🏛️ Sto. Niño Shrine & Museum Tacloban: History, Marcos Legacy & Must-See Collections

🏛️ Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum: A Glimpse into Tacloban’s History and the Marcos Legacy

Often mistaken for the Sto. Niño Church, the Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum is a two-story heritage building located on Real Street in downtown Tacloban City. It is one of the province’s popular tourist attractions — not only because of its association with the Marcos family but also due to the priceless collections housed inside.

Discover the CAP Building: Tacloban’s Historic Price Mansion

If you love history and heritage, the CAP Building in Tacloban is a must-visit. This stunning American-style mansion was once owned by Walter Scott Price, a wealthy businessman known locally as the "King of Leyte." Price wasn’t just rich—he was deeply respected for his generosity and kindness toward the less fortunate in the community.

3D/2N Leyte & Samar Sample Expenses

On my first time visiting the province, our friend's father drove us around so we didn't spend much. On the 2nd time, however, we had to arrange our own transportation. Below is the sample expenses on our 3D/2N Leyte & Samar Provinces Trip.

3D/2N Leyte & Samar Sample Itinerary

As promised, I did return to Tacloban, Leyte and I included Samar in my itinerary.  I've been here already, but I will never get tired of going back to the historical sites I've been to.  This time I served as the tour guide for my friends, prepared the 3D/2N Itinerary and arranged the transportation for us.

Complete List of Hotels & Inns in Leyte Province

Please find below the list of accommodations in Tacloban City, Leyte. This is just a list and does not guarantee the current room rates, addresses, contact numbers and quality of service of the hotels. It is advisable that you do a full and thorough research about a specific hotel before booking.

Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine

Just below the Crucified Christ is the Madonna of Japan Shrine with the statue of Maria Kanon, the Goddess of Peace. This statue was donated by Japan to the Philippines as a symbol of peace and friendship.

Leyte Park Resort

We’re told that if we want to go for a night out, we must try the Leyte Park and the floating restaurant.  Assuming that at 10:00 in the evening is the best time to party out, we went there expecting a lot of people.  I guess 10:00 is late for oldies like us!

Ocho Seafood & Grill Restraunt

Ocho Seafood and Grill has been serving Tacloban with a fusion of Filipino and Chinese cuisine since 2002. From a small eatery, it has grown to become one of the city’s top food spots and surely the preferred place for the best seafood in town.

Crucified Christ and the Map of Leyte Pilgrim Monument

Located at the Kanruhaw Hill just beside the Tacloban City hall is the Crucified Christ overlooking the sea.  When we visited this, it's currently for renovation thus the metal bars in the pictures.

The statue has the image of the crucified Christ on one side and what makes it unique with other image is the map of Leyte on the other side. It has a fountain with wishing pond, but it's not currently working at that time because of the renovation.

One of the 2 tablets attached on the foot of the statue

Another stone has this inscription.

Map of Leyte



In 1521, Magellan discovered the Philippines, and held the first mass in Limasawa Island, in 1945, MacArthur made true to his promise through his words “I shall return”. For him to save the country from invaders and set foot on the shore of Palo, Leyte.

Leyte is indeed blessed for being the gateway to Christianity and liberation of the Philippines. The Lord Jesus must have planned it the people is in search for paradise not knowing that they are standing on a blessed Island, the sculpted image of Christ.”
  

Governor Remedios L. Petilla


Province of Leyte



The Image of the Crucified Christ



“Upon seeing the map of Leyte, I had visualised an image of a crucified man. The Map of Leyte is indeed the crucified Christ”.



Nemiranda

Artist


If you have extra time, you can walk around the hill to explore the City Hall and walk down the stone steps down the hill where the Peace Shrine is located.

How to get to the Monument:

From downtown, just hire a tricycle to bring you to the Tacloban City Hall. Special trip costs Php60.00 per trip.

(Pictures were taken before the typhoon Haiyan)

Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City

There are lots of hotels in Tacloban, but since I already stayed at Hotel Alejandro I booked here the second time around.  Not only because they offer great food for breakfast, but their service is great too!

Cafe Teresa at Hotel Alejandro

When we stayed at Hotel Alejandro, breakfast is included in their room rate.  I loved their breakfast, especially the danggit and daing na bangus.  When we came back I made sure my friends have breakfast here.

Sunzibar Restaurant: My Favorite Restaurant in Tacloban City!

This Mexican restaurant looks just your normal restaurant but don't be deceived. This is one of the reasons I want to go back to Tacloban. Loved by locals and tourists, with its sumptuous yet inexpensive menu. A really must try is their Nachos Salad and Rum Ribs.  I love...love...love the Nachos Salad!  If only I can order a take home without spoiling the Nachos, I would.

Leyte Provincial Capitol (Pamunuan San Lalawigan Sa Leyte)

Once the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government on 1944 under President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Constructed in 1917, completed and inaugurated in 1924. The original edifice was renovated, expanded and beautified 40 years after.

🇺🇸 MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, Leyte: A Promise Fulfilled in WWII History

🇺🇸 “I Have Returned”: A Promise Fulfilled

Standing tall in Palo, Leyte, the General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memorial Park commemorates one of the most iconic moments in Philippine history. On October 20, 1944, MacArthur fulfilled his legendary promise:

“I came through, and I shall return.”

Although the U.S. military had advised him to change his words to “We shall return,” MacArthur stood firm. When he landed on the shores of Leyte, he famously declared,

“I have returned.”

This bold return marked the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.

🚣Rafael Farm & Restaurant: A Relaxing Place with Beautiful View

🍽️ A Must-Visit Destination After Exploring San Juanico Bridge

If you're planning a trip to Leyte, Rafael Farm & Restaurant in Babatngon is a must-add to your itinerary. Just a 1.5-hour drive from San Juanico Bridge, this peaceful, family-owned farm offers not only delicious Filipino dishes but also a refreshing nature escape — perfect for foodies, families, and couples alike.

San Juanico Bridge: The Longest & Beautifully Designed Bridge in the Philippines

Formerly called "Marcus Bridge," the San Juanico Bridge is a true architectural gem and a national landmark. Spanning 2.16 kilometers (1.34 miles), it connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte, easing travel and trade between the two islands.