Waray sign

A sign at the resort. Translated, it says, "watch after your companions when they go swimming." All it's really saying is,"'we don't have our own lifeguard."

McArthur Beach Resort

One of the resorts locals go to on Sundays. The kiosks are for rent. You bring your own food (like a picnic) and you eat and go swimming at the beach or at the pool. Or if you didn't bring any picnic food, you can order from the resort's restaurant. This one is located a few minutes drive from Tacloban and just next to the McArthur Park. It's a nice place for family picnics.

Hospital

May you never get sick in Tacloban. Having said that.. this is a Catholic hospital managed by nuns. Naturally, you don't have to be a Catholic to be admitted here. This is one of the oldest hospitals, formerly called St. Paul's Hospital, located at Veteranos Avenue, formerly Imelda St. Yes, names change here often.

Beer balloon

Not to be outdone by the giant can/bottle race, San Miguel Beer came up with their popular pilsen beer giant balloon. Of course, as everybody knows, San Mig now owns Pepsi. When they sold Coke back to Coke USA, they bought Pepsi. So don't be surprised at Pepsi's aggressive advertising campaign. This photo I took at the same site I took the Pepsi balloon.

Pepsi balloon

I don't know what it is with these soda giants.. remember my Coke post months ago? The pepsi is a temporary setup though. It's only a giant balloon at a fair.

Waray crabs

This is how we cook our crabs, with coconut milk which we use to cook with anything. Good to take on a picnic at the beach. Or just to eat at home for lunch. Or in my case, crave for it but not actually eat. I find the chore of picking on the meat tedious. :D

Road Hazards

When you take vans for your long trips in Leyte and Samar, make sure that you don't get on one that looks like it's going to break down soon. This Duptours van I was taking to Ormoc broke down, the driver said it was the bearings on the front wheel. Another of their van came to drive us the rest of the trip. Meanwhile on my way to Samar, we also had to transfer to a jeepney (we had gone too far for a van to rescue us) because our van lost its brakes (brake fluid actually). So there.. just a typical travel scenario here.

Pirates

Middleman pirates (as I call them) walk around the city, carrying in full view the newly released movies already in dvd format. This man here is resting outside a cafe waiting for the customers inside to come look at the latest pirated releases. Yes, we have anti-piracy laws too.

Leyte's Chocolate Moron

Our famed chocolate moron. Made from rice flour and chocolate paste (tableya), rolled and wrapped in banana leaves then either steamed or boiled. You can either order this from Dagami (another town in Leyte), or if you're in Tacloban, look for a small pasalubong store called Aida's. Everyone knows where the store is located. Buy the special variety.

Pasalubong = (travel) gift

Canto Fresco

This is a new resto at the Astrodome. Serves all sorts of pizza. I had this:


Chicken and mushroom..

Fire department

When there's a fire.. firetrucks from all over the provinces come to help. This is Tacloban's fire department. Good thing we don't get that much fire here.