🏛️ CAP Building in Tacloban: MacArthur’s HQ & A Mansion Full of History

👣 Walking Into History at the CAP Building, Tacloban

I’ve been to many places around Leyte and Samar, but if there’s one stop that feels like stepping into a chapter of a living history book, it’s the CAP Building in Tacloban. This isn't just another heritage site—it’s a time capsule of war, survival, and Filipino resilience.

Once the grand residence of Walter Scott Price—known to locals as the “King of Leyte” for his generosity—this American-style mansion served as General Douglas MacArthur’s official headquarters during the Leyte landing in World War II. It even became the temporary seat of the Philippine government after civil rule was restored.

🪖 Bullet holes from a Japanese attack? Still visible.
🏛️ MacArthur and Osmeña statues? Standing proud at the entrance.
📸 Photos and war memorabilia? Preserved inside the mansion.

What makes this even more impressive? It hasn’t been heavily renovated, so the charm of the early 1900s is still intact. The CAP Building now doubles as a museum and office of the College Assurance Plan—but the heart of history still beats loudly inside.

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📍 Quick Facts at a Glance

🔍 Details	📌 Information
🏠 Name	CAP Building / Price Mansion
📍 Location	Justice Romualdez Street, Tacloban City
🏛️ Historic Use	MacArthur HQ, WWII government seat
🧑‍🎨 Current Use	Museum & CAP Office
📸 Top Attractions	MacArthur & Osmeña statues, bullet hole
🕰️ Best Time to Visit	Weekday mornings
🎟️ Entrance Fee	FREE (as of last visit)

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📝 What You’ll See Inside

✅ Original furnishings and floor layout
✅ Douglas MacArthur memorabilia
✅ Art gallery and meeting hall
✅ Visible war damage (preserved for authenticity)
✅ Stories of Walter Price and Leyte during wartime

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💡 Visitor Tips

🚖 How to Get There:
Ride a jeepney or tricycle from downtown Tacloban. Ask to be dropped off at “Price Mansion” or “CAP Building.” Fare is just ₱8.00.

📷 Bring a Camera:
The white façade and statues outside, plus vintage interiors, make excellent backdrops for photos.

🛍️ Nearby Attractions:
After your visit, you can swing by nearby pasalubong centers, Sto. Niño Shrine, or even grab lunch at Sunzibar or Ocho Grill.

💬 Talk to the Guard or Staff:
If they’re available, ask them to share trivia—they usually know interesting bits that aren’t posted anywhere!

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🧭 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Whether you’re a student, traveler, or local revisiting your roots, the CAP Building offers more than just historical value—it offers emotional insight into a time when Tacloban played center stage in reclaiming freedom. It's a quiet, dignified reminder of our past.

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💬 Have you visited the CAP Building in Tacloban? Did you spot the bullet hole or snap a photo with the MacArthur statue?
👇 Share your thoughts or tag your photos in the comments!

📌 Planning your Leyte-Samar trip? Don’t forget to add this historic stop to your itinerary.

🛫 Need help crafting your 3D2N plan? I’d be happy to help—just leave a comment or send me a message!