Philippine Travel Notes

Let's roam around town. I'm like new to this place, since the last time I've been here was many years ago, via a different route, and connecting various transport modes! This time, I traveled direct - Tacloban to Palapag . Just one ride but a story enough! First I visited was the old and new Palapag Church or the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption . This is a historical spot, with both edifices standing beside each other. The old church ruins is at left (never 'built-over'), while the present church is at right. I remember there was a belfry tower to the left-of that old church. It was taller than the new church. I guess It must have been the ruins now in between the 2 buildings. If you notice, there are now 2 historical markers on the front wall of the old church. Although now old too, the white cross on foreground was not part of the old church. It was a later addition, together with those two white pedestals that each had a bell. I wonder where now ...

Let's go! But... What Where When How? After asking around, I learned that it is only D'Turbanada Transport that has regular scheduled direct Tacloban~Palapag trips. So I went to find their terminal in the city. Easy to find because they are on google maps , and they have an FB Business Page ! They even have a people profile also on FB that looks like the most regularly updated. Click click click and... I wasn't satisfied, so, I went to their Tacloban Terminal, 2 days before planned departure. Why? Because I needed to know the differences between a big-bus , a mini-bus and van . Why? Ay, for longer trips, my long legs need to know! At the terminal, I was told it takes the van 6~7 hours from Tacloban to Palapag, but due to the waiting at San Juanico bridge, it at times becomes 8 even 9 hours. Hiyay! I knew that was a bit exaggerated. I noted that anyway, to manage my expectations. Then I saw these... all taped at various parts of the tellers' glass-wall...

This was excitingly fun with lots of happy surprises! That means... this will be a long read for you. But as I always do, I'll chunk my stories into a series for ease-of-read ! Alright... where is this place? It's on the northeastern tip of Samar Island. Here... That portion of Northern Samar (Province) has four towns facing the Pacific Ocean. Why go there? Well, why not? 'Hwag maging dayuhan ... remember? This side of Samar Island, along with towns to the south (part of Eastern Samar) have less explored natural wonders. Keep reading this, and my next stories, I'll tell you about many of them - in a series! I'll start with Palapag, then Mapanas, down to Gamay, Lapinig, Arteche then Oras. In one day? No no hehe! In several days, but most will surely be: I wish I had more time ! How to go there. There are various ways, depending on your preferred level of comfort, convenience, etc., plus - the adventure or challenge level you want to experience, ...