As the gateway to Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City is a place where the two provinces of Samar and Leyte meet. During the Second World War, it became the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth and the headquarters of the liberation forces of the United States of America which made the city historically significant. Aside from its historical significance, Tacloban City is also the tourism hub of Eastern Visayas and one of the most promising cities of the region.

Tacloban was first known as Kankabatok which means "belonging to Kabatok (the first inhabitants of the place)". Kankabatok was under the jurisdiction of Palo, Leyte and part of the parish of Basey, Samar. The name Kankabatok was changed to Tarakluban, which means a place where fishermen caught crabs using a taklub (bamboo tray that can be closed). From Tarakluban, the name was shortened to Tacloban.

Tacloban is the only highly urbanized city in the region which opens new opportunities to investors. As a highly urbanized city, the government of Tacloban also promotes tourism as a source of its economy. With its historical significance, visitors will surely enjoy their stay in Tacloban.

The city has many beautiful and historical sites that are well worth a visit, and here are some of them:

1. People’s Center Library: Located in Real Street, Tacloban City, this library houses many books from different cultures around the world including the rich cultural heritage of the Waraynons from Samar and Leyte. It also has a collection of dioramas of all the ethnic tribes of the Philippines. The social hall of the library becomes a bazaar during summer and Christmas season, which attracts visitors from nearby towns. It is said that the library was built to house the thousand of books that the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, bought from the US.

 

2. Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum: Next to the People’s Center Library lies a museum named Sto. Niño Shrine, also known as Romualdez Museum. It was built on the order of Imelda Romualdez during the Marcos Era. It is one of the 29 presidential rest houses of the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos. The shrine is considered as a top tourist destination in Tacloban City because of its association with the the former first lady. Visitors often go here to see the patron saint of Leyte, Sto. Niño, and to catch a glimpse of the wooden sculpture of “Si Malakas at si Maganda.” The shrine houses paintings of the 14 stations of the cross done by Filipino artists, and you can also find here a collection of original paintings by Fernando Amorsolo.

 

3. Leyte Provincial Capitol:  Known as The Capitol Building, The Leyte Provincial Capitol was built in 1907 and it was once the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government during World War I for a bried period from October 23, 1944 to February 27, 1945. The building features two bas-relief murals depicting the historical MacArthur Landing on the Red Beach of Palo, Leyte, and the First Christian Mass held in the island of Limasawa.

 

4. The Price Mansion: Named after Walter Scott Price, an American businessman who settled in Tacloban with his Caviteña wife and founded several businesses like the Leyte Transport Company and the Bazar Gran Capitan during the American period. Price was so loved by the people of Tacloban because he was never been blinded by wealth, social and political power. Instead, he remained hospitable and was always ready to smile and share his blessings to the less fortunate.

The Price Mansion was also used as a temporary seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government and served as a residence and headquarters of General MacArthur during the liberation period. Today, the Mansion features MacArthur's memorabilia, an Art Gallery, and a Conference Center. Facing the Romualdez Street, the statues of MacArthur and Osmeña stand proud as they are the two icons of the Leyte Landing in 1944. The monument of the two icons in the Price Mansion recaptures the moment when Gen. MacArthur proclaimed the resumption of the constitutional civil government in the hands of the late president, Sergio Osmeña.

 

5. Redoña Residence: Located on T. Claudio Street, Tacloban City. The Redoña Residence earned its place in history when it became the official residence of President Osmeña during the liberation period until the re-establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth in Manila. At that period, Tacloban was both the seat of government of the Philippine Commonwealth and the general headquarters of the Liberation Forces of the United States. The mansion is one of the remaining houses built in the turn of 19^th century and totally needs a serious restoration for it is a part of the rich history of the Philippines.

 

6.San Juanico Bridge: The greatest infrastructure built during the Marcos era and once held the title, “The Longest Bridge in Southeast Asia”. The bridge was constructed on 1969 starting from Calabawan, Tacloban City to the municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar. The construction was completed in the year 1973 through the help of skilled Japanese engineers. It is believed that the San Juanico Bridge, also known as the Marcos Bridge, was built to present as a gift by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to his wife, Imelda Marcos.

The Marcos Bridge is one of the best tourist destinations in Tacloban because of its historical value and architectural design. Sceneries from the bridge are surely fantastic. One can see the two main islands of Eastern Visayas from the bridge that crosses the San Juanico Strait which is reported as the world’s narrowest. The bridge serves as a major gateway for trade and commere between Leyte and Samar and it is the reason why Tacloban is the gateway to Eastern Visayas.

 

7. The White Beach: Located in Brgy. San Jose, the White Beach is popular for its wide range of sport activities that it offers, including diving. It is the center of professional diving courses in Tacloban and children can join small training camps to know well the basics of water sports. Boats are also available for hire and visitors will have a chance to take a glimpse on some uninhabited islands in the area. The beach is also historically significant because it is one of the beaches in which the liberation forces assigned a codename where General Douglas MacArthur’s assault troops are going to land.  

 

8. Madonna of Japan: Located along the Magsaysay Boulevard, one will find another historical site and it’s the Madonna of Japan. The Madonna Maria Kannon or Madonna of Japan is one of the historical landmarks in Tacloban City and serves as a memory to the brave soldiers who fought and died during the World War II. The area where the monument is erected was a campground for the Japanese soldiers who brought dreadful experiences to the people of Leyte. As years passed, the Japanese people and its government tried to reconcile with the Filipino people .As a proof of reconciliation, the two nations erected the Madonna of Japan as a symbol of friendship between the Japanese and Filipinos. Since its erection, the monument brings peace to the two nations thus, Japan and the Philippines continues to support each other for progress.

If you’re planning to stay in Tacloban and see the historical sites located within the Gateway to Eastern Visayas, then you might want to check out this list of Hotels compiled by www.world66.com:

1. Hotel Alejandro: Hotel Alejandro is one of Tacloban City’s most precious landmarks. This is because this hotel has a rich history that goes back several years. Hotel Alejandro is located on P. Paterno Street, just a few blocks away from the city’s business district. This colonial hotel has more than 50 well-furnished guestrooms that are equipped with modern facilities and amenities. If you are looking for a hotel that is not too expensive, this could be perfect for you. Standard rooms cost $25 per night.

2. Leyte Park Resort Hotel: The Leyte Park hotel is situated on 6 hectares of beautiful land along the beach front of the pristine San Pedro Bay. Besides the beautiful beach and majestic view of San Juanico Strait, you will definitely enjoy the hotel’s facilities such as the two-level swimming pool, onsite bar and restaurant, golf courses, spa and fitness center, as well as water sports facilities and the souvenir shop. Rooms at this hotel cost from $15 to $125 per night. If you want exclusive and luxury accommodation, you can rent the hotel’s Pool Villa for $225 a night.

3. Hotel D’Angelo: Hotel D’Angelo is a 7-story hotel that is situated right in the heart of Tacloban’s business district. This is one of the most popular hotels for budget travelers seeking good affordable accommodations. The hotel has 52 well-furnished rooms that can accommodate up to three occupants. If you are looking for an affordable place in the center of town, this will be perfect for you. Standard rooms cost $17 per night.

4. Asia Star Hotel: Asia Star Hotel is a 6-story hotel that is located right in the shopping and entertainment center of Tacloban City. It has 60 comfy rooms that are equipped with above-average facilities. The hotel includes function rooms, a conference hall, a bar and a restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and include air-conditioning, cable TV, a telephone and other services. Standard rooms cost $25 a night.

5. Jasmin Beach Resort: If you want to stay in a nice hotel and enjoy the pristine white sandy beaches of Tacloban City, then the Jasmin Beach Resort is the best place to stay. This resort and hotel is located 52kms away from the city center. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s sports and recreational facilities, function rooms, and the onsite bar and restaurant. You can stay in the hotel’s Nipa hut for only $14 a night for two people or in the regular suites for $23 a night.

Visitors and tourists from Manila who want to see the historical sites of Tacloban can go there by air. Upon arriving at Tacloban, anyone can tour the city through tricycles or jeepneys. Tourists can also reach Tacloban through a high-speed craft from Cebu going to Ormoc City. Upon reaching Ormoc, tourist can take an air–conditioned vans or bus that directly go to Tacloban City.

Visitors will surely enjoy their stay in Tacloban City, a place with rich history and culture.

For more information, visit Tacloban City website at https://tacloban.gov.ph/