Philippine Travel Notes

I have been to this town before, but only as far as Brgy. Arado , which is still some 4 kms or so to the town center. So, here I was, excited, on my 'mission' riding the 8km stretch from Julita to Burauen. It does not take long, especially if, like me, you cherish looking at beautiful rural landscapes. Just 8 kms but scenery enough that kept my brain a churning! As said in an older story  before Yolanda (I was roaming herearounds), this town's name is pronounced "boo-ruh-wen". Don't fuss with the spelling, you'll just get a big headache! When we were approaching the town's central area (about 2kms?), I saw this... I heard there is something unique about this resort, but, let me just tell about it if and when I am already able to actually visit. This is a popular inland resort near a river. Burauen btw is landlocked. Look, there's a red carpet! Probably a wedding celebration. This one is part of EVSU (Eastern Visayas State University) Burauen ...

I do not mean that title to be about two women. Yes, Julita is a common woman's name in the Philippines, and, there are many people in this country named Leyte (or Lettie), but this story is about the town of Julita in the province of Leyte! I just passed by, actually! Note: "Julita" is a name of Spanish origin, the first syllable is pronounced as "Hoo". Ah, although I was roaming coastal towns, this one is not really by the coast but just near. And it was included in my itinerary, so 'wag na mag-reklamo. Enjoy reading nalang! I went to have a few words with someone at the center of town. So I got to see this... You guessed it. That's their municipal hall as of now. It is under reconstruction - yep, after the wrath of Yolanda. At right edge of photo is a drawing of how it will look when done. I hope they'll keep that unique black marble slab that tells "how Julita got its name"... It is not only informative, it's also a good conve...