Leyte Provinces is considered to be one of the most historic municipalities of Philippines. It is one of the provinces that rebelled and reacted against the Spanish suppression. Leyte is also known because of the historic landing of the United States Armed Forces during the Second World War. The official provicncial seal of Leyte bears or reflects the historical significance or consciousness of the municipality by the stars indicating the towns of Leyte and a letter on a white cross denoting the antique letter 'L'. The White Cross denotes the second chapter of the progress of Leyte during the Spanish era when Ferdinand Magellan passed by going to Cebu. The upper part immortalizes General Douglas MacArthur's landing based on a viewpoint of the National Freedom Park. The city of Tacloban is the main or the capital city of Leyte nad is considered to be the most important seaport on the eastern seaboard. The western coast of Leyte is taken cared of the by the cities of Baybay and Ormoc.
Even before the Spanish era, there were already settlers living on the place. These settlers, according to historical facts had their own culture, in a way or two. The first locals of Leyte were said to be covered with tattoos or body paintings and they were referred to as the Pintados. In commemoration of these tattooed people of Leyte, the locals held a yearly Pintados Festival. Another notable contribution of Leyte to the culture and arts of the Philippines was through the dance called Tinikling. Tinikling was once considered to be the National Dance of the Philippines. The dance steps or movements are based on a bird known as 'tikling'. The dance involves two long bamboo poles (parallel with each other) that serve as 'rails'. These bamboo poles or rails create a beat as they are being hit against the ground and then the poles tend to 'clasp' (as per beat) and the dancers would try to avoid getting trapped or caught by these bamboo rails. As the dance goes on, the beat becomes faster and dancers should be more alert to avoid being caught by the clasping poles to the audiences' delight!
In order to make their culture and assets be known all over the Philippines and to the rest of the world, the Leyte Province made an official website (http://www.leyte.org.ph/) where in a few clicks of the mouse button tourists and visitors alike would have a glimpse of what the province of Leyte is all about. The official website has a comprehensive information regarding some noted facts, tourism and doing business in Leyte Province.
Leyte is a popular province in the Philippines blessed with many beaches. There are several coral reefs under the sea. Many tourists go here to visit the landmarks and the beaches. There are many hotels in Leyte where guests can stay in when they visit.
1. Dona Marta Boutique Hotel – This hotel is close to the coast of Tahusan beach. This is a good place for a romantic atmosphere since the breeze of the ocean will greet you. The rooms are overlooking the blue waters and the view is so spectacular. The hotel offers accommodations that have the country style design. They have rooms closer to the beach and some garden rooms that have lanais and balconies. The cost of the beach room with breakfast is one thousand seven hundred pesos and can be used by two people. The garden room costs one thousand five hundred pesos with breakfast. The rooms all have air-con, its own bathroom and toilets. The televisions also have cable.
2. The Leyte Park Resort Hotel – This is one of Leyte’s oldest hotels. It was established by Imelda Marcos. It exudes elegance and it is very convenient because it is closest to the city. This hotel has many restaurants inside that serve all kinds of dishes. The major restaurant is called Veranda Café which offers guest Filipino dishes as well as some international meals. Guests will enjoy the nice view of the bay and mountains surrounding the hotel. The hotel offers guests standard amenities like air-con, private bathroom, telephone and cabled televisions. The standard room in the hotel costs two thousand five hundred pesos. The cottages cost three thousand five hundred pesos. It can be found along the Magsaysay Boulevard in the city. Interested people may email them at leyteparkresort@tourisminthephilippines.com.
3. MacArthur Park Beach Resort – This is a resort and a hotel near the memorial landmark of MacArthur’s landing. Many guests visit the place to see the historical site and enjoy the beach nearby. Each room is nicely decorated. The rooms have air-conditioning and standard amenities. The deluxe room costs one thousand eight hundred pesos. The suites cost three thousand five hundred pesos. They also have a pool and the grounds are ideal for having a picnic or enjoying your favorite sport. This resort is just fifteen minutes away from the airport.
4. Rosvenil Pensione – This hotel is more affordable than most hotels in Leyte. This is the best choice for those who are backpacking in Leyte. This place is just one tricycle ride from Tacloban. You can choose from rooms with fans and those with air-conditioning. There is a double room which costs eight hundred fifty pesos and five hundred seventy five pesos for one person in a single room. They have a large space which serves as the parking lot. They also have a grill restaurant inside. You can inquire about their facilities by calling them at 63-53-321-26-76.
Appreciated for its historical significance aside from its natural wonders that are simply amazing, the province of Leyte is sure to provide a fun and educational trip for every member of the family. Leyte destinations are rich in history and culture while its hotels and resorts are ultimate relaxation getaways where pampering is a feature of everyday life.
One might be wondering why this Leyte destination is named Red Beach and that’s because when the American troops arrived headed by General Douglas MacArthur, this place was a battleground where they fought side by side with Filipinos against Imperial Japan. In fact, to commemorate this significant historical event, there are statues of General MacArthur and a couple of his men in a lagoon here, partially submerged in water. The statues at this Leyte destination are supposed to depict the first landing of the American troops in Red Beach. Red Beach, despite the bloodshed that occurred here many years ago was and still is a beautiful place to go to. This Leyte destination has several 4 and 5 star hotels and it has become extremely popular as a vacation getaway. The sunset at Red Beach is simply picturesque and the water is conducive for swimming or just a romantic stroll with someone special. The resorts at this Leyte destination also have equipment for rent for those who want to do some water sports in Red Beach such as kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing.
The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum holds important Christian relics, paintings and other works that were intellectual creations of our ancestors. Every province has its patron saint and Leyte’s is the Santo Nino or baby Jesus. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum can be found in bustling city of Tacloban, on Real Street and the place is subdivided into to 4 categories. One of the divisions at this Leyte destination is the religious works and aside from artifacts, there are also paintings at this Leyte destination of saints and Jesus’ journey in life. Aside from exhibits on the Catholic faith, the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum also showcases mythological figures and this is the second division. The third division showcase paintings of extremely talented Filipino artists and the main attraction of this part of the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum are paintings made by the world renowned artist Fernando Amorsolo. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum provides more than just an opportunity to look at wonderful pieces of evidence of historical events, it also provides a chance to understand the history and the people of Leyte.
I learned to appreciate a lot of things because of being informed. I appreciate things if and only if it is possible to have a direct experience with it. When I started to learn appreciating music, it was not enough for me to just listen and watch concerts and see the bands play their stuffs. To satisfy my 'appreciation', I needed to learn music by playing and making them by myself using a musical instruments. Same goes with other things, like going to a place and exploring it. Before trying to be in a new place or location, I really try to have bits and pieces of information to really appreciate and 'understand' what is going on (well, my point here is for me to have a 'feel of the place'). As for me, appreciation is more of setting expectations for myself than others trying to set expectations for me. It is like throwing questions to the tour guide than have the tour lead have it all the way. As for now I would like to discuss some facts about Leyte. I would be acting as a virtual 'tour guide'.
Leyte had been actively trading with merchants from neighboring nations particularly with the Chinese until Spanish set foot to Limasawa in 1521. The local chieftains had been amicable in accepting the Portuguese navigator none other than Ferdinand Magellan. Since then the rural place had taken transition from simple rural living to a relatively modern lifestyle. However, some asserted that it was Ruy Lopez de Villabos was the first Spanish conquistador to be in the island in 1543 and coined it Las Islas Felipinas. One of the most significant historical events that took place in the surrounding seas of the island was the 'Battle of Leyte Gulf'. The event occurred on October 1944. Its historical significance was the reclamation of the Allied forces of the island that spelled a crucial element for the victory of both Americans and Filipinos against the invading Japanese in the Philippines during the Second World War.
The island of Leyte is composed of three (3) cities and forty (40) municipalities. The municipalities had been gathered into six (6) legislative or congressional districts. Tacloban City, the island’s main city had been declared highly-urbanized city way back 2008. However, the city of Ormoc is an independent component city. These two (2) cities have independent administration from the island itself meaning residents of these cities do not participate in electing provincial officials. The other city (technically speaking) is Baybay City.
The main commerce or business in Leyte is mainly depends on agriculture. Planting rice is the main thing especially in the lower flatter areas like in Tacloban. Another economic drive for the island is coconut farming and making coconut oil has been an income generating trade for the island as well. Fishing is another main source of income among locals. Having the largest geothermal plant in Asia, Leyte has become one of the Philippines' resource-rich provinces
The Festival of Festivals which is the 'Kasadya-an' showcases the uniqueness and colorful history of Leyte. The word 'Kasadya-an' itself means gaiety, merrymaking or fun. The festivity is defined by lively, lovely and colorful parade that everybody would enjoy to see! The natives, in honoring the miraculous Señor Sto.Niño de Leyte, have their bodies painted (as Pintados). This has been a practice since the early times of the locals' conversion to Christianity. This festivity has become one of the landmark occasions in Leyte. It only happens annually on the month end of June.
Leyte Island's significance can never be completed without understanding or being aware of its history. I honestly had some goose bumps before getting to the island as I read the complete account of the battle of Leyte. I even pushed a simple tour around some safe locations in the Leyte Gulf just to fully understand and at least be one with those who had fought and offered their lives for the sake of freedom and this island. As for me, experiencing is 'experiencing as'.