we shall return

We just got back from our very first trip for the year. T'was Cebu-Ormoc-Tacloban-Leyte and Samar this time.

Actually, we just had to use our "denied boarding passes" we got from PAL last year when we went to Bohol. It was to expire by Feb. 11.

Good thing we also had the "hotel accommodation freebie" from BPI which we got when we had them finance our CRV last September.

So, pack our bags we did and took the 4:30 am flight to Cebu -the Queen City of the South.

Honestly, we've been to Cebu quite a number of times already and we have already toured all over. So, we just slept most of the time and enjoyed the amenities Waterfront Lahug has to offer.

Late in the afternoon, we just went to Shangrila Mactan and enjoyed the sunset by the bay.

Day 2 had us sleeping until around lunchtime.

Then we took the last trip of Supercat to Ormoc.

We originally planned to spend the night in Ormoc but decided to head straight to Tacloban instead at the last minute. It was a two hour bus ride so it was a sleeping fest oppotunity once again for the both of us.

When we reached Tacloban, we were surprised to see a lot of cars parked inside the Tacloban Convention Center. We found out that Martin Nievera is having a concert.We planned to just eavesdrop outside as we do not really have a budget for tickets anymore. We saw on the posters outside that a ticket costs 1000 grand.

But after a few minutes, we found ourselves seated in the in the VIP section screaming our lungs off!

How did it happen?
We do not know either.

It was funny, crazy, and surreal!

The security people at the gate let us in without question. Once inside, I just made eye-contact with the Usherette and she let us in without a single word. Later, I asked her if we could move into the middle and she surprisingly said yes.

When all these things are happening, I was praying that Jon just follow me and not ask questions too. Fortunately, he was surprisingly silent. He'd occassionally throw me a dirty look but he was following me nonetheless.

Long story short, we enjoyed the FREE show. Weeee!

On the hindsight, we realized that we were probably allowed entry because that show has already begun when we came (although I think Martin was just into his 3rd or 4th song when we arrived).

Also, we looked too "Manileno" enough for us not to have a ticket.

We honestly did not intend to gatecrash. Promise.

After that we went to look for a place to stay for the night.

A difficult feat considering there was a big event in town that night.

But nothing scares us anymore after our brave trip in Shanghai last March (detailed story soon).

We found Hotel La Rica at the nearby downtown and slept restfully that night.

We woke up by 6AM the next day. We've got a full day ahead.

Our first stop was Palo, Leyte for the Mac Arthur Landing Memorial site.

A really historic one that had us both having goosebumps despite the scorching heat (we are history buffs, FYI).

Then we were off to the San Juanico Bridge.It was one of the "must see" since Jon is an Engineer.

As expected, he had a grand time examining the famous landmark the way he did when we were at the Golden Gate in San Francisco two years ago.

We were running late this time as we have to be out of Tacloban and enroute to Ormoc by 12 noon to catch the 2:20 PM trip to Cebu.

But we were there to seize the moment,

We squeezed the Sto. Nino Shrine in our list and was there in no time.

Once inside, we were both dismayed and a bit "angry" that fascinated nor amused and entertained.

The Museum was clearly a product of the former First Lady's lavish and extravagant way of life. You see, this was supposed to be a "Malacanang" of the South that's why it was complete with all the amenities plus "imported" furniture, etc. for use of the first family (My even their bodyguards' bedrooms were accommodations fit for a king!)

The saddest part is this: It was NEVER used. In fact, the former President went there once.

A complete waste of money!

Now it is run by PCGG. I just hope that the 200 grand ticket they collect goes to the people this time...Otherwise it'll be double kill.

Hmmm, before I sound too serious and political, let me just say that despite everything, getting there is still one hell of an experience.

The rest of the day was spent riding in all the type of transportation I usually teach my students - land (the dupont van from Tacloban to Ormoc) water (Ormoc to Cebu Supercat) and air (the Cebu-Manila PAL flight).

It was all in all a good vacation.

We thank the LORD for giving us the time, the strength and the resources for us to enjoy HIS wonderful and awesome creations. Praise and Glory be unto YOU, Father!

We are just so happy and thankful to shade four more destinations in our "Travel History" Map.

We seriously want to see the world, just so you know, folks... :)