Known as the commercial, cultural and economic center of the western part of the province of Leyte, Ormoc is also famous for its educational facilities. The Ormoc education system is made up of world-class colleges and universities, which promise to give students the proper education and learning experience they need to become competent, responsible and productive individuals someday. These tertiary schools are very nice because they offer decent facilities, interesting courses and a perfect environment for learning.
Recognized as the second longest serving tertiary school in the area, Western Leyte College plays a significant role in the development of the Ormoc education system. As a non-sectarian academic institution, this private college offers outstanding undergraduate courses. For those who want to become lawyers, they can enroll in any of the available law courses. On the flip side, those who wish serve as health personnel, doctors and nurses can enroll in any of the available courses in health services such as care giving and midwifery.
Previously known as Ormoc Vocational Institute, Santo Nino College was once a tertiary school that focuses solely on vocational training. Since its establishment in 1982, this academic institution has already made a long way. For years, its curricula and academic programs have been expanding in order to meet the continuously changing and growing demand of education in the area. In the middle parts of the 1990s, this college started to offer additional programs covering the fields of liberal arts and criminology. Additionally, those who are planning to pursue careers as teachers and educators can enroll at undergraduate courses like secondary education and primary education. In 2007, changes were made to its program including the addition of courses such as Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Definitely one of the oldest tertiary schools in the City of Ormoc, Saint Peter's College was previously known as Colegio Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe somewhere between 1914 and 1930. Education is one of the earliest and highly popular courses available inside this academic facility, which is perfect for individuals who want to become professors and instructors. It also offers Commerce, which is a very good course to choose for business-minded students. In addition to these things, the school also provides shorter vocational courses.
Many students enroll at Eastern Visayas State University because of its engineering courses. Add to that, it also provides extensive academic programs including interesting courses in architecture. Aside from its various undergraduate courses, this place is also very proud of its very own graduate school for professionals.
Ormoc restaurants are as diverse as the culture in this Eastern Visayas city altogether. There are lots of choices in store for people seeking to scout Ormoc restaurants. May it be local far you are looking about or some foreign flavors, you will surely find one among Ormoc restaurants to feed you your fix. What’s more, there’s no need to shed out a huge amount of cash when eating out at Ormos restaurants. Most of them offer reasonably priced food. This means that you can have your fill for a small amount and still feel satisfied.
Big Roys Diner – Beef is specialty in this food house. Through the years, it has learned to cook beef in almost every other wonderful way. The beef kebabs are must-tries at Big Roys Diner. You should never miss out on this dish once you visit the place. And oh, don’t forget to savor the warm and inviting ambience as you eat your tasty meal. [#426 Real St., Ormoc City; (6353) 255 7689]
Chito’s Chow Bar Restaurant – Right at the heart of Ormoc City is this pretty humble food hub where the best of Filipino and Chinese cuisine are showcased in a sweet package. It has been on top of the list of every Ormoc diner because it offers a nice fix of Chinese and local dishes along with a glass of refreshing beverage. Aside from the wide array of recipes available for picking, there’s also that extensive display of mouth-watering drinks that you could choose from. [Ormoc Plaza, Ormoc City; (6353) 561 8144, (6353) 255 4144]
Ikea – Snacks are as important as any of the other meals of the day. It is important that you have filling, satisfying, and mouthwatering snacks especially when you are out on a food adventure. When you are in Ormoc, there’s no other place to go for best-tasting sncks than Ike. It offers a variety of tempting sweets and pastries along with delectable drinks that will leave you satisfied, for sure. [Bonifacio St., Ormoc City; (6353) 255 4569]
Tempura Haus – Japanese cuisine is always craved for, no matter where you might be. When in Ormoc, Tempura Haus is a good place to sample Japanese dishes for reasonably good price. [Badminton City, Brgy. Linao, Ormoc City; (6353) 561 2323, (6353) 255 5013]
Milagrina – Eating can only be an enjoyable adventure if you are pleased with what you are served. At Milagrina, being pleased is not a problem because the staff and management of this restaurant work hard to do just that. The most popular meal for a Milagrina diner consists of barbecued chicken, pickled papaya, and a steaming hot cup of rice. [#134 Real St., Ormoc City; (6353) 255 4967]
The quiet province of Leyte where everyone goes to for privacy and unwinding comes to life with the colorful and lively Ormoc festivals held annually. Ormoc festivals are a chance to mingle with the locals of the province of Leyte, enjoy the sights and sounds of the city and learn about its rich culture and history.
At the top of the list when it comes to Ormoc festivals is the Buyogan Festival and it is highly recommended by both locals and visitors who have experienced it. The Buyogan Festival is celebrated every August and the main attraction of this Ormoc festival is the colorful costumes worn by the residents of Buyogan, a small town in Ormoc. The Buyogan Festival is so named because the entire event centers on “buyog” or bees. The dances performed during this celebration mimic the movement of bees. There is also a dance competition during this whole week affair and the competitors are from the local high schools. The cash winnings provided by the local government during the Buyogan Festival goes to the best performers and the funds are used for certain things that their schools might need.
The Buyogan Festival also honors the patron saint of the town, St. Francis Xavier, and the event is a mixture of something religious and age old pagan beliefs prior to the introduction of Christianity to this province. The legendary fairy Opayda, believed to bring luck to good people is honored in several plays.
Another well known Ormoc festival is the Sunduan ha Carigana which is celebrated during Holy Week but the main event takes place during Easter Sunday. The Sunduan ha Carigana is a joyous event that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and there are several parades held during this Ormoc festival that not only pay tribute to the Catholic faith, but also showcase the rich history of this province. Like most Ormoc festivals, the Sunduan ha Carigana has street dancing and dance competitions where both males and females join. Visitors are most welcome to participate in the activities organized during the Sunduan ha Carigana which have been tailored so that every member of the family would at least have one event to join. Easter Sunday ends with a bang because at the end of the parades and presentations, there is a beautiful fireworks display for all to enjoy, not to mention great food prepared by the locals during the Sunduan ha Carigana.Ormoc festivals are very colorful events that not only honor the dominant religion in this province but also showcase the history and heritage of Leyte’s prominent towns. The Sunduan ha Carigana and the Buyogan Festival are week long events that are filled with fun and laughter as well as activities that everyone can enjoy. Ormoc festivals are events that should not be missed if you want to capture the diversity and beauty of this province.
One of the most generous and hospitable people in terms of accommodation and warm welcome is the Ormocanons. Ormocanons are the people or the locals of Ormoc City. They are for the most part Cebuano-speaking natives (since they are Cebuano-speakers in Southern Leyte and Leyte, they are also referred as 'Kana'). This Cebuana influence was due to the fact that Ormocanos relate more to Cebu and other neighboring municipalities and towns than to the eastern Leyte itself. Catholic-themed religious festivities are celebrated and observed the whole year round and these feasts have been the clear manifestation of the influence of Catholic religion.
Getting a chance staying at Ormoc City should be capped by visiting these beautiful landmarks and tourist attractions. Situated at the north part of Brgy. Hibunawon, Ormoc's pineapple plantation could be visited. Unoficially, this plantation is an icon of the city since it produces the Queen Pineapple of Ormoc. These pineapples unique taste is absolutely fitting for a title of a queen and best for ‘pasalubong’ (tagalong term for a ‘to go’ meal intended for relatives or acquaintances). If tourists would like to do some bonding times or picnics, the Centennial Park (which is located in the city), is one of the best places to consider. The Tongonan Hotsprings National Park is the home for geothermal power supply for the whole region. It is the first operational geothermal plant in the Philippines. The Leyte Golf and Country Club provides an eighty-hectare of golfing field suitable for tourists who are aficionados of the sports or game. A tourist could not be considered to be at Ormoc City without checking out the violin-shaped Danao Lake. Around the lake are boats and floating cottages for rent.
Enjoying the Ormoc City and its wonders is just a fraction of the adventure. Another thing to consider is how a tourist could have a worthwhile stay in Ormoc City. Travel agents and as per recommendation, refer and suggest the Sabin Resort Hotel. It is a beachfront facility just a few minutes away (though riding a jeep or driving) from the city vicinity or proper of Ormoc. Accommodation in this hotel resort is very good. The swimming pool is very cozy and well-lit. A touch of the Filipino spirit is showcased at the living rooms where native furniture or fixtures are displayed. There a lot of travel agents from noted travel and tours agencies listed on the internet. The booming industry of eco-tourism made an impact for the local government to take heed or answer the call of necessity in terms of the needs of tourists and visitors alike. Just relax: the journey has just begun.
The first class city of Leyte, Ormoc City derived its name from an ancient Visayan word that means a very low area. Ormoc City is the center of commerce and culture in the western part of Leyte. When visiting this city and at the end of a very busy day, it would be nice to come home to a hotel where we feel safe and where we can find everything we need for rest and relaxation.
The Sabin Resort depicts the charm of Ormoc vey well with all native products used when it was constructed. Found in Tacloban City where everything is within reach such as malls, banks and tourist attractions, this Ormoc hotel is a mere hour away from Manila. The former First Lady Imelda Marcos is said to have a hand in the construction of the Sabin Resort in 1979 and even though it closed until 1994, when this Ormoc hotel was reopened it was fully refurbished. The Sabin Resort is nestled on a 6 hectare land that overlooks the San Pedro Bay.
Room rates at this Ormoc hotel begin at Php 1,600 for their superior room. The Presidential Suite which has a king sized bed, overlooks the beach, a hot tub, a receiving area and a mini bar is only Php 3,800 per night and this is for two people. The Sabin Resort is more than happy to accommodate their guests on tours around the city. The facilities include a swimming pool, gym, business center, two restaurants and a bar.
Aside from the Sabin Resort, another option when it comes to accommodation is the Ormoc Villa Hotel. From the outside, this Ormoc hotel looks like a well maintained Tudor house and it has 2 floors. The Ormoc Villa Hotel is very close to the business center of Ormoc City and is also a 3-star hotel like the Sabin Resort. The function rooms in this Ormoc hotel are good for corporate meetings or family events. Although not close to the beach, this Ormoc hotel has an expansive well maintained garden and a relatively big swimming pool. Right next to the Ormoc Villa Hotel’s swimming pool is the children’s playground and the coffee shop is just a couple of steps away.
Rates at the Ormoc Villa Hotel start at Php 1,500 and it has a total of 49 spacious rooms. The rooms are big enough for 4 people and because their rates are competitive, many stay at Ormoc Villa Hotel long term prompting the hotel to come up with lower rates for extended stay.