TACLOBAN CITY DAY TOUR

Tacloban City Day Tour

(Part 1)

Sites:

1. Anibong Yolanda Memorial

2. San Juanico Bridge

3. Yolanda victims’ mass grave

4. Korean Park

5. Santo Nino Shrine

6. MacArthur Shrine

7. Santo Nino Church

Santo Nino Shrine

One of the tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss is Santo Nino Shrine, also known as the city’s heritage museum. According to the locals, it used to be one of the several rest houses of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, and was given to his first lady, Imelda Marcos as a special gift for her.

From the outside, the structure looks like a typical big mansion, but wait till you see what’s inside. Unfortunately, my friend and I were not able to tour the place around due to limited time. Our flight that day was at noon and we would run out of time if pursued this tour. Actually, I was a bit regretful missing my chance to pay a visit the entire place. Perhaps, if given another opportunity to visit Leyte once more, Sto. Nino Shrine will be top on my list.  

MacArthur Shrine

MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park commonly known as MacArthur Shrine (also called Leyte Landing Memorial Park or MacArthur Park, but formerly named Imelda Park) is a historical landmark being protected by the municipality of Palo, Leyte. 

This park is a vast area with a total of 6.78 hectares along the coastline of Barangay Candalung. The bronze statue of General MacArthur was built together with other important personalities such as former president Sergio Osmena, Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo, Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland, Major General Courtney Whitney, Sergeant Francisco Salvenon, and CBS radio announcer William Dunn. This historical landing was captured by Gaetano Faillace on October 20, 1944 and the sculpture was designed by Anastacio Caedo. It was then established and declared as a national park last July 12, 1977.

The site is far better than it was 15 years ago. The park is covered with Bermuda grass and well-lit at night. The local are more excited to take photos with the statues because they glitter as gold when they are illuminated before the sun sets.

The shrine is open for public with no admission fees.

Santo Nino Church

Church of Liberation popularly known as Santo Nino Church located on Real Street. It was originally built by the Jesuits, but taken over by Augustinians in 1596. Around 1843, the Franciscans managed the parish to rebuild or reconstruct it due to the vast damage caused by the earthquake. 

It was decided on that this important site needed a modern style and materials to withstand any forces of destruction. The modern look was created by repainting the entire church and for the inauguration its jubilee year held last April 15, 2000.

Next Topic: Jo's Chicken Inato 

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.