Ormoc City

   I vaguely remember the city of Ormoc because I only stayed there less than 12 hours. We took the route via Ormoc going to Tacloban and we didnt let the chance pass us by so we took some pictures. I can only remember the taste of their famous burger though (Mayong's) as we were told. Hahahahah!! I hope I can revisit Ormoc to discover the hidden paradise. 

   If you're in Cebu, you can ride a fastcraft at the North Reclamation port heading for Ormoc City. The trip would take around an hour and fare would cost around a thousand+ bucks. 

Ormoc Catholic Church is fairly new with it's marble facade and gold-leafed tableau inside.

Delicious burger wrapped...

and as I told you so.

 Ormoc City's Superdome. Superb indeed! This superdome is facing Ormoc Bay.

Guerilla Warfare Forces Monument is a colorful monument dedicated to the guerillas during the war. Situated near the Veterans Monument in front of Ormoc City Superdome.

Rides in Ormoc City are tricycles. There's still a lot to see around Ormoc. I am looking forward to revisiting this wonderful City.

General Santos City: Overview of my Home Sweet Hometown

General Santos City or known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines is my hometown. It is called Tuna Capital because of the Tuna Industry in the City. Shortly known as Gensan, it is also the home of the famous boxer Manny Pacquiao. Nowadays it is also called as Home of the Champ because of this.

People from the Luzon and Visayas islands are quite scared and hesitant to go to Gensan because of the bombing cases years ago and thinking that Gensan is an unsafe place. Well, I am still alive and kicking right now. We are all a magnet of accidents and trouble. Anywhere can be unsafe unless there is constant vigilance.

There are a lot of ways to reach GenSan. Via plane, bus, ship/boat, you choose. Common transportations in the city are tricycles, public jeepneys, trisikad (a mini version of tricycles which are only allowed to travel within subdivisions and barangays), and habal-habal (motorcycles). There are a few taxis but with unfixed fares.

Photos below are taken downtown, General Santos City's Park (July 23, 2010). I chose to take some shots of the park because it is found at the heart of the city and the most well-known landmark in GenSan.

The renovated and improved Plaza Heneral Santos was unveiled to the public September 4, 2009.

 Pathway. At the end is the City Hall.

Statue of General Paulino Santos Sr.

Unlike before, the park is now adorned with ornamental plants, well-arranged trees and pretty landscapes.

Pioneer Avenue facing the General Santos City's Park. From here, you can see tricycles,and habal-habal.

Gensan is a lovely booming smalltown with neighboring cities such as Koronadal and Davao. Since Gensan is my hometown, I will show more posts about this city in the future (the benefit of having your own blog-biased, LOL!).

Tacloban City

Finally! If it wasnt for our Waray friend, Mytha, I wouldn't be able to reach Tacloban. I just love the peaceful ambience. I wish I could go back there and revisit San Juanico Bridge and McArthur Park for I wasnt able to see the charm of those man-made beauties during daytime. I'll show you some famous landmarks and for sure you will fall in love with Tacloban City.

This is the Santo Nino Shrine by the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Inside you can see priceless collector's items like paintings, furnitures, etc. You will be asked to remove your footwear and wear one of their slippers once inside. The downside? You won't have enough time to appreciate the beauty of the items because the tour guide will tell you to hurry up for they are saving electricity.

If you want to get inside, here are the details.

This place is in the city's vicinity. From here, you can see the vast ocean of Tacloban.

I love this place. I think this is their court, not sure though. My friend Mytha mentioned what it was called but I forgot. I'm terrible! Ugh!

San Juanico Bridge. The longest bridge in the Philippines stretching from Samar to Leyte crossing the San Juanico Strait. When a friend and I went there, it was already night time. We were told that vehicles are not allowed to stop there so we had to sneak and hurry to have this picture taken.

Mc Arthur Park. This monument is dedicated to General Mc Arthur and his troops. Located in Palo, Leyte which is a few minutes drive from Tacloban City.

Transportations in Tacloban City proper are tricycle, jeeps and fare is Php7. From Cebu, you can ride a fastcraft going to Ormoc City and then ride a bus for Tacloban. The fare for the fastcraft is Php 1000+ and the ride for the bus is free, part of the promotional package of the fascraft line.  You can also opt out to fly on a plane. 

More photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xymyr23/sets/72157624975330765/

watch out for my Ormoc City Trip!