Andres Bonifacio: Monuments, Shrines, Katipunan History and Trivia
30 November 2008
An election fraught with allegations of electoral fraud where ballots counted outnumbered voters and orchestrated by the upper class against a plebeian. Man condemned in a trial for high treason. Wife beaten and raped by his arresting officer. Rapist did not stand trial and got away with impunity. Leader executed and buried in an unmarked grave whose body up to now has never been recovered.
These are not current events, but events that happened more than a century ago to a man whose birthday the country celebrates this day: Andres Bonifacio
Born on Nov. 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, in present day Tutuban and part of the vast shopping mecca of Divisoria. He was named Andres since Nov. 30 is the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. A monument of him can be seen in front of Tutuban Mall on C.M. Recto Avenue.
His parents, Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro died from tuberculosis, mother first followed by father a year later.
Was present in the house on Ylaya St meeting when Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina
When La Liga Filipina was disbanded with the exile of Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Bonifacio founded the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (The Highest, Most Venerable Association of the Sons of the People), or the Katipunan, on July 7, 1892 together with Ladislaw Diwa and Teodoro Plata, at a house of Deodato Arellano on Sagunto Street (now Santo Cristo St) in Tondo. There's a historical marker at the site of KKK founding.
Bonifacio used the caves of Pamitinan in present day Rodriguez (Montalban) of Rizal on which he wrote: Long Live Philippine Independence
A poet and well verse in Spanish, his most famous poem's titled 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa'
Married twice, the first one to Monica, his neighbor in Tondo, who died of leprosy a year later.
Second marriage to Gregoria de Jesus (Oryang), an 18 year old lass from a wealthy family in Kalookan, at Binondo Church (though church records turned out nil, they could have married under assumed names for Oryang to escape parental objection being a minor at that time)
Notable Bonifacio Monuments:
Cry of Balintawak Monument at the corner of EDSA and Bonifacio Drive in Quezon City by Napoleon Abueva in bronze. There's a plaster version in front of Vinzons Hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
The Cry of Pugadlawin near Quezon City General Hospital (Did you ever wondered why there were at least two cries?)
Bonifacio Monument, popularly called Monumento, a national shrine with an obelisk at the heart of a rotonda (roundabout), the meeting point of EDSA, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue(Avenue) and Samson Road in Caloocan City. It's sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino, a National Aritst for Visual Arts.
the western part of Monumento in Caloocan.
Bonifacio Monument in front of National Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, also done by Guillermo Tolentino
Bonifacio Monument at the Mehan Garden near Manila City Hall, a work by Eduardo Castrillo. (Ed Castrillo is also the one who sculpted the EDSA Shrine in front of Robinsons Galleria at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and the upcoming Montemaria Shrine in Batangas)
an old photo of the monument beside the Manila City Hall with the clock tower in view
Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City, the site of Andres Bonifacio's battle where he met defeat at the hands of the Spaniards
The Tejeros Convention, the site of the election that catapulted Emilio Aguinaldo as president of the Philippines. Allegations of fraud, called Acta de Tejeros, emerged the next day. The election protest was never resolved (old news, eh?)
Bonifacio was executed on May 10, 1897 on Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon (this was previously listed in textbooks as Mt. Buntis and sometimes Mt. Hulog ). A shrine is now present at the execution site in a place now called Bonifacio Historical Shrine and Eco-tourism Park in Barangay Pinagsanhan, Maragondon.
Lastly, don't ever try to restart the old debate on Andres Bonifacio, and not Jose Rizal as Philippine National Hero.
---
Expect Tutubi to visit the places mentioned here in the future :P
Sources:
Ambeth Ocampo's articles on the Philippine Daily Inquirer
here, here and here.
The "rape" of Gregoria De Jesus was postulated by Ambeth Ocampo in his book Bones of Contention
National Historical Institute
These are not current events, but events that happened more than a century ago to a man whose birthday the country celebrates this day: Andres Bonifacio
Born on Nov. 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, in present day Tutuban and part of the vast shopping mecca of Divisoria. He was named Andres since Nov. 30 is the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. A monument of him can be seen in front of Tutuban Mall on C.M. Recto Avenue.
His parents, Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro died from tuberculosis, mother first followed by father a year later.
Was present in the house on Ylaya St meeting when Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina
When La Liga Filipina was disbanded with the exile of Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Bonifacio founded the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (The Highest, Most Venerable Association of the Sons of the People), or the Katipunan, on July 7, 1892 together with Ladislaw Diwa and Teodoro Plata, at a house of Deodato Arellano on Sagunto Street (now Santo Cristo St) in Tondo. There's a historical marker at the site of KKK founding.
Bonifacio used the caves of Pamitinan in present day Rodriguez (Montalban) of Rizal on which he wrote: Long Live Philippine Independence
A poet and well verse in Spanish, his most famous poem's titled 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa'
Married twice, the first one to Monica, his neighbor in Tondo, who died of leprosy a year later.
Second marriage to Gregoria de Jesus (Oryang), an 18 year old lass from a wealthy family in Kalookan, at Binondo Church (though church records turned out nil, they could have married under assumed names for Oryang to escape parental objection being a minor at that time)
Notable Bonifacio Monuments:
Cry of Balintawak Monument at the corner of EDSA and Bonifacio Drive in Quezon City by Napoleon Abueva in bronze. There's a plaster version in front of Vinzons Hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
The Cry of Pugadlawin near Quezon City General Hospital (Did you ever wondered why there were at least two cries?)
Bonifacio Monument, popularly called Monumento, a national shrine with an obelisk at the heart of a rotonda (roundabout), the meeting point of EDSA, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue(Avenue) and Samson Road in Caloocan City. It's sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino, a National Aritst for Visual Arts.
the western part of Monumento in Caloocan. Bonifacio Monument in front of National Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, also done by Guillermo Tolentino
Bonifacio Monument at the Mehan Garden near Manila City Hall, a work by Eduardo Castrillo. (Ed Castrillo is also the one who sculpted the EDSA Shrine in front of Robinsons Galleria at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and the upcoming Montemaria Shrine in Batangas)
an old photo of the monument beside the Manila City Hall with the clock tower in viewPinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City, the site of Andres Bonifacio's battle where he met defeat at the hands of the Spaniards
The Tejeros Convention, the site of the election that catapulted Emilio Aguinaldo as president of the Philippines. Allegations of fraud, called Acta de Tejeros, emerged the next day. The election protest was never resolved (old news, eh?)
Bonifacio was executed on May 10, 1897 on Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon (this was previously listed in textbooks as Mt. Buntis and sometimes Mt. Hulog ). A shrine is now present at the execution site in a place now called Bonifacio Historical Shrine and Eco-tourism Park in Barangay Pinagsanhan, Maragondon.
Lastly, don't ever try to restart the old debate on Andres Bonifacio, and not Jose Rizal as Philippine National Hero.
---
Expect Tutubi to visit the places mentioned here in the future :P
Sources:
Ambeth Ocampo's articles on the Philippine Daily Inquirer
here, here and here.
The "rape" of Gregoria De Jesus was postulated by Ambeth Ocampo in his book Bones of Contention
National Historical Institute
Labels: Andres Bonifacio, Caloocan City, Manila, Metro Manila, Monuments, National Heroes, Philippine History, San Juan
posted by GingGoy @ 9:06 PM,
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Crossing San Juanico Bridge Unhampered by Heavy Rain
29 November 2008
With heavy rains offering near zero visibility in Tacloban hardly dampened Tutubi's will to travel and explore places, he was able to cross the famous San Juanico bridge, the Philippines' longest bridge connecting Leyte island to neighboring Samar separated by San Juanico Strait
San Juanico Bridge has a length of 2.16 kilometers with an arch at midspan allowing ample vertical clearance for ships to pass and visit the port of Tacloban.
the approach to San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban
The Welcome to Samar Arch: Tutubi conquered Samar :P
The shape of the other half of the bridge is visible here
If one end of the bridge is in Tacloban City, the other end is in Sta. Rita town of Samar.
What most people remember about San Juanico Bridge is the stunt pulled off by stuntman/actor Dante Varona where he jumped on the span unto the water below. What most people don't know, however, is that the bridge, when viewed from the sky, is a combination of the letters L and S to represent Leyte and Samar.
The lower part shaped like the letter L for Leyte and the upper part like an S for Samar (picture from Wikimapia)
Unconfirmed reports claims former president Ferdinand Marcos had the bridge constructed in 1973 as a gift to her imeldific wife, Imelda Marcos, who hails from Tacloban.
---
How to get there:
San Juanico Bridge is about 10-20 minutes away by jeep or van from Tacloban Airport. You may ride buses/jeepneys going to Samar (e.g. Basey or Marabut or Guian) at Tacloban Bus terminal.
San Juanico Bridge is also one stop of Leyte Provincial Government-organized Icot-icot tour
Upcoming posts:
Braving Samar's notorious bad roads to stunning rock formations in a secluded beach and a town of the Banig Festival :P
San Juanico Bridge has a length of 2.16 kilometers with an arch at midspan allowing ample vertical clearance for ships to pass and visit the port of Tacloban.
the approach to San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban
The Welcome to Samar Arch: Tutubi conquered Samar :P
The shape of the other half of the bridge is visible here
If one end of the bridge is in Tacloban City, the other end is in Sta. Rita town of Samar.What most people remember about San Juanico Bridge is the stunt pulled off by stuntman/actor Dante Varona where he jumped on the span unto the water below. What most people don't know, however, is that the bridge, when viewed from the sky, is a combination of the letters L and S to represent Leyte and Samar.
The lower part shaped like the letter L for Leyte and the upper part like an S for Samar (picture from Wikimapia)Unconfirmed reports claims former president Ferdinand Marcos had the bridge constructed in 1973 as a gift to her imeldific wife, Imelda Marcos, who hails from Tacloban.
---
How to get there:
San Juanico Bridge is about 10-20 minutes away by jeep or van from Tacloban Airport. You may ride buses/jeepneys going to Samar (e.g. Basey or Marabut or Guian) at Tacloban Bus terminal.
San Juanico Bridge is also one stop of Leyte Provincial Government-organized Icot-icot tour
Upcoming posts:
Braving Samar's notorious bad roads to stunning rock formations in a secluded beach and a town of the Banig Festival :P
Labels: Bridges, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Samar, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:55 PM,
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Suroy-suroy Leyte: Tacloban City DIY Tour
24 November 2008
Still sleepy after spending the night in Ormoc, Tutubi woke up at 5:30am, took a quick shower and breakfast and flagged a tricycle that took him to the Duptours terminal to catch the shuttle to Tacloban...
He needed to be at RTR Plaza in Tacloban by 9am to join the Icot-icot tour, but sadly, with usual planned trips, it didn't materialize. Duptours van arrived late and it was raining heavily in Tacloban thus canceled Tutubi's hope for the guided tour of Tacloban City.
But just the same, even with the rain, there's still plan B and a plan C...with a service car courtesy of a friend, plan B did materialize. He went around Tacloban City in the middle of a pouring rain with brief lull or a slight drizzle in between managed to take pictures inside the car:
Leyte Provincial Capitol, a historical neo-classical building where General MacArthur and President Osmeña announced that Tacloban was the temporary seat of the Commonwealth government.
CAP building, formerly called Price Mansion, on Justice Romualdez Street: the official residence and headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines in 1944. Now owned by College Assurance Plan (CAP)
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, where you can see on display the different priceless art objects said to be gifts to the former first lady Imelda Marcos during her trips abroad.
Several government buildings line Magsaysay Boulevard e.g. Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan and University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Tacloban campus. There's also the Family Park; statue of the Image of the Crucified Christ; statue of Maria Kannon, the Madonna of Japan that symbolizes peace at the foot of Kanhuraw Hill; the Philippine-Japan Peace Park and the Balyu-an Tower.
Sto. Niño Church on On Real Street is the the main Catholic Church in the city (there's also the Redemptorist Church nearby). Beside it is the People’s Center and Library and the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum.
Redoña Residence on Sen. Enage Street corner T. Claudio Street, is a two-story wooden heritage house with capiz windows.
Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine, foot of Kanhuraw Hill, (madonna of japan) made from single slab of rare miyagi stone
Buddhist Temple in Anibong District, Tacloban City at the foot of a hill. A beautiful 2-storey pagoda where monks and Buddhists make their worship, prayers, and offerings.
Did you know where Tutubi went after the Tacloban City Tour eve if it's raining?
wait for the next posts :P
---
Tacloban Travel Tip:
If you need a guided tour of Tacloban City that includes in their itinerary the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo town (no mention of the Palo Cathedral) and a brief stop over at San Juanico Bridge, you may join the so called Icot-icot tour organized by the Leyte Tourism Office:
City Tour Fee (includes the ride, tour guide and the entrance fees at the Sto. Niño Shrine)
PhP100 for the morning trip
PhP150 for the afternoon trip (inclusive of entrance fee a visit to a bucolic farm resort in Babatngon, Leyte)
Where to catch it:
RTR Plaza in Tacloban City
Trip Schedule:
Daily at 9am and 2pm
They have a minimum number of persons joining for a trip to take place or if less than that, you can pay for six persons i.e. PhP900.00 and you'll have the multicab and driver/guide all for yourself for three hours.
He needed to be at RTR Plaza in Tacloban by 9am to join the Icot-icot tour, but sadly, with usual planned trips, it didn't materialize. Duptours van arrived late and it was raining heavily in Tacloban thus canceled Tutubi's hope for the guided tour of Tacloban City.
But just the same, even with the rain, there's still plan B and a plan C...with a service car courtesy of a friend, plan B did materialize. He went around Tacloban City in the middle of a pouring rain with brief lull or a slight drizzle in between managed to take pictures inside the car:
Leyte Provincial Capitol, a historical neo-classical building where General MacArthur and President Osmeña announced that Tacloban was the temporary seat of the Commonwealth government.
CAP building, formerly called Price Mansion, on Justice Romualdez Street: the official residence and headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines in 1944. Now owned by College Assurance Plan (CAP)
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, where you can see on display the different priceless art objects said to be gifts to the former first lady Imelda Marcos during her trips abroad.Several government buildings line Magsaysay Boulevard e.g. Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan and University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Tacloban campus. There's also the Family Park; statue of the Image of the Crucified Christ; statue of Maria Kannon, the Madonna of Japan that symbolizes peace at the foot of Kanhuraw Hill; the Philippine-Japan Peace Park and the Balyu-an Tower.
Sto. Niño Church on On Real Street is the the main Catholic Church in the city (there's also the Redemptorist Church nearby). Beside it is the People’s Center and Library and the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum.
Redoña Residence on Sen. Enage Street corner T. Claudio Street, is a two-story wooden heritage house with capiz windows.
Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine, foot of Kanhuraw Hill, (madonna of japan) made from single slab of rare miyagi stone
Buddhist Temple in Anibong District, Tacloban City at the foot of a hill. A beautiful 2-storey pagoda where monks and Buddhists make their worship, prayers, and offerings.Did you know where Tutubi went after the Tacloban City Tour eve if it's raining?
wait for the next posts :P
---
Tacloban Travel Tip:
If you need a guided tour of Tacloban City that includes in their itinerary the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo town (no mention of the Palo Cathedral) and a brief stop over at San Juanico Bridge, you may join the so called Icot-icot tour organized by the Leyte Tourism Office:
City Tour Fee (includes the ride, tour guide and the entrance fees at the Sto. Niño Shrine)
PhP100 for the morning trip
PhP150 for the afternoon trip (inclusive of entrance fee a visit to a bucolic farm resort in Babatngon, Leyte)
Where to catch it:
RTR Plaza in Tacloban City
Trip Schedule:
Daily at 9am and 2pm
They have a minimum number of persons joining for a trip to take place or if less than that, you can pay for six persons i.e. PhP900.00 and you'll have the multicab and driver/guide all for yourself for three hours.
Labels: Churches, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Museums, Tacloban City, Temples
posted by GingGoy @ 9:18 PM,
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The Neo-Classical Leyte Provincial Capitol
21 November 2008
The first destination of Tutubi's DIY tour of Tacloban took him to the Leyte Provincial Capitol, an almost immaculate white neo-classical building that once served as Capitol Building of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during the period dubbed as days of liberation of World War II that began with the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf and Leyte invasion.
The capitol building sports a neo-classical architectural style typical of American-era government edifices.
NHI Historical Marker reads:
"Capitol Building of the Philippines, 1944-1945
On the steps of this Capitol Building of Leyte was formally installed, 23 October 1944, Sergio Osmena as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the presence of cabinetmen, liberation forces and many other grateful people. Henceforth, until 27 February 1945, this edifice served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines."
After the bloody and disastrous Battle of Manila, the seat of the national government moved to its home in Manila.
Two bas reliefs can be found on both sides of the capitol: a depiction of the "first mass" on Limasawa Island and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo, Leyte.
Inside the capitol was an exhibit on the 64th anniversary of the Leyte landing celebration last month including photographs and memoirs other historic events in Leyte and Samar including the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War.
Notes:
Then Vice President Sergio Osmena, whose face you see featured on the P50 bill, was installed president of the Commonwealth due to the death of President Manuel Quezon on August 1, 1944 in New York, after a long fight against tuberculosis (a highly-cureable disease these days). He was with President Quezon on Corregidor Island and left the island for the United States to establish the Philippine government in exile. After the war, he lost the presidential elections of 1946 to Manuel Roxas (the face on the P100 bill), the first president of the new independent Republic of the Philippines. He retired in Cebu, his home province, died in 1961 and buried at Manila North Cemetery.
The site of the first mass in the Philippines and second anchorage of Ferdinand Magellan, after Homonhon, in 1521 is still disputed. It's historically recorded as Mazaua by Antonio Figafetta, Magellan's chronicler who was able to return to Spain after Magellan was killed in The Battle of Mactan against Lapu-lapu. The "official" stand of the NHI shot down arguments that Limasawa has no anchorage for large boats and disregarded the accounts of Gines de Mafra, the only person to have visited Mazaua twice, first with Magellan and the second time with the ill-fated expedition of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, who pointed Mazaua to an island not Limasawa, but somewhere in Butuan in northern Mindanao. More of this in future posts...
The capitol building sports a neo-classical architectural style typical of American-era government edifices.NHI Historical Marker reads:
"Capitol Building of the Philippines, 1944-1945
On the steps of this Capitol Building of Leyte was formally installed, 23 October 1944, Sergio Osmena as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the presence of cabinetmen, liberation forces and many other grateful people. Henceforth, until 27 February 1945, this edifice served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines."
After the bloody and disastrous Battle of Manila, the seat of the national government moved to its home in Manila.
Two bas reliefs can be found on both sides of the capitol: a depiction of the "first mass" on Limasawa Island and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo, Leyte.
Inside the capitol was an exhibit on the 64th anniversary of the Leyte landing celebration last month including photographs and memoirs other historic events in Leyte and Samar including the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War.
Notes:
Then Vice President Sergio Osmena, whose face you see featured on the P50 bill, was installed president of the Commonwealth due to the death of President Manuel Quezon on August 1, 1944 in New York, after a long fight against tuberculosis (a highly-cureable disease these days). He was with President Quezon on Corregidor Island and left the island for the United States to establish the Philippine government in exile. After the war, he lost the presidential elections of 1946 to Manuel Roxas (the face on the P100 bill), the first president of the new independent Republic of the Philippines. He retired in Cebu, his home province, died in 1961 and buried at Manila North Cemetery.
The site of the first mass in the Philippines and second anchorage of Ferdinand Magellan, after Homonhon, in 1521 is still disputed. It's historically recorded as Mazaua by Antonio Figafetta, Magellan's chronicler who was able to return to Spain after Magellan was killed in The Battle of Mactan against Lapu-lapu. The "official" stand of the NHI shot down arguments that Limasawa has no anchorage for large boats and disregarded the accounts of Gines de Mafra, the only person to have visited Mazaua twice, first with Magellan and the second time with the ill-fated expedition of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, who pointed Mazaua to an island not Limasawa, but somewhere in Butuan in northern Mindanao. More of this in future posts...
Labels: Architecture, Leyte, Tacloban City, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 8:57 PM,
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A Highly Urbanized City of Tacloban?
18 November 2008
Tacloban, the booming capital of Leyte province and the gateway to Eastern Visayas region is now on the verge of joining the "elite" group of highly-urbanized cities of the Philippines.
Tacloban’s population exceeded the required total population and much more that the minimum required income as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991.
To start the bid to be a HUC, the President needs to declare a city highly urbanized followed by ratification by the city’s voters in a plebiscite to be held within 120 days after it is issued before the proclamation takes effect.
Tacloban City's plebiscite will be on December 18, 2008.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a highly-urbanized city?
Economic progress may be faster there, but taxes, particularly real property taxes or amelyar can be increased by the city government anytime they want to without intervention by Leyte Capitol.
Tacloban City government will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Leyte and will stop sharing tax revenue with Leyte province.
Meanwhile, just to share photos of booming Tacloban taken in a cruising car :P
The soon to be open Robinsons Mall, just in time for Christmas shopping...there is said to be an SM in the works as well as Gaisano mall
Giant shopping malls are sign of progress in a city...and also a sign of horrendous traffic jams during mall-wide sale. There is also a Gaisano mall being constructed plus a rumored land acquisition by SM to be developed into a shopping mall. (Just hope that Tacloban city downtown's economic life don't get suck out by the malls like what happened in Manila)
The site of the old Tacloban bus terminal is now a McDonald's. Can you see the profile of Tutubi on the dashboard?
If Ormoc City has a famous resident in Lucy Torres-Gomez, Tacloban has a gorgeous first-lady in Cristina Gonzales who owns a salon and spa in Tacloban downtown is a neo-classical style building.
Coming Up: Suroy-suroy Tacloban and pasalubong shopping
Related post:
Highly-urbanized Cities in the Philippines
Tacloban’s population exceeded the required total population and much more that the minimum required income as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991.
To start the bid to be a HUC, the President needs to declare a city highly urbanized followed by ratification by the city’s voters in a plebiscite to be held within 120 days after it is issued before the proclamation takes effect.
Tacloban City's plebiscite will be on December 18, 2008.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a highly-urbanized city?
Economic progress may be faster there, but taxes, particularly real property taxes or amelyar can be increased by the city government anytime they want to without intervention by Leyte Capitol.
Tacloban City government will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Leyte and will stop sharing tax revenue with Leyte province.
Meanwhile, just to share photos of booming Tacloban taken in a cruising car :P
The soon to be open Robinsons Mall, just in time for Christmas shopping...there is said to be an SM in the works as well as Gaisano mallGiant shopping malls are sign of progress in a city...and also a sign of horrendous traffic jams during mall-wide sale. There is also a Gaisano mall being constructed plus a rumored land acquisition by SM to be developed into a shopping mall. (Just hope that Tacloban city downtown's economic life don't get suck out by the malls like what happened in Manila)
The site of the old Tacloban bus terminal is now a McDonald's. Can you see the profile of Tutubi on the dashboard?
If Ormoc City has a famous resident in Lucy Torres-Gomez, Tacloban has a gorgeous first-lady in Cristina Gonzales who owns a salon and spa in Tacloban downtown is a neo-classical style building.Coming Up: Suroy-suroy Tacloban and pasalubong shopping
Related post:
Highly-urbanized Cities in the Philippines
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:33 PM,
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EO 758 SVEG “Special Visa for Employment Generation”
16 November 2008
In another incentive for foreigners to retire and live in the Philippines by investing “special visa for employment generation” (SVEG) was recently offered as contained in the newly-signed Executive Order No. 758.
When most other visitors to the Philippines are allowed to stay at least 21 days, depending on their nationality, most visas can be extended for up to a year.
Salient points of the SVEG Visa according to Executive Order No. 758:
"Foreigners who employ at least 10 Filipinos can stay in the country indefinitely."
"Qualified non-immigrant foreigners will be extended “multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay without need of prior departure from the Philippines"
"The privilege will also cover a qualified foreigner’s spouse and unmarried children—legitimate, illegitimate or adopted—below 18 years old."
The SVEG will not legitimize the status of overstaying foreigners and sometimes doing business in the country.
The information application would be coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
How to apply for SVEG “special visa for employment generation":
You may visit the Burea of Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila for details, SVEG Visa fees and requirements e.g. minimum capital required.
Links and Sources:
Bureau of Immigration
Gov.ph
When most other visitors to the Philippines are allowed to stay at least 21 days, depending on their nationality, most visas can be extended for up to a year.
Salient points of the SVEG Visa according to Executive Order No. 758:
"Foreigners who employ at least 10 Filipinos can stay in the country indefinitely."
"Qualified non-immigrant foreigners will be extended “multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay without need of prior departure from the Philippines"
"The privilege will also cover a qualified foreigner’s spouse and unmarried children—legitimate, illegitimate or adopted—below 18 years old."
The SVEG will not legitimize the status of overstaying foreigners and sometimes doing business in the country.
The information application would be coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
How to apply for SVEG “special visa for employment generation":
You may visit the Burea of Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila for details, SVEG Visa fees and requirements e.g. minimum capital required.
Links and Sources:
Bureau of Immigration
Gov.ph
Labels: Living in the Philippines, Philippine Visa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:40 PM,
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Ormoc: 17 Years after the Flash Flood
15 November 2008
Seventeen years ago, the seaside city of Ormoc in Leyte island was ravaged by a flash flood that swept the city and killed around than eight thousand people. Ghastly photos of the tragic event was shown not only in the Philippines but the whole world and triggered massive relief efforts to help the survivors. The tragedy was blamed, as usual, to people's irreverence and exploitation of Mother Nature.
With his recent visit to Ormoc, he was able to visualize the damage to the city, including its reputation as a unsafe place to travel, from locals who showed him around, even from survivors of the disaster who have their own stories to tell. Tutubi will just share photos of Ormoc, 17 years after the tragedy, from an image of disaster to a new one pulsating with promise, a clear picture of a liveable city who has learned from past mistakes.
St. Peters College and St. Peter and Paul Church. Also partly visible is Ormoc City Astrodome
Lots of trees visible from a distance where a football game, something not usual in Manila is also held. Football is popular in the Visayas particularly Bacolod and Iloilo
closer view of the football field (200mm at f11)
This post is not to perpetuate Ormoc as a place of tragedy but rather provide a fresh outlook and image of the city as a safe, livable place. Some people already chose this as their retirement place two hours away from bustling Cebu City.
---
Ormoc Travel and Living Information
Other tourist attractions:
Laki Danao Natural Park
Go boating, camping, mountain trekking and birdwatching
Ormoc Golf Course
Leyte Golf and Country Club, Brgy. Mabini
Old bridge near the City Hall, Carlota Hills
World War II Memorial Markers, Ormoc Bay
Ormoc Beach Resorts:
a few resorts line the beach of Ormoc most popular is Sabin Beach Resort. Note though that Sabin's beach front is not so desirable for beach bummers; the resort though has a nice swim-around pool.
Ormoc Pasalubong/delicacies:
Young Attitudes Cassava Cake
Pineapples (Queen variety, you may buy them at the market or the pasalubong center near Ormoc bus terminal)
How to get there:
Manila to Ormoc: There are now flights to Ormoc Airport by PAL Express on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Alternatives are you take a flight to Tacloban then ride a bus or v-hire for about 3 hours land travel to Ormoc or a flight to Cebu then a 2 hour fastcraft (Supercat) or slow ferry (e.g. Cebu Ferries), about 6 hours sea travel.
For the budget-conscious and with luxury of time, Ormoc Ro-ro buses are available at Philtranco and Ultrabus.
Getting around Ormoc:
there are no taxis in Ormoc but plenty of tricycles to take you anywhere around or beyond the city.
Languages spoken:
Ormocanons speak Waray language (should be a language and not merely a dialect), English and Filipino is widely spoken.
Shopping Malls and Nightlife:
there are no giant malls and always alive nightlife in Ormoc (Tutubi doesn't like them malls anyway). Lots of them in Cebu City and there are also the soon-to-be open Robinsons mall and Gaisano in booming Tacloban City and probably an SM in the future.
The flash flood in Ormoc City occured on November 5, 1991 attributed to illegal logging but some claimed it's due to the presence of waterspouts and a storm that created a dam under the bridge of a river. When the dam burst, the water swept houses on a sandbar at the mouth of the river.
All photos taken on the roof deck of OCCCI building, currently the tallest building in the city. For other posts on Ormoc, please click the Ormoc categories below.
With his recent visit to Ormoc, he was able to visualize the damage to the city, including its reputation as a unsafe place to travel, from locals who showed him around, even from survivors of the disaster who have their own stories to tell. Tutubi will just share photos of Ormoc, 17 years after the tragedy, from an image of disaster to a new one pulsating with promise, a clear picture of a liveable city who has learned from past mistakes.
St. Peters College and St. Peter and Paul Church. Also partly visible is Ormoc City Astrodome
Lots of trees visible from a distance where a football game, something not usual in Manila is also held. Football is popular in the Visayas particularly Bacolod and Iloilo
closer view of the football field (200mm at f11)This post is not to perpetuate Ormoc as a place of tragedy but rather provide a fresh outlook and image of the city as a safe, livable place. Some people already chose this as their retirement place two hours away from bustling Cebu City.
---
Ormoc Travel and Living Information
Other tourist attractions:
Laki Danao Natural Park
Go boating, camping, mountain trekking and birdwatching
Ormoc Golf Course
Leyte Golf and Country Club, Brgy. Mabini
Old bridge near the City Hall, Carlota Hills
World War II Memorial Markers, Ormoc Bay
Ormoc Beach Resorts:
a few resorts line the beach of Ormoc most popular is Sabin Beach Resort. Note though that Sabin's beach front is not so desirable for beach bummers; the resort though has a nice swim-around pool.
Ormoc Pasalubong/delicacies:
Young Attitudes Cassava Cake
Pineapples (Queen variety, you may buy them at the market or the pasalubong center near Ormoc bus terminal)
How to get there:
Manila to Ormoc: There are now flights to Ormoc Airport by PAL Express on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Alternatives are you take a flight to Tacloban then ride a bus or v-hire for about 3 hours land travel to Ormoc or a flight to Cebu then a 2 hour fastcraft (Supercat) or slow ferry (e.g. Cebu Ferries), about 6 hours sea travel.
For the budget-conscious and with luxury of time, Ormoc Ro-ro buses are available at Philtranco and Ultrabus.
Getting around Ormoc:
there are no taxis in Ormoc but plenty of tricycles to take you anywhere around or beyond the city.
Languages spoken:
Ormocanons speak Waray language (should be a language and not merely a dialect), English and Filipino is widely spoken.
Shopping Malls and Nightlife:
there are no giant malls and always alive nightlife in Ormoc (Tutubi doesn't like them malls anyway). Lots of them in Cebu City and there are also the soon-to-be open Robinsons mall and Gaisano in booming Tacloban City and probably an SM in the future.
The flash flood in Ormoc City occured on November 5, 1991 attributed to illegal logging but some claimed it's due to the presence of waterspouts and a storm that created a dam under the bridge of a river. When the dam burst, the water swept houses on a sandbar at the mouth of the river.
All photos taken on the roof deck of OCCCI building, currently the tallest building in the city. For other posts on Ormoc, please click the Ormoc categories below.
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Living in the Philippines, Ormoc
posted by GingGoy @ 1:26 AM,
,
Tacloban Airport Guide: Terminal Fee, How to Get there via Jeepney, Taxi
11 November 2008
Now named Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Tacloban Domestic airport is the gateway to Eastern Visayas serving flights to Tacloban City.
From this airport, you can then venture out and explore other towns and cities of Leyte and Samar. This airport was destroyed by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in December 2013 and currently is state of disrepair
UPDATED: June 2014
Tacloban Airport before Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. People waiting for passengers of a Cebu Pacific flight. Tutubi hang out at the arrival while waiting for the opening of check-in counters
Carriers servicing Tacloban Domestic Airport:
Philippine Airlines with regular daily flights to other destinations
Cebu Pacific with regular daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Kalibo
Tacloban Airport Terminal Fee: PhP100.00 (as of June 2014, sometimes called airport tax/departure tax/airport users tax)
A baggage carousel is present eliminating the need for porters at the arrival hall.
Double layer of X-Ray machines plus guards for body frisking and sifting through your hand-carried bags for security.
There's a small store inside the passengers lounge selling snacks and last minute pasalubong stuff like binagol, pastillas and chocolate moron. No restaurant inside the terminal.
No tubes to board the aircraft, you need to walk and use the stairs to the airplane doors like in most other domestic airports.
Hotels near Tacloban Airport:
Walking distance: None
There are many hotels and other accommodations in downtown Tacloban
From Tacloban Aiport to your destination:
Taxis are available to take you to Tacloban City downtown for PhP250.00 (travel time is about 30 minutes). They can also be hired for P2,500.00 12-hour city tour besides other V-hire (van for hire) there with people offering you their vehicles at the exit gate.
For backpackers and budget travelers, jeepneys ply the route going to the New Tacloban Bus Terminal (where buses, shuttle service (GT Express) and jeepneys are waiting for passengers), downtown and even Duptours terminals (beside a gas station). If you're in a hurry, don't ride the waiting jeepneys at the exit if it's not full, head straight to the airport gate and flag a jeep going to Tacloban.
Commuting to Tacloban Airport:
If you took the bus or shuttle (e.g. Duptours) from anywhere in Leyte (e.g. Ormoc) or Samar (Basey, Marabut, Guian, Borongan), drop off at Tacloban rotonda and transfer to a jeepney with signboard San Jose-Airport. The same jeepney can be found in downtown Tacloban. There are no taxis in the city center, only tricycles, and the airport is quite far for tricycles so expect an expensive fare.
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
Note: Tutubi is posting updated information on these things. He noticed guide books about the Philippines, including Lonely Planet and Jens Peters, are churning out new editions yet information has not been fully updated and verified and it seems the authors have not really been to some destinations and probably got the information from someone else :(
From this airport, you can then venture out and explore other towns and cities of Leyte and Samar. This airport was destroyed by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in December 2013 and currently is state of disrepair
UPDATED: June 2014
Tacloban Airport before Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. People waiting for passengers of a Cebu Pacific flight. Tutubi hang out at the arrival while waiting for the opening of check-in countersCarriers servicing Tacloban Domestic Airport:
Philippine Airlines with regular daily flights to other destinations
Cebu Pacific with regular daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Kalibo
Tacloban Airport Terminal Fee: PhP100.00 (as of June 2014, sometimes called airport tax/departure tax/airport users tax)
A baggage carousel is present eliminating the need for porters at the arrival hall.
Double layer of X-Ray machines plus guards for body frisking and sifting through your hand-carried bags for security.
There's a small store inside the passengers lounge selling snacks and last minute pasalubong stuff like binagol, pastillas and chocolate moron. No restaurant inside the terminal.
No tubes to board the aircraft, you need to walk and use the stairs to the airplane doors like in most other domestic airports.
Hotels near Tacloban Airport:
Walking distance: None
There are many hotels and other accommodations in downtown Tacloban
From Tacloban Aiport to your destination:
Taxis are available to take you to Tacloban City downtown for PhP250.00 (travel time is about 30 minutes). They can also be hired for P2,500.00 12-hour city tour besides other V-hire (van for hire) there with people offering you their vehicles at the exit gate.
For backpackers and budget travelers, jeepneys ply the route going to the New Tacloban Bus Terminal (where buses, shuttle service (GT Express) and jeepneys are waiting for passengers), downtown and even Duptours terminals (beside a gas station). If you're in a hurry, don't ride the waiting jeepneys at the exit if it's not full, head straight to the airport gate and flag a jeep going to Tacloban.
Commuting to Tacloban Airport:
If you took the bus or shuttle (e.g. Duptours) from anywhere in Leyte (e.g. Ormoc) or Samar (Basey, Marabut, Guian, Borongan), drop off at Tacloban rotonda and transfer to a jeepney with signboard San Jose-Airport. The same jeepney can be found in downtown Tacloban. There are no taxis in the city center, only tricycles, and the airport is quite far for tricycles so expect an expensive fare.
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
Note: Tutubi is posting updated information on these things. He noticed guide books about the Philippines, including Lonely Planet and Jens Peters, are churning out new editions yet information has not been fully updated and verified and it seems the authors have not really been to some destinations and probably got the information from someone else :(
Labels: Airports, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:20 PM,
,
The Chicken Inato of Chicken Ati-Atihan
10 November 2008
One of the places Tutubi ate out in Ormoc reminded him of Jo's Chicken Inato on Jupiter St. in Makati and the original one in Dumaguete City.
Chicken inato, literally meaning "our chicken" or "homely chicken" in English is special marinated chicken bar-be-queued to golden brown appetizing goodness.
Upon getting the menu, he ordered chicken thigh for only PhP65.00, cheap by Manila standard where a similar meal costs aboout Php100 or more.
a noisy picture of the chicken at ISO1600...'twas too dark inside
the bahay kubo ambiance of the place is good, though the lights are too dim for practical photography of food if you don't have additional light with you.
Tutubi did what he saw locals eating there did: eat with bare hands :P
Chicken Ati-atihan's tagline: Mapapasayaw ka sa sarap!
What's your favorite bar-be-qued chicken? Chicken inasal? chicken inato? or your own secret chicken bbq recipe?
---
Chicken Ati-atihan
Aviles St., Ormoc City, Leyte
There's another restaurant in Ormoc by the same owners of Chicken Ati-atihan serving the same chicken inato (and also offering franchise) but Tutubi forgot the name.
Other recommended Ormoc Restaurant:
Chito's Chow Bar & Restaurant
(Filipino/Chinese Dishes)
(Near Veteran's Park and Ormoc City Coliseum)
Tel. No. +63.53.255.3520
Chicken inato, literally meaning "our chicken" or "homely chicken" in English is special marinated chicken bar-be-queued to golden brown appetizing goodness.
Upon getting the menu, he ordered chicken thigh for only PhP65.00, cheap by Manila standard where a similar meal costs aboout Php100 or more.
a noisy picture of the chicken at ISO1600...'twas too dark inside
the bahay kubo ambiance of the place is good, though the lights are too dim for practical photography of food if you don't have additional light with you.Tutubi did what he saw locals eating there did: eat with bare hands :P
Chicken Ati-atihan's tagline: Mapapasayaw ka sa sarap!
What's your favorite bar-be-qued chicken? Chicken inasal? chicken inato? or your own secret chicken bbq recipe?
---
Chicken Ati-atihan
Aviles St., Ormoc City, Leyte
There's another restaurant in Ormoc by the same owners of Chicken Ati-atihan serving the same chicken inato (and also offering franchise) but Tutubi forgot the name.
Other recommended Ormoc Restaurant:
Chito's Chow Bar & Restaurant
(Filipino/Chinese Dishes)
(Near Veteran's Park and Ormoc City Coliseum)
Tel. No. +63.53.255.3520
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Leyte Restaurants, Ormoc, Restaurants
posted by GingGoy @ 9:24 PM,
,
Ormoc Accommodations: OCCCI Hostel
Anyone looking for the newest place to stay in Ormoc can easily find it in downtown Ormoc, walking distance from the St. Peter and Paul Church, Veterans Park, and Ormoc City Superdome
Tutubi came home to his room at OCCC hostel with this sight of comfortable bed with satin-like bed sheets.
Located at the 4th floor of OCCCI building, the tallest structure currently in Ormoc, barely a year old, and offers a great view of the city outside.
Service was great with the amiable hostel keeper, nice, clean toilet and shower, a TV and personal refrigerator with mini-bar prices that won't prevent you from getting one from the stocks.
There are three suites at OCCCI Hostel for only PhP800.00 plus 4 dormitory type rooms for budget travelers and groups for PhP250.00/person a night.
Tipping is not allowed; Tutubi tried it but the courteous staff declined.
No meals available but the staff can order one for you from restaurants nearby.
Elevator service is available during office hours only though so you have to walk up the stairs if you return late at night.
OCCCI is an Ormoc-based Cooperative with numerous branches in Leyte and neighboring provinces.
Telephone Number: +63.53.561.1235 (request to be connected to the hostel)
There are other hotels, and pension houses in Ormoc including beach resorts (e.g. Sabin Beach Resort but quite far from the city center)
How to get there:
From Duptours terminal, Ormoc pier or bus terminal, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver OCCCI (pronounced "oxy"). Tricycle fare is minimum PhP6.00 only. You can also walk if you feel like it since Ormoc is a walkable city.
Tutubi came home to his room at OCCC hostel with this sight of comfortable bed with satin-like bed sheets.
Located at the 4th floor of OCCCI building, the tallest structure currently in Ormoc, barely a year old, and offers a great view of the city outside.
Service was great with the amiable hostel keeper, nice, clean toilet and shower, a TV and personal refrigerator with mini-bar prices that won't prevent you from getting one from the stocks.
There are three suites at OCCCI Hostel for only PhP800.00 plus 4 dormitory type rooms for budget travelers and groups for PhP250.00/person a night.
Tipping is not allowed; Tutubi tried it but the courteous staff declined.
No meals available but the staff can order one for you from restaurants nearby.
Elevator service is available during office hours only though so you have to walk up the stairs if you return late at night.
OCCCI is an Ormoc-based Cooperative with numerous branches in Leyte and neighboring provinces.
Telephone Number: +63.53.561.1235 (request to be connected to the hostel)
There are other hotels, and pension houses in Ormoc including beach resorts (e.g. Sabin Beach Resort but quite far from the city center)
How to get there:
From Duptours terminal, Ormoc pier or bus terminal, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver OCCCI (pronounced "oxy"). Tricycle fare is minimum PhP6.00 only. You can also walk if you feel like it since Ormoc is a walkable city.
Labels: Accommodations, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc
posted by GingGoy @ 9:23 PM,
,
Ormoc: Cassava Cake from Young Attitudes
08 November 2008
Where ever Tutubi goes, one of the first questions he'll ask from friends and locals is this: "What's the specialty of this place?
In Ormoc, he again posed the same question to his hosts and got the answer: cassava cake, with unique recipe from Young Attitudes. He thought it's just the usual cassava cake that can be bought anywhere else but when they got to a store in downtown Ormoc, he found out the cassava cake has it's own twist-- it's mixed with buco (young coconut) plus a sprinkling of cheese on top and packaged in mouth-watering bite-size pieces.
After buying a box (just one, ever wary of Cebu Pacific excess baggage charges), When Tutubi got back to the hostel, he got curious, opened the box and sampled the cassava cake. Tasting it was really good, even if he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he ate more than he usually does and stuffed the box inside the refrigerator lest he devours them all.
a quick photo of the box packaging, labeled Young Attitudes Cassava con Buco Delight, on Tutubi's bed in a room with poor fluorescent lighting :(
Cassava cake, the delicacy in bite-size, heavenly goodness eliminating the need for the knife (and fighting in case of uneven slicing)
Verdict: Young Attitudes: Ang pinakalami nga cassava cake!
Young Attitudes
Address: Bonifacio St., Ormoc City, Leyte
Tel. No.: +63.53.255.4790; +63.53.255.7739
Branch: P. Burgos. St., Tacloban City
No information yet whether this Ormoc delicacy is available at SM or anywhere in Metro Manila so Tutubi requested his friend from Ormoc to bring one when he travels to Makati in the near future.
In Ormoc, he again posed the same question to his hosts and got the answer: cassava cake, with unique recipe from Young Attitudes. He thought it's just the usual cassava cake that can be bought anywhere else but when they got to a store in downtown Ormoc, he found out the cassava cake has it's own twist-- it's mixed with buco (young coconut) plus a sprinkling of cheese on top and packaged in mouth-watering bite-size pieces.
After buying a box (just one, ever wary of Cebu Pacific excess baggage charges), When Tutubi got back to the hostel, he got curious, opened the box and sampled the cassava cake. Tasting it was really good, even if he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he ate more than he usually does and stuffed the box inside the refrigerator lest he devours them all.
a quick photo of the box packaging, labeled Young Attitudes Cassava con Buco Delight, on Tutubi's bed in a room with poor fluorescent lighting :(
Cassava cake, the delicacy in bite-size, heavenly goodness eliminating the need for the knife (and fighting in case of uneven slicing)Verdict: Young Attitudes: Ang pinakalami nga cassava cake!
Young Attitudes
Address: Bonifacio St., Ormoc City, Leyte
Tel. No.: +63.53.255.4790; +63.53.255.7739
Branch: P. Burgos. St., Tacloban City
No information yet whether this Ormoc delicacy is available at SM or anywhere in Metro Manila so Tutubi requested his friend from Ormoc to bring one when he travels to Makati in the near future.
Labels: Delicacies, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Pasalubong
posted by GingGoy @ 6:20 PM,
,
Ormoc Church: St. Peter and Paul Parish
07 November 2008
A stone's throw away from OCCCI Hostel where Tutubi stayed, Ormoc Catholic Church is fairly new with it's marble facade and gold-leafed tableau inside. There was a funeral service the first time he passed by so he didn't enter the church at first and instead dropped by in the evening before resting.
There's no date nor history marker posted on the church but remnants of the old stone church can be found on one side of the patio now converted into a grotto.
the belfry viewed on top of OCCCI building
the tableau with gold-leaf and rococo look
Beside the parish is St. Peters College while the building facing Ormoc Bay is Ormoc City Superdome.
coming up...Ormoc pasalubong
Tags: Leyte Visita Iglesia
There's no date nor history marker posted on the church but remnants of the old stone church can be found on one side of the patio now converted into a grotto.
the belfry viewed on top of OCCCI building
the tableau with gold-leaf and rococo lookBeside the parish is St. Peters College while the building facing Ormoc Bay is Ormoc City Superdome.
coming up...Ormoc pasalubong
Tags: Leyte Visita Iglesia
Labels: Churches, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 9:16 PM,
,
Leyte: Veterans Park and the Battle of Ormoc Bay
05 November 2008
A short visit to Ormoc City was highlighted by a quick city tour in the afternoon. Walking distance from OCCCI Hostel (where Tutubi stayed at) is a public space on Ormoc Bay, called Veterans Park, with a pylon honoring the courageous war veterans of the Second World War in the Pacific Theater.
Ormoc Bay with Cebu Ferries waiting to leave for Cebu at 2pm every Monday and Wednesday at Ormoc City pier. Cebu ferries services Ormocanos taking them to Cebu, Dumaguete, Iligan, Jagna (Bohol), Nasipit and Ozamis.
the Veterans Monument in front of Ormoc City Superdome
A colorful monument to the guerillas during the war, the guerilla warfare forces, near the Veterans Monument in front of Ormoc City Superdome.
Ormoc Bay was the site of the historic Battle of Ormoc Bay in November 1944, just a few days after the Battle of Leyte Gulf began. It was on Ormoc Bay where Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita sent reinforcements to Leyte against Gen. Douglas MacArthur's army who had landed on Red Beach in Palo town on October 20, 1944 (the same day when the first Kamikaze strikes were launched from Pampanga), ten days after Yamashita arrived in the Philippines and assumed responsibility of the defense of the Philippines.
With the defeat of the Japanese in The Battle of Leyte Gulf and the succeeding Battle of Ormoc Bay, Allied forces affirmed control of Leyte. From there, they launched attacks re-claiming other islands before the the disastrous Battle for Manila in February 1945, when Manila was leveled to the ground by American carpet-bombing on the (unnecessary) order of Gen. Douglas MacArthur combined with Japanese demolition.
On World War II Veterans:
Filipinos fought side-by-side with Americans during the war against the Japanese juggernaut. After the war, the Americans promised help, including US citizenships, to their brothers-in-arms, but the promises were never fully fulfilled. War veterans today are very old, sickly and dying one after the other without the promised aid...some were given but never enough to commensurate to the sacrifice and hardships they endured.
To Uncle Sam: Cuando, cuando, cuando?
Ormoc Bay with Cebu Ferries waiting to leave for Cebu at 2pm every Monday and Wednesday at Ormoc City pier. Cebu ferries services Ormocanos taking them to Cebu, Dumaguete, Iligan, Jagna (Bohol), Nasipit and Ozamis.
the Veterans Monument in front of Ormoc City Superdome
A colorful monument to the guerillas during the war, the guerilla warfare forces, near the Veterans Monument in front of Ormoc City Superdome.Ormoc Bay was the site of the historic Battle of Ormoc Bay in November 1944, just a few days after the Battle of Leyte Gulf began. It was on Ormoc Bay where Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita sent reinforcements to Leyte against Gen. Douglas MacArthur's army who had landed on Red Beach in Palo town on October 20, 1944 (the same day when the first Kamikaze strikes were launched from Pampanga), ten days after Yamashita arrived in the Philippines and assumed responsibility of the defense of the Philippines.
With the defeat of the Japanese in The Battle of Leyte Gulf and the succeeding Battle of Ormoc Bay, Allied forces affirmed control of Leyte. From there, they launched attacks re-claiming other islands before the the disastrous Battle for Manila in February 1945, when Manila was leveled to the ground by American carpet-bombing on the (unnecessary) order of Gen. Douglas MacArthur combined with Japanese demolition.
On World War II Veterans:
Filipinos fought side-by-side with Americans during the war against the Japanese juggernaut. After the war, the Americans promised help, including US citizenships, to their brothers-in-arms, but the promises were never fully fulfilled. War veterans today are very old, sickly and dying one after the other without the promised aid...some were given but never enough to commensurate to the sacrifice and hardships they endured.
To Uncle Sam: Cuando, cuando, cuando?
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Parks, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
,
Leyte: Ormoc to Tacloban Sojourn
Last week, Tutubi set out on a journey to the island of Leyte in the Eastern Visayas region, his first time to set foot on the island as well the neighboring Samar, the third largest island of the country after Luzon ang Mindanao.
The following series of posts will provide pictures, stories, World War II history, on Tacloban City, the regional gateway to Eastern Visayas and a booming metropolis soon to become a de jure highly-urbanized city, the 34th in the Philippines.
A tour of Ormoc, 17 years after the flash flood, and a crossover to nearby Samar's Basey and Marabut towns after crossing San Juanico Bridge on a rainy day.
Stay tuned...
On going to Ormoc from Tacloban, Tutubi took Duptours shuttle services for a two and a half hour ride (Fare: Php120.00) that passed by the towns of Palo, Sta. Fe, Jaro, Carigara, Capoocan, Culasian among other towns on the way.
Buses, V-Hires (van for hire, GT Express) and jeepneys to other parts of Leyte and Samar are available at the New Tacloban City Bus Terminal waiting for commuters.
The following series of posts will provide pictures, stories, World War II history, on Tacloban City, the regional gateway to Eastern Visayas and a booming metropolis soon to become a de jure highly-urbanized city, the 34th in the Philippines.
A tour of Ormoc, 17 years after the flash flood, and a crossover to nearby Samar's Basey and Marabut towns after crossing San Juanico Bridge on a rainy day.
Stay tuned...
On going to Ormoc from Tacloban, Tutubi took Duptours shuttle services for a two and a half hour ride (Fare: Php120.00) that passed by the towns of Palo, Sta. Fe, Jaro, Carigara, Capoocan, Culasian among other towns on the way. Buses, V-Hires (van for hire, GT Express) and jeepneys to other parts of Leyte and Samar are available at the New Tacloban City Bus Terminal waiting for commuters.
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Public Transportation, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:40 PM,
,
Cebu Pacific Excess Baggage Charges Express Counter and Games No More
04 November 2008
Updates on Cebu Pacific information gathered by Tutubi during a flight in the last week of October to a destination somewhere in Eastern Visayas.
Cebu Pacific excess baggage charge for domestic destinations is now pegged at PhP100.00/kilogram over the free baggage allowance of 15 kilos for A319/A320 Airbus airplanes and 10 kilos for ATR turboprop planes like those servicing Caticlan route (free baggage allowance for check-in luggage used to be 20 kilograms. This is now the same thing with Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines). You may have to call Cebu Pacific hotline for information on excess baggage rates for international flights (for sure, it will be expensive).
Tutubi found this out at at Tacloban Airport; imagine the problem of a woman, amidst shrieks, curses and yells on the phone, who let the whole world know that she no longer has money to pay for the excess baggage-- she literally begged the staff at the check-in counter and other passengers with less than 15 kilograms to accommodate her just to avoid paying the extra fees.
Cebu Pacific Express Counter:
Used by Tutubi, available to those with no checked in baggage, is a separate counter for people checking in at the airport sans big luggages. There also is a discount of PhP200 on ticket booking; that's PhP400 off for round-trip ticket fare. You need to pay an additional PhP300 per flight should you book tickets with no baggage yet check-in with something at the counter (Tutubi warned you, so don't even think of booking one knowing fully well that you'll have a check-in luggage later)
The big advantage of no check-in baggage comes not only on waiting longer on the long long queue, but also you can head straight out of the airport after disembarking. Other passengers need to wait for their luggage at the baggage carousel and later harassed by porters at domestic airports. You will be ahead of the pack to flag a metered taxi immediately after exiting NAIA Terminal 3 (there's a taxi line of MGE and EMP at the far right of the exit gates and ordinary, usually kontrata taxis nearby).
Cebu Pacific Hand-Carry Baggage Allowed:
Limited now to just one bag and 7 kilos. Note the prescribed dimensions too but the 7 kilogram limit is not enforced strictly. Tutubi was able to get away with it during his return trip due to the addition of a plastic bag containing the usual pasalubong of delicacies (but that doesn't guarantee you can always get away with it). The one bag per passenger limit does not include bags for laptops and cameras (not sure about tripods here since he's too lazy to lug around one).
Flight Booking using ATM card:
For people without credit cards (like Tutubi...and proud of it) you can also pay for your booking using your BancNet ATM debit cards (e.g. Chinabank, Asia United Bank, Allied Bank et al). This is not yet available on their online booking website, you need to call Cebu Pacific booking office and ask for a reference number. You'll use the reference number to pay for your flight at BancNet Online website. Cebu Pacific also requires bringing the ATM card with you at the check in counter, or a photocopy of the card if it's not yours (similar to credit card payments) but this is not implemented strictly and might be used by miscreants for cheap airline ticket fraud.
Online booking Seat Selection:
Tutubi used online booking facility of 5J, does not recommend booking at their offices for it really takes tooooooo loooooooong just to book one. For seat selection, he booked himself a window-side seat to enjoy the view. The facility will show at the ticket fare cost as an additional PhP224.00 i.e. PhP112 one or PhP100 + VAT (12% value added tax)
To give you an idea of the Cebu Pacific round trip ticket fare to Tacloban City:
Base Fare: PhP4.00
Taxes and Fees:
VAT: 326.04
YQ: 2663.00
WAF: 50.00
NBAG: 400
SEAT: 224.00
TOTAL: PhP2,867.04
Notes:
Base fare is synonymous to the Go Fares or Go Lite Fares offered all year round; Tutubi just happened to book his flight during a promo period. YQ seems to be the main bulk of the fare, not sure of the exact meaning. any information on what's meant by WAF would be appreciated. NBAG is the no baggage discount while SEAT is payment for the use of the seat selection feature.
Ferry or Ro-ro fare to Leyte costs about PhP1,100.00 one way, just about P300.00 less than flying the budget carrier but takes about 12 hours plus an aching butt; still, Tutubi hopes to ride one just for fun and enjoy the view along the way in Bicol, Samar then Leyte via San Juanico Bridge.
Lastly, Tutubi's favorite part of Cebu Pacific flights, the in-flight games where he won on various occasions, are no longer offered. Probably to further cut on costs, reality for a budget carrier. :(
Related Links:
Cebu Pacific Flight Information
Cebu Pacific excess baggage charge for domestic destinations is now pegged at PhP100.00/kilogram over the free baggage allowance of 15 kilos for A319/A320 Airbus airplanes and 10 kilos for ATR turboprop planes like those servicing Caticlan route (free baggage allowance for check-in luggage used to be 20 kilograms. This is now the same thing with Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines). You may have to call Cebu Pacific hotline for information on excess baggage rates for international flights (for sure, it will be expensive).
Tutubi found this out at at Tacloban Airport; imagine the problem of a woman, amidst shrieks, curses and yells on the phone, who let the whole world know that she no longer has money to pay for the excess baggage-- she literally begged the staff at the check-in counter and other passengers with less than 15 kilograms to accommodate her just to avoid paying the extra fees.
Cebu Pacific Express Counter:
Used by Tutubi, available to those with no checked in baggage, is a separate counter for people checking in at the airport sans big luggages. There also is a discount of PhP200 on ticket booking; that's PhP400 off for round-trip ticket fare. You need to pay an additional PhP300 per flight should you book tickets with no baggage yet check-in with something at the counter (Tutubi warned you, so don't even think of booking one knowing fully well that you'll have a check-in luggage later)
The big advantage of no check-in baggage comes not only on waiting longer on the long long queue, but also you can head straight out of the airport after disembarking. Other passengers need to wait for their luggage at the baggage carousel and later harassed by porters at domestic airports. You will be ahead of the pack to flag a metered taxi immediately after exiting NAIA Terminal 3 (there's a taxi line of MGE and EMP at the far right of the exit gates and ordinary, usually kontrata taxis nearby).
Cebu Pacific Hand-Carry Baggage Allowed:
Limited now to just one bag and 7 kilos. Note the prescribed dimensions too but the 7 kilogram limit is not enforced strictly. Tutubi was able to get away with it during his return trip due to the addition of a plastic bag containing the usual pasalubong of delicacies (but that doesn't guarantee you can always get away with it). The one bag per passenger limit does not include bags for laptops and cameras (not sure about tripods here since he's too lazy to lug around one).
Flight Booking using ATM card:
For people without credit cards (like Tutubi...and proud of it) you can also pay for your booking using your BancNet ATM debit cards (e.g. Chinabank, Asia United Bank, Allied Bank et al). This is not yet available on their online booking website, you need to call Cebu Pacific booking office and ask for a reference number. You'll use the reference number to pay for your flight at BancNet Online website. Cebu Pacific also requires bringing the ATM card with you at the check in counter, or a photocopy of the card if it's not yours (similar to credit card payments) but this is not implemented strictly and might be used by miscreants for cheap airline ticket fraud.
Online booking Seat Selection:
Tutubi used online booking facility of 5J, does not recommend booking at their offices for it really takes tooooooo loooooooong just to book one. For seat selection, he booked himself a window-side seat to enjoy the view. The facility will show at the ticket fare cost as an additional PhP224.00 i.e. PhP112 one or PhP100 + VAT (12% value added tax)
To give you an idea of the Cebu Pacific round trip ticket fare to Tacloban City:
Base Fare: PhP4.00
Taxes and Fees:
VAT: 326.04
YQ: 2663.00
WAF: 50.00
NBAG: 400
SEAT: 224.00
TOTAL: PhP2,867.04
Notes:
Base fare is synonymous to the Go Fares or Go Lite Fares offered all year round; Tutubi just happened to book his flight during a promo period. YQ seems to be the main bulk of the fare, not sure of the exact meaning. any information on what's meant by WAF would be appreciated. NBAG is the no baggage discount while SEAT is payment for the use of the seat selection feature.
Ferry or Ro-ro fare to Leyte costs about PhP1,100.00 one way, just about P300.00 less than flying the budget carrier but takes about 12 hours plus an aching butt; still, Tutubi hopes to ride one just for fun and enjoy the view along the way in Bicol, Samar then Leyte via San Juanico Bridge.
Lastly, Tutubi's favorite part of Cebu Pacific flights, the in-flight games where he won on various occasions, are no longer offered. Probably to further cut on costs, reality for a budget carrier. :(
Related Links:
Cebu Pacific Flight Information
Labels: Airlines, Cebu Pacific
posted by GingGoy @ 10:48 PM,
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