Tacloban City is a lively and historically rich destination in the Philippines that offers many attractions. As the capital of Leyte Province and the regional hub of Eastern Visayas, it has played a pivotal role in several significant events in the country's past, including the landing of General Douglas MacArthur and his allied forces in 1944. This began the Philippines' liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II.
In 2013, the city weathered one of the most destructive natural disasters in recent history - Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) - which caused thousands of fatalities and decimated much of the city's infrastructure. Despite these difficulties, Tacloban City has bounced back and established itself as a thriving and resilient city that welcomes visitors worldwide.
If you're interested in exploring historical landmarks, natural wonders, religious sites, or shopping centers, Tacloban City has a little something for everyone. Here are the top 10 attractions in Tacloban City that you should not miss when you visit this fantastic city.
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San Juanico Bridge
San Juanico Bridge is the longest bridge in the Philippines, spanning 2.16 kilometers across the San Juanico Strait that connects the islands of Leyte and Samar. It was built during the Marcos regime and inaugurated in 1973.
The bridge offers a stunning view of the strait and the surrounding islands, especially during sunrise and sunset. You can also walk or bike across the bridge to enjoy the scenery and feel the breeze. San Juanico Bridge symbolizes unity and resilience for the people of Leyte and Samar, who have endured many natural disasters and conflicts over the years.
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is a historical park that commemorates the landing of General Douglas MacArthur and his allied forces on Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, on October 20, 1944. This event marked the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.
The park features a bronze statue of MacArthur and his men and a museum that displays artifacts and memorabilia from the war. The park also has a scenic view of the Leyte Gulf and the San Pedro Bay.
Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is a mansion constructed during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. It holds significance for his wife, Imelda Marcos, who spent a significant portion of her youth in Tacloban City before becoming the wife of Marcos Sr.
The shrine houses a replica of the miraculous image of Sto. Niño (the Child Jesus) is revered by many Filipinos as their patron saint. The museum showcases the lavish lifestyle and extravagant collections of the Marcoses, such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, jewelry, clothes, shoes, and even a golden carriage.
M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine
M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine is a memorial for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda), which devastated Tacloban City and other parts of Eastern Visayas on November 8, 2013. The shrine consists of a ship's bow that was washed ashore by the storm surge and landed on a residential area, killing many people.
The bow was painted blue and adorned with flowers. The shrine serves as a reminder of the tragedy and a symbol of hope and recovery for the survivors.
Madonna of Japan
The Madonna of Japan is a statue of the Virgin Mary gifted by the Japanese government to the people of Tacloban City during the 1970s. This was a gesture of peace and friendship following the war, which brought much suffering and destruction in both countries.
The statue is a replica of the original Maria Kannon statue that Japanese Christians hold in high esteem. Maria Kannon is the Japanese name for the Virgin Mary, also known as Madonna in the Catholic tradition. The statue is situated on Kanhuraw Hill, near Tacloban City Hall, and faces San Pedro Bay.
The hill was a camping ground for the Japanese forces during the war. The statue blesses the city with her motherly love and protects it from natural disasters such as typhoons and floods. Furthermore, it serves as a memorial to the courageous soldiers who fought and died on the battlefield.
Tacloban City Convention Center
Tacloban City Convention Center, also known as the Astrodome, is the largest indoor arena in Eastern Visayas. It has a seating capacity of 4,500 people and is used for sports, entertainment, and social events.
The convention center has hosted several local and national events, such as basketball games, boxing matches, concerts, beauty pageants, graduations, weddings, and conventions. The convention center also has a food court and a parking lot. You can check the schedule of events and buy tickets online or at the venue.
People's Center and Library
People's Center and Library is a cultural and educational institution that serves the people of Tacloban City and Leyte province. The center and library have books, magazines, newspapers, journals, audiovisual materials, and other resources on various topics and fields.
It also has facilities such as a computer room, a reading room, a conference room, an auditorium, and an art gallery. The center and library offer programs and services such as seminars, workshops, trainings, lectures, exhibits, and outreach activities.
Old Leyte Provincial Capitol
Leyte Provincial Capitol was the seat of government of Leyte province and one of the most prominent buildings in Tacloban City. It was built in 1917 during the American colonial period and has a neoclassical architecture with Corinthian columns and a dome.
The capitol was also the site of several historical events, such as the restoration of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines with President Sergio Osmeña on October 23, 1944. Said day also marked the start of the four-day naval battle of Leyte Gulf, which destroyed much of Japan's remaining sea power.
Stations of the Cross in Calvary Hill
For Catholic devouts, the Stations of the Cross is a good destination in Tacloban City. It is a series of 14 sculptures that depict the passion and death of Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary. They are located on a hill overlooking Tacloban City and offer a panoramic view of the cityscape and the sea.
The Calvary Hill is open to the public daily but incredibly crowded during Holy Week, the week before Easter Sunday. This is when many Catholics observe the tradition of Visita Iglesia, which means visiting seven churches and praying at each one. Some also perform the Via Crucis, which means following the path of Jesus Christ from his trial to his crucifixion, as depicted by the 14 stations on the hill.
Tacloban City Hall
Tacloban City Hall is the official building where the city government of Tacloban operates and conducts its affairs. It is situated at Kanhuraw Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea. It has a neoclassical design with white columns and a red roof. It also has a spacious plaza where various events and ceremonies are held.
Said destination is not only a place of governance but also a place of history and culture. The city hall is also a symbol of hope and progress for the city and the region. It is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to learn more about Tacloban and its people.
Conclusion
Tacloban City is more than just a city. It is a place of history, culture, nature, and faith. It is where you can experience the best of Eastern Visayas and the Philippines. It is a place where you can witness the resilience and hospitality of its people. Tacloban City is the place to be if you are looking for a memorable and meaningful travel destination. —iTacloban/AJ Yes
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on the personal opinions and experiences of the author. The author is not affiliated with any of the attractions or businesses mentioned in the post. The photos of the attractions after the introduction are external and hosted by Google Maps. The author does not claim ownership or responsibility for the quality or accuracy of these photos. The photos are provided for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the current condition or appearance of the attractions. The author encourages the readers to visit the attractions themselves and form their own opinions.
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