There’s a unique kind of charm in returning to locations that previously stole your heart, only to discover they’re even more delightful upon your next visit. That beauty, in my point of view, I have found in Eastern Visayas' wonderful although often overlooked attractiveness. A region filled with rich history, lively culture, and wild nature. These spots are treasures waiting to be discovered again, despite the fact that few tourists have visited them.
Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of my blog this week. Today, I’m going to share with you one of my throwback adventures from the year 2017. This was one of my travel experiences that’s still fresh in my memory because it was my first time. Keep reading, guys!
2017 was the year I visited our relatives in Leyte for the first time. We traveled from Mindanao to Leyte, and I remember it was a very sudden and unplanned trip. Unfortunately, one of our relatives passed away, and we went there to pay our respects. If you've read my previous blogs about our visits to Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River, this is actually Part 3 of that journey, a long trip from Mindanao to Leyte. This time, we traveled by boat, and the journey took us about 15-18 hours. As you can see in the picture, the waves were beautiful, and we were all excited because we were getting closer to our destination.
Fast forward, after visiting our relatives in Leyte, we decided to explore around and travel more. We wanted to discover the beauty of Eastern Visayas. As you may remember, Eastern Visayas was one of the areas severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda. As you can see in the picture, the roads and the mountainous regions are slowly recovering from the devastation caused by the typhoon. My relatives shared that, at the time, they thought it would be their last day on Earth. However, despite the destruction, many people survived, even though countless lives were lost, and there was a lack of resources, clean water, and food. I remember my aunts going to Tacloban to extend our help, even though there was no electricity at the time.
I was so happy when we finally reached Tacloban City. I was excited to see the beauty of the place. I remember feeling familiar with it because of our Hekasi/Civics class back in elementary school. I had always put it on my bucket list that one day, if I had the money to travel, I would visit the places we studied in that subject. I’ve always wanted to explore and learn about these ancient places, and one thing I looked forward to was learning the Waray language.
Our first stop was the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, located in Palo, Leyte, about 5 kilometers south of Tacloban City. The park is named after General Douglas MacArthur, a figure many of you may recognize from history books. MacArthur was a prominent military leader during World War II. This event marks the return of American forces to the Philippines after their expulsion by Japanese forces in 1942. It was here that he famously declared, "I shall return," and his promise was fulfilled with this landing. The park serves as a tribute to that moment and to the bravery of those who fought during the war.
Fast forward, we were ready to head to one of the most famous landmarks connecting Samar and Leyte, the San Juanico Bridge. I was beyond excited to explore this iconic bridge, which holds a special place in Filipino history and culture. The San Juanico Bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a part of local folklore. I’ve heard countless folktales about the strength of the bridge, with some even claiming that it was built to withstand the most intense natural forces. Many locals say that the bridge is a symbol of unity, connecting two provinces that were once separated by the vast waters of the San Juanico Strait. It’s said to be one of the longest and most beautiful bridges in the Philippines, and I couldn’t wait to experience it firsthand.
The San Juanico Bridge is an impressive engineering achievement and an important historical site in the Philippines. It connects the islands of Leyte and Samar, two provinces in the Eastern Visayas region, by crossing the San Juanico Strait. The bridge serves not only as an essential transportation connection but also as a representation of the unity between these two islands, previously divided by the waters of the strait. In terms of strength, the San Juanico Bridge is designed to withstand the weight of large vehicles as well as powerful natural forces, particularly the region's frequent typhoons and strong winds. In the picture, this is the view from inside the San Juanico Bridge. I was very happy because the wind was so strong, and it echoed every time we screamed.
This is the view before and as you enter the bridge. Aside from the bridge itself, you’ll also see the calming waters below. The wind carries the soothing sound of the waves, and I remember how the water had a beautiful hue of green and blue, it was so clean. I spotted some birds flying around, and I think there were fish as well. The bridge is incredibly long. I recall that back in elementary, my Hekasi/Civics teacher told us that, aside from the bridge's excellent engineering, there was a tradition associated with its construction. They used to kill a chicken, and its blood would be poured onto the bridge to make it sturdier.
After experiencing the mesmerizing views and breathtaking moments at both wonders of Eastern Visayas, we headed home to rest. It’s still fresh in my memory, and I can’t believe that this was once on my bucket list. Now, eight years later, I’ve already visited these places. This trip is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I hope that someday, I’ll be able to visit again. Hoping that you will visit this too.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!