|
|
| LEYTE [ Attractions: Historical | Cultural | Natural | Religious | Man-made ] |
is one of the country's historic provinces. It is the site of uprising against the Spaniards and the famous landing of US forces during World War II. This historical consciousness is reflected in Leyte's seal, with stars symbolizing the 49 towns of the province and an alphabet on cross argent representing the ancient letter L. A white cross indicates the second phase of Leyte's development, when Magellan passed through enroute to Cebu; while the upper portion commemorates the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur through a perspective of the National Freedom Park. The capital city of Tacloban is the most important seaport on the eastern coast, while Ormoc City is the outlet on the western coast. |
| |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE [ Attractions ] |
Filipinos stake a large claim on hospitality, just sort of making it a national treasure and the Leyteños from the small province of Southern Leyte are no different. There is a warmth that begins with the lilt and caress of welcoming voices. Most of the locals, you see, speak Cebuano, a dialect that seems naturally nurturing.
Even the land is naturally welcoming the lights that beckon from homes that hug the coast and the waving fronds of coconut palms.
Southern Leyte may be reached by land via the Pan Philippine Highway or as most prefer, by sea. Either way, one finds oneself in Maasin, the provincial capital. Maasin is hardly your idea of a bustling town; it has maintained a pace that is welcome after the hurly-burly of city life. It is also blessedly situated between sea and forest. One provides virtually untouched beaches waiting to be discovered and the other, virgin growth still unexplored. |
| |
| BILIRAN [ Attractions ] ( more info ) |
The Philippine archipelago dotted with numerous tiny islands, some islands of which remain largely undiscovered by travelers due to distance or lack of information. Several of this beautiful but little known islands can be found in the Visayas. Biliran Island, a newly created province, lies between Northern Leyte and Eastern Samar.
Comprising (8) eight towns namely: Kawayan, Almeria, Naval Biliran, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan and Maripipi with Naval as the capital town. Biliran thrives mainly on the fishing and seaport industry. Most of its towns like Naval and Biliran are considered as excellent ports and are often the gateway to further destinations within the Visayas and even the Mindanao region.
The Biliranons like other Visayans are warm, friendly and hospitable. They speak a mixture of the Cebuano and Waray-waray dialects and are very accommodating to tourists, be they foreign or domestic. |
| |
| SAMAR [ Attractions ] |
Occupying the southwestern part of Samar Island, is a rugged land with bountiful waters on the west and low mountain ranges on the east. Caught as it is between mountain and sea, Samar is no stranger to rain which it experiences in varying degrees for most part of the year.
Samar is blessed with lush rainforest harboring tropical flora and fauna, crossed by multiple navigable rivers, pocked by mysterious caverns and refreshing waterfalls. A tourist wanting something out of the ordinary, indeed extra-ordinary may experience all these wonders of nature and still be a few hours from civilization.
The favored route to this part of the Island is through the 2.16 kilometers long San Juanico Bridge from Leyte Island after a plane trip via Manila-Tacloban.
From the south or west, Calbayog City and the capital town Catbalogan are accessible both by plane and sea with the Pan Philippine Highway connecting the coastal towns. |
| |
| EASTERN SAMAR [ Attractions ] |
Most Filipinos having some Hispanic blood in their veins, it might occur to them to visit the island of Homonhon, now part of the province of Eastern Samar.
In his account, Pigafetta (the chronicler aboard Magellan's ship) describes the island of Humunu (Homonhon): “ ... we found two fountains of very clear water... we called it the “Waters of Good Signs”, having found the first sign of gold in the said island. There also can be found much white coral and tall trees that bear fruits smaller than an almond and look like pines. There were also many palm trees, some of the good kind, some of the bad. There abouts are many neighboring islands. Hence we called them the St. Lazarus Archipelago because we stayed there on the day and feast of St. Lazarus.
Since that account, historians have described this part of Samar Island as the “eastern gateway to the Philippines” the coast of this small province faces the Pacific Ocean and much of the land is rugged with the vast parts forested. |
| |
| NORTHERN SAMAR [ Attractions: Historical | Natural | Religious ] |
maybe reached over land via the Pan Philippine Highway which connects the key cities of the Samar provinces. Most of the towns are situated along the northern coasts facing the San Bernardino Strait.
Another point of entry into Northern Samar is through the northwestern town of Allen. It is possible to take the ferry from Matnog off Sorsogon (the southernmost province of the Bicol Region) to this town which is connected to Catarman by the winding highway along the coast.
Travelers will find Allen a convenient take-off rest-point to explore nearby attractions, most of which are reached only after considerable journey.
Then for a return to the 16th century, a visit to Capul Island is a must. The island can be reached by a two-hour motorboat trip from Allen. Only missionary fervor could have made building a church on this island possible. Capul also features a stark watch tower in its landscape, a further reminder of the loneliness of this islet. |
|
| |
|
|
|
