Rio De Janeiro of Leyte?!

Surely you’ve clicked the site coz the title ‘Rio De Janeiro of Leyte’ was intriguing, right? And perhaps you’ve asked yourself “Really?” in disbelief, eh?  But guys, there’s this kind of destination actually! A big statue of Jesus Christ was built at a mountaintop in a coastal town of the Leyte province similar to the Rio De Janeiro of Brazil!

A big sculpture of Jesus Christ was built on top of Mt. Inapusong, located at a seaside in the town of Tolosa, Leyte. This three-dimensional figure was actually the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visitors liken the statue with the 38-meter tall Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado in Brazil, calling the town of Tolosa as the Rio de Janeiro of Leyte/Rio de Janeiro of the Philippines. However, the landmark statue of Rio De Janeiro is a lot taller than of Tolosa’s.

You can get here by taking a van or jeepney from Tacloban. It’s actually just an hour drive from the city. Tell the driver to drop you off at Tolosa Public Market. You can walk or ride a pedicab going to the beach – where you can find the stairs to mountaintop.

Since Tolosa is just a neighboring town of Tanauan, Leyte (my hometown), we often climb up Mt. Inapusong to witness the sunup during weekends or hike after our morning jog.

A concrete stairs were made for visitors’ convenience so it won’t be hard for them to climb up there.

Previously, climbing at Mt. Inapusong was hard since there was nothing to hold that could help us reach the top. We clamber and swarm up there just by holding tree branches and some bushes but obviosuly these disrupt easily in one hold. I remember that time when I slipped and almost fall when we were at the middle part of the climb. Thankfully my other hand had held some shrubs before my life could be at stake. That reflex, though. It saved me. But still I got my clothes all messed up with so much mud.  Such an experience!

However today, guests can now lightly reach the mountaintop by holding the long metal bars designed to help them climb and reach the top easily. This was so much help since we don’t need to hike like a Spiderman going up there. :P There is also an on-going construction of the Twelve (12) Stations of the Cross on the mountain, since the people of Tolosa usually climb up here to pray during Holy Week.

All sweat had paid off!

Reaching the top while waiting for the sunrise was always worth the elbow grease! The sun rising up in the east was so visible from the horizon, slowly lighting up the town. I also love the gentle humid air at dawn cooling your sweat off from your body; boats at the sea were like moving toys; and watching the birds gliding over the mountain was so spectacular!

There is a small concrete hut built at the top and a tall building where the Sacred heart of Jesus was situated. You can climb up at the uppermost of this building through a metal ladder. There you can see the community of Tolosa and neighboring towns at 360 degree view. It’s like you’re watching a live Google Map. The view was so noteworthy!

Notes: 

• Please be careful. The ladder was slippery and a little rusty.
• Entrance is free of charge. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes, at least. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys which transports to Tolosa, Leyte. Travel takes more than an hour ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Tolosa Public Market.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Tolosa, Leyte.

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

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Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum

The P100 entrance fee becomes your portal to one of the presidential mansions of the Marcoses, located at Real Street, Tacloban City. The house-turned-museum displayed venerable and priceless relics owned by the Marcos’ family; age-old furniture bought and obtained from different countries; and gifts from the most influential people and prominent leaders in the world. 

The moment you go inside you’ll see a mini tabernacle situated at the center, more likely designed as a chapel. This is where the mass and other religious activities are done especially during the feast of Señor Sto. Niño.

 Chapel of Señor Sto. Niño inside the mansion

From the entrance, you’ll then be directed to its guestrooms (1^st floor) styled in various motifs (Ilocana, Muslim, Butterfly, Coconut, etc.), themes designed perfectly from the room’s interior down to its floor, and beds designed in accordance with the room’s motif. 

Each room has its own scenic representation of Mrs. Imelda Marcos' projects and activities in the country, in which sculptured figures and lifelike details were displayed in a glass-covered miniature box designed on walls (dioramas). 

We then went up to the second floor and saw the old photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Marcos – most were national events and activities in the country during the late president’s years of service.

The upper level of the house has rooms with long dining tables and chairs designed in a unique architectural framework; room walls made of wood designs; and old, large ornate lighting fixtures suspended from ceilings with bulbs still functioning up til now. Also, the wide ballroom area at the opposite side was styled perfectly with yellow bulbs and furniture made from hardwood.

As we went to the rooms of the Marcos’ family, one thing that captured me most was the room of Mrs. Imelda Marcos. Queen-like! From the chandelier down to her bed, to the bathroom, the designs - WOW! Ravishing and stunning! Even their handmaiden, servants, and bodyguards with rooms located next to them had elegant quarters.

We were also fascinated with the old displays in every corner of the house; the big mirrors imported and made from different countries; those invaluable furniture particularly the cabinet which was made from sandalwood that dispenses its redolent smell every time you open it.

-----

Glad the house was not severely devastated by Typhoon Haiyan last November 2013. The typhoon had only destroyed the external part of the heritage museum and not the statuettes and the vintage properties of the family, which were the most important things inside. 

  

I suggest you visit the mansion coz this would be your gateway to Marcos' era. Best regards to our tourist guide, we learned a lot from him. Thank you sir! (I forgot his name, lol)

Note: The Department of Tourism (City of Tacloban) takes charge of the Sto Shrine and Heritage Museum. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), you can find taxicabs that will take you to the heritage museum. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City. 

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Mahaplag Inland Resort

Location: Malinao, Mahaplag, Leyte

The resort was ornamented with flowering plants and small trees and the cirque-shaped pool has a wide circumference, occupying the resort with wooden chalets around, a small slide, and a bridge at the center.

Note: The resort also offers overnight accommodations at their mini hotel located just right next to the pool area.

For queries, contact the resort or message them at their Mahaplag Inland Resort facebook page. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Mahaplag, Leyte. Travel takes two (2) hours from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at the road to Mahaplag Inland Resort.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Mahaplag, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) shipping lines which operate from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Castañas Spring Resort

Location: Brgy. Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte 

Note: Located just along Abuyog-Baybay Road. You’ll see a signboard and colored flaglets along the highway.

Just like with other spring resorts, the water is clear and so cool, perfect for your kind of summer dip. The water came from a small falls situated at a more than an hour hike from the resort. Most visitors actually go there, searching for the water’s origin. Be sure to have with you a local guide.

Notes: 

• The pool was divided into two parts – for kids and for adults. 
• You can rent tables and chairs or cottages located near the pool area. You can bring your own food and drinks also. No corkage fee.
• Rooms are available for overnight use.

Fees: (Rates subject to change)

• Entrance - P25
• Cottage good for 20 persons - P500
• Cottage good for 30 persons - P1,000
• Folding Tables - P150
• Umbrella (with 6 chairs) - P300
• Rooms good for 2 persons - P850

For more info, you can contact the resort manager/owner through this number: 09069277717

Related Articles: 

Villa Escober Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar
Pine's Farm Resort, Abuyogan, Burauen, Leyte
Cansiboy Burabod Spring Resort, Cansiboy, Burauen, Leyte

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans and buses which pass by Abuyog, Leyte or PUVs bound for Baybay, Leyte (since it passes through the resort). Travel takes more than two (2) hours ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Castanas Spring Resort.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Abuyog, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) companies which operates from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Cold Spring Resorts in Burauen, Leyte

Burauen, Leyte became one of the popular destinations in the province because of the spring resorts located here. Well thanks to social media, every Facebook share and posts helped this unknown place become a famous destination now – people posted their photos of family outings and get-togethers, Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort or Pine’s Farm Resort as venues, located at Brgy. Cansiboy, and Brgy. Abuyugon, Burauen, Leyte, respectively. 

A. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort

The resort has a man-made pool with spring waters coming exclusively from mountain peaks. The amount of spring water it pours down to the hillside probably depends on the water pressure in the aquifer or the amount of rainwater.

Note: There are actually two sets of pool. The other was at the lower part of the mountainside which is managed by the local government. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort, on the other hand, is a privately-owned resort.

The water was very, very cold. I can’t even swim properly coz I was shivering badly. The water was icy, but definitely not in a sub-zero point. I think you need to splash yourself a bit first. This gives your body a chance to react more than if you jump straight into the pool or you can also do some research to get some tips on how you’ll improve your tolerance to cold water – for some who want cool swims.

Entrance Fee:

20.00 (Adult)

15.00 (Children)

Cottages:

Near the poolside: P300

B. Pine’s Farm Resort

The pool was designed with large rocks, coated with white, snowy shade to make it look like little icebergs. (Arctic feels!)

So many people visited the resort last Easter Sunday (2016), so we just went to the other side to get a quick dip of the water. It was so crowded and we got no place to stay.

Entrance Fee: P10

Cottages: P150 - P300

Notes:

• It is best to rent a vehicle (if you don't have one) going to these resorts. Only few passenger vehicles pass in this area.
• You can bring your own food and drinks. No corkage fee.

RELATED POSTS: Villa Escober Cold Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte. Travel takes two-hour ride from the city. 

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ride vans bound for Tacloban City Terminal. You can look for vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte once you arrive at Tacloban City.

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

4D/3N Manila Tour

Instead of going to island destinations near Manila, we head up visiting the art museums and historical places in the city. We visited some of its popular factual sites, art galleries, crafts center, and many others.

The following are the places we’ve been to:

Note: We booked our 4D/3N Manila Tour through All World Travel House amounting P4,300 each, including other fees, hotel accommodation (Grand Plaza Hotel), and food. Plane fare is not included.

1. Las Piñas Arts and Crafts Center (Las Piñas City)

Creativity and Resourcefulness. - This trade center weaved bread baskets and traditional bayongs, picnic or clothes hampers, blankets, bags, trays, lamp shades and even utensil coasters and slippers, most of which were made from water lilies using traditional and local wooden machines. This center is actually under Manny Villar’s Foundation, furnishing livelihood to the locals in Las Piñas.  

2. Bamboo Organ Tour (Las Piñas City)

The Church and the Bamboo Organ History – We visited the St. Joseph Parish Church styled with bamboo designs inside, and enjoyed the complete series of presentations or exhibits at the museum where artifacts, ancient prints and photos of the church and the bamboo organ were displayed.

3. Bahay ni Rizal or Calamba Shrine (Calamba, Laguna)

Jose Rizal Shrine and Museum - The house was labelled as a National Shrine by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, located along Mercado Street and Rizal Street in Calamba, Laguna’s Poblacion 5. By the way, this house is now a museum replica, a shrine rebuilt from the original Bahay ni Rizal which was devastated during World War II. This house was constructed in Spanish-styled architectural framework and was one of the first stone and hardwood living structures in Calamba.

I was really interested of the ligneous tables, chairs, and the rooms depicting the typical room quarters of Filipino families in the past years. You will be directed to its souvenir shop after your tour.

4. National Museum (Ermita, Manila)

Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Gallery - Of course our Manila tour became more interesting when we’ve visited the National Museum of the Philippines – a public gallery which preserves and restores Philippine collections related to the study of human races, origins, societies, cultures, and antiquities.

There I saw Juan Luna’s painting which is prevalently known as the Spoliarium, located at the museum’s Level 2 (House Floor), The Old House of Representatives Session Hall.

Note: Using camera flash is prohibited, especially on paintings displayed at the museum.

5. Cultural Center of the Philippines (Malate, Pasay)

State venue for different activities - This cultural capital site delivers and provides presentation venues for numerous native and worldwide productions where events and activities includes structural designs, dance, motion pictures and television arts, literary culture, music, drama and optical arts.

6. Nemiranda Art House and Museum (Angono, Rizal)

The Great Artist – From the entrance you’ll be welcomed with this large Nemiranda signboard outside the museum designed artistically and creatively. You’ll also find a lot of different sculptures and paintings made personally by the artist, Nemesio B. Nemiranda – artist known for “Imaginative Figurism” – drawing of human form from imagination.

7. Rizal Park (Luneta)

Dedicated Officers – Officers in-charge should receive salutation and praises for being so devoted to their duties, guarding and securing the Rizal monument which is the symbol of nationalism and patriotism.

8. Lady of Manaoag Shrine (Tierra de Maria, Tagaytay City)

We visited this famous sanctuary in Tagaytay to pray; hoping our prayer requests will be granted by the miraculous Lady of Manaoag.

9. Palace in the Sky (Tagaytay)

Literally a palace in the sky - overlooking a 360 degree view of the surroundings, the eminent Taal Lake in Batangas and the Taal Volcano from above here; the place also gave us a cooler climate provided that this is situated at higher altitude.

• We took our buffet lunch at Sir Manny Villar’s house during our second day.
• Visiting Manila’s Ocean Park was also in our itinerary but something  came up, ended up cancelling our trip there.
• We took our last day in Manila buying pasalubongs for our family back in Leyte. 
• Credits to my friends for the photos (some pictures posted here)

AIRLINES WITH DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MANILA (INTERNATIONAL)

Emirates 

Malaysia Airlines 

Gulf Air 

Cathay Pacific    

Japan Airlines 

Delta 

Qatar Airways   

EVA Air 

Kuwait Airways 

Etihad Airways 

Saudia 

Qantas 

KLM        

Korean Air        

China Eastern 

Singapore Airlines      

Asiana Airlines 

Royal Brunei 

Turkish Airlines 

Air China 

Ethiopian Airlines 

Thai Airways       

Oman Air                

Garuda Indonesia 

ANA          

China Southern    

Vietnam Airlines

Philippine Airlines (Direct from UK)
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia 

Source: Skyscanner

Note: Manila International Airport or popularly known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is an airport serving Manila and its surrounding cities and towns. It is the main international gateway for travelers to Philippines and the central base spot for AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, CebGo, PAL Express and Philippine Airlines.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.