Wut Polgas Tinks: September 2015

Last 2 days in Leyte and we've spent it in Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte
You can ride a van from Tacloban City going to Ormoc, tell the driver that you'll be dropping off to the Lilia Avenue or the terminal/waiting area for people going to Palompon, Leyte.

When we got there luckily there was a van waiting for people going to Palompon. You will be dropped off at the terminal of Palompon. Just a few minutes of walk, then you'll be in the Tourism Office of Palompon where you'll pay for the fees and request for boat going to Kalanggaman Island.

fees as of September 2015

The Tourism office in Palompon, just across the church, this is also the port going to Kalanggaman Island

You'll also see the St. Francis Javier Church. Apparently, the church was closed when we arrived so no available photos from how the church looks like inside.

It's your option if you stay overnight or just stay for the day. It will be an amazing experience, though to go on overnight for a temporary island living.

Also, keep in mind that there are rip currents on certain parts of the island. Please do check this reminder which you can find in the island.

While in the tourism office you will be given 2 trash bags: clear bag for biodegradable and the black one for non biodegradable wastes. Your trash will be brought back to the tourism office.

Another reminder we noticed that there are a couple of rats running around during evenings so don't leave your food anywhere. Keep food in protected containers.

Please do keep the island clean and enjoy the island sun and have fun!. I'll definitely go back and visit this island.

Sept 11, 2015 Packed my camping bag with all the things I'll need for beach camp in Kalanggaman Island and for the tour of Tacloban City and Basey Samar. Brought my bag to work and had to finish all my pending office tasks before I go on a 3 day leave for the following week.

I just hate the center seat....It's just BORING! but what the heck chu-choosy pa ba ako I got the seat on sale.

We arrived at around 5:45pm in Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport from about an hour trip from NAIA Terminal 4.

Of course, I had to do the "turistang turista pose".

Next from the airport, head to the jeepney terminal going to "downtown" of Tacloban City. We're in a tight travel budget and we have to save up for the Kalanggaman Island trip so we rode a jeep which would cut our expenses instead of riding a van.

2 years after the the devastation of Categogy 5 Supertyphoon Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan), here's the city at Sept. 2015. She looks fully recovered and alive! Here's a few shots from the city. Apologies for the bad photo quality shots from my phone's camera

The city actually feels like my hometown in Novaliches, Quezon City small buildings, mixed residential and business establishments, a lot of stores, there's SM...and there's Robinson's mall.

After shopping in Tacloban City try to visit Basey, Samar where you'll find the Sohoton Cave and its clean river. I wrote a separate entry for our trip in Basey, Samar.

Sto. Nino Church:

This beautiful church is in Justice Romualdez St. You would easily see the bell tower from the main road. We have to visit the church. Once you enter the church your eyes will feast immediately on the golden altar.

Capitol Building

From the Sto. Nino Church you can ride a tricycle or (walk if you want) to the Capitol Building located at the corner of Sen Enage St. and Magsaysay Boulevard

Instant field trip!

San Juanico Bridge

The Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte.

The "L" Shape

The "S" Shape

2 selfies credits to my travel buddy Ian

Of course I had to take a quick selfie. Tourists do make a quick stop over. Please do consider the traffic. Public Transport won't stop in the middle of the bridge for your selfie. Another option would be to walk to the other side...definitely you can create your selfie along the way. While you're doing your selfie, don't panic if you feel that the bridge shake when vehicles pass by....it's normal.

Palo Cathedral

Try to visit this majestic cathedral. I believe this was also damaged by Yolanda but look at her now, fully renovated. It's really beautiful. My phone camera didn't give justice to the beauty of the church.

On the side of the church would be the mass grave which will be a grieving memory of the destructive power of Yolanda.

MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Red Beach, Palo, Leyte

You should also visit MacArthur Park which commemorates the the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese Occupation.

I'm hot a historian so here's the Info Souce:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacArthur_Landing_Memorial_National_Park