whether they should be dismantled or be pulled back to the sea. The last option faced a huge problem, though. Residents of Anibong and Rawis, Tacloban City started to rebuild their houses even if the government had declared the area to be a no build zone.

One of the most visible cargo vessels was M/V Eva Jocelyn which reached the edge of the road in the Anibong area. It was one of the shipping companies who got the salvage permit from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). For some months, the company tried to get the ship back in the sea but before the first year anniversary of the super typhoon, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban have decided to transform the said vessel into a memorial.

Even before the city council resolution, the remnant of the M/V Eva Jocelyn already attracted local and foreign tourists who would go to that area to take a photo of the most visible evidence of how strong the typhoon was.

August of this year a building permit was issued to the construction of Super Typhoon Yolanda Ship Remnant Monument and it will be unveiled tomorrow in a ceremony at around 6 in the evening as part of the commemoration events sponsored by the City Government of Tacloban. A Holy Mass will also be held right after the unveiling ceremony.

Because we could not wait for tomorrow, FAQ.ph team went to Anibong yesterday to take some pictures of the memorial. And we would also like to share them with you:

M/V Jocelyn

A memorial of M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

 M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

 

Aside from the unveiling there are also other events lined up starting this midnight. An Ultra Marathon from Tolosa, Leyte to Tacloban City was organized by private organizations. By 10:00 AM tomorrow, a blessing and turn-over of Health Center at Abucay Bus Terminal will be held. This project was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Makati South and Rotary Club of Jonan, Japan.

There will also be a premiere showing of a documentary film entitled, “Fields of Hope” at Robinson’s Movie world. This free showing will be until November 8 only. If you can’t make it to the premiere, no worries you can watch it in advance tonight at exactly 8:00 PM via CNN Philippines.

There are still more events to look forward to on November 8 but to give you a little suspense, we’ll save that for my next post tomorrow.

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum after Yolanda (45 Pictures of What’s Inside It Now)

October 11, 2014 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 6 Comments

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum Tacloban

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum as seen along Real Street in Tacloban City. Picture was taken on October 9, 2014.

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Tacloban City. But I guess many of the city’s and neighboring towns’ residents have never seen what’s inside it. Sto. Niño Shrine, as what the locals usually call the place, is one of the several presidential rest houses built under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. It was specially built for his wife Imelda Romualdez Marcos who was raised in Tacloban City.

Sto. Niño Shrine is located along Real Street. From outside, it looks like just an ordinary mansion, but inside, it houses a chapel for the Leyte’s Patron Sto. Niño, several rooms with their own motifs, a grand ballroom, beautifully crafted furniture, and priceless artifacts, such as paintings, dioramas, religious relics, antique collections and ivory sculptures. [Read more…]

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tacloban and Leyte in 2015

September 20, 2014 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 32 Comments

Tacloban pier SM

Tacloban City continues to rise again after Haiyan struck the city in November 2013.

Tacloban City was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 8, 2013. I even learned that some foreigners believe Tacloban was totally washed out by the deadly storm surge. So when I published some pictures of the different parts of the city seven months after the typhoon, they couldn’t believe that Tacloban was still there and Taclobanons were already starting to live a normal life.

I knew that the nightmares brought by Haiyan still remain on people’s minds, whether they experienced the onslaught at first hand or they just saw it on TV and read it on social media. However, bad dreams are from the past, and today, Tacloban is already rising again despite of the many issues of corruption in the government (which is not surprising in the Philippines).

With the aid from International communities, the public service of our government, the support of Filipinos from the other parts of the Philippines, and the buoyancy of the Yolanda survivors, Tacloban City is now once again a place where every tourist should visit. The city and its neighboring towns have many great things to offer for tourists, adventurists, storytellers, volunteers, and more.

If you’re planning for a wonderful travel and tour in 2015, here are 10 reasons why you should put Tacloban City in your bucket list.

 

Pope Francis

Pope Francis during The Canonization of Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II in Vatican. Photo by Jeffrey Bruno.

1. Witness the Papal visit (January).
Pope Francis will visit the Yolanda survivors in Leyte on January 17 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As part of his itinerary, the Pope will hold an open-air Mass at Tacloban airport starting at 10 a.m. Then he will proceed to the archbishop’s residence in Palo to dine with the poor.

It is said that most, if not all, hotels in Tacloban are now already fully booked for the scheduled visit of the Pope, and the authorities are now asking boarding house owners to accommodate the expected visitors. So if you’re a Catholic devotee, make sure you’re already fully prepared to visit Tacloban on the said date.

 

Sangyaw festival June 2014

The Sangyaw Pasasalamat parade on June 29, 2014.

2. Enjoy the grand fiesta and festivals (June). 
Tacloban doesn’t only celebrate its fiesta (Sto. Niño de Leyte Fiesta: June 30) in a single day, but Taclobanons and their visitors enjoy several events related to it throughout the month of June. During these days, the city becomes livelier. The parks are turned into dining spots where you can enjoy the live performances from various artists and rock bands.

Many tourists also flock to the city to witness the colorful festivals. A day or a few days before the grand fiesta, tourists can enjoy two festivals, namely the Sangyaw Festival (the city’s own festival) and the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals (the festival organized by the province of Leyte). Delegates from other famous Philippine festivals like the Maskara Festival of Bacolod, the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and the Buyogan Festival of Abuyog also participate and perform during the Festival of Festivals to make the event more spectacular.

 

The S shape part of San JuanicoBridge

The San Juanico Bridge in Leyte and Samar as of August 2014.

3. Dare to cross the longest bridge in the Philippines.
With a length of 2.16 kilometers (1.34 mi), the San Juanico Bridge is the longest bridge in the Philippines that connects two islands, the islands of Samar and Leyte. From Tacloban downtown, you can reach the bridge in 10-15 minutes by bus, passenger jeepney, multicab or private vehicle.

See the beauty of San Juanico bridge and the breathtaking scenery of the islets and whirlpools of San Juanico Strait, one of the narrowest straits in the world. Dare to walk the bridge from end to end and experience the vibration when a bus or truck passes by. The bridge has a lane for walkers, joggers or runners on both sides. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the speedy vehicles crossing the bridge. But still take extra care when taking a selfie and try to be there in the morning or afternoon when the heat of the sun is not excruciating.

 

MacArthur Landing Memorial Park

The monuments in MacArthur Landing Memorial Park as of August 2014.

4. Reminisce one of the greatest naval battles in History (October).
Visit MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in the nearby town of Palo to recall one of the most important battles of all time and the famous words of General Douglas MacArthur, “I shall return”. The Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 23–26, 1944 ) is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and the largest naval battle in history in terms of tonnage of the ships engaged.

The monuments of General Douglas MacArthur, President Sergio Osmeña, Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo and other men mark the spot where they landed with the American Liberation Forces in October 1944 to begin the Battle of Leyte Gulf and liberate the Philippines from the Japanese invasion. The memorial is not only one of the most famous in country but also in the world as it symbolizes the beginning of the end of World War II.

Leyteños and veterans all over the world celebrate Leyte Landing Anniversary every October 20. The government of Leyte also organize various events within this month. These long-month activities include the reenactment of the Leyte Gulf Landing, awarding of living Veterans, Japanese Veterans memorial ceremonies, and other commemorative programs. There’s also a marathon or fun run held in this period. So if you want to get the most out of the Leyte Landing Anniversary, you may want to visit Palo in October. But you can always visit the monuments and the memorial park anytime.

 

Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

The facade of Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum along Real Street Tacloban City as of August 2014.

5. Behold what’s inside the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum.
This mansion along Real Street Tacloban City is one of the presidential mansions of the late president Ferdinand Marcos that was built for his wife Imelda Romualdez Marcos during his regime. Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) caused some damages to the shrine but the grandeur of the mansion can still be seen inside. The shrine has already reopened for visitors after Yolanda.

For an entrance fee of PHP 230 (good for 3 tourists inclusive of a camera fee), you and your companions can already explore the mansion and listen to the stories about the Marcoses and Romualdez from the guide who will also let you see the different rooms, the grand ballroom, expensive furniture, antiques and other collections of the Marcos family.

 

St. Michael the Archangel Church

St. Michael the Archangel Church in Basey, Samar. Picture taken in August 2014.

6. Take a side trip to a 17th-century church in the neighboring town of Basey.
Around 12 kilometers from the Samar side of San Juanico Bridge (see # 3) is the town of Basey. Basey (pronounced by the locals as Basay or Basai) is known for its famous Sohoton caves and handwoven mat called Banig. In this town, you will also find St. Michael the Archangel Church, a Roman Catholic church constructed in the 17th century.

The church is located on the top of the hill and served as a watchtower during the Spanish era. Its location saved it from the storm surge of Yolanda. And that is why you will see it still standing there.

 

Kalangaman Island

The stunning beauty of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte.

7. Visit the beautiful beaches of Eastern Visayas.
Eastern Visayas or Region VIII has many stunning beaches and islands to offer. Region VIII is composed of the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Biliran. As the center of Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City will give you access to several white-sand beaches of the region to make your vacation more fun and memorable.

You and your buddies can enjoy the white sand shores of Kalangaman Island in Palompon Leyte, Digyo Island and the Quatro Islas in Inopacan Leyte, Sambawan Island in Biliran, and many other hidden gems in Region VIII.

 

The Binagol of Leyte

The sweet and famous Binagol of Leyte.

8. Try the food and specialties of Leyte. 
Taste the special delicacies that you can only find in Leyte. Try the sweet Binagol (a delicacy originated from Dagami Leyte which is made from sweetened mashed giant taro called talian packed in a half coconut shell called bagol) or the Suman Moron (a milk and chocolate flavored sticky rice cake or suman twisted and wrapped in banana leaves). You can also buy these native delicacies along Zamora Street in Tacloban City for your pasalubong or gifts to your loved ones back at home.

 

Robinsons Place in Marasbaras Tacloban

The Robinsons Place Tacloban in Marasbaras is currently the largest mall in the region. The mall has fully reopened since June 2014.

9. See how the city rises again after Yolanda.
Tacloban has already improved a lot since Yolanda struck the city in November 2013. Malls, supermarkets, banks, and other establishments are already back to business. You can already shop, dine and watch movies in cinemas at Robinsons Place in Marasbaras Tacloban. There are also several hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars where you can stay, dine, hangout, and enjoy a nightlife in the city. The rehabilitation efforts and improvements in the city will continue. In 2015 and in the years to come, expect a better and a more developed Tacloban City.

 

The children of homeless Haiyan Survivors

The children of homeless Haiyan Survivors still living in tents in Old Road Sagkahan, Tacloban City.

10. Continue helping the poor survivors.
You can do this one without waiting for the year 2015 to come. Although many Yolanda survivors are already living a normal life, thousands of other survivors are still living in tents and temporary bunk houses. One of the greatest reasons you can have to visit Tacloban is to help and donate to these homeless survivors directly. By helping them personally, you can be assured that your kindness will be received by them straightforwardly.

There are many other reasons why you should include Tacloban City in your list of next top destinations. And if you will get to know more about the city and the whole region, you’ll discover more fascinating wonders of nature, interesting stories from the people, and hundred more reasons to return. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you already have an itinerary for your travel to Tacloban City and the rest of Eastern Visayas.

Life in Tacloban: See Pictures of the City 7 Months after Haiyan

June 23, 2014 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 23 Comments

The stories of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) have been told in various media around the planet and have been written in the minds and hearts of Taclobanons, Leyteños, Visayans, Filipinos and all the concerned people in the world. All of us already know or at least have already heard what happened when Haiyan made a landfall in the Philippines on November 8, 2013. It’s already more than 7 months now since Haiyan caused havoc in Tacloban City, and in June 30, Taclobanons will try to commemorate its annual fiesta and various festivals. Many people from the neighboring towns and provinces might visit the city. And of course many Taclobanons who were dispersed after the storm might come back to their beloved home. To everyone who wants to see what our city looks like today, check out the following photos. I only have an old digital camera with low megapixel, and the weather was not also cooperative. So forgive me for their quality.

Back to school Tacloban [Read more…]

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