Robbie in and around Tacloban

Madonna of Japan Tacloban Leyte Philippines Introduction Madonna of Japan can be described as a Memorial Park located on Kanhuraw Hill that is not too far from Tacloban City Hall. After World War 2 there was hatred between Filipinos and Japanese but the two nations eventually reconciled. The Japanese Government erected a monument of Maria Kannon in this area. This became known as The Madonna of Japan Memorial Park. Link to location map   It is a symbol of friendship between the Filipino and Japanese people after World War 2. What I find odd is this area where the park has been erected was the camping ground for Japanese troops during occupation! MADONNA OF JAPAN MEMORIAL PARK   First let’s look at the history to understand the significance of the Madonna of Japan Memorial Park. One has to remember there was significant civilian loss of life during invasion, occupation and liberation. History It is part of history the Japanese invaded and occupied the Philippines. On t

Tacloban City Convention Center The Tacloban City Convention Center is one building that stands out in Tacloban. It is also distinct when landing at Tacloban airport especially if you land from the north. The building was opened in 2006 and the cost to build was 200M peso which equates to around $4M US Locally this building is called the Tacloban City Coliseum or the Tacloban Astrodome. It has a seating capacity for around 4500 people. Many events are held here like basketball, concerts and of course regional events. It is the second largest indoor venue in Leyte behind the Superdome in Ormoc TACLOBAN CITY CONVENTION CENTER My experience inside the convention center The only time I have been inside this venue was when my sister in-law graduated in Human Resource Management. This event was very important to me as my sister in-law was the first person in her family to graduate from college. It was also a big moment for the entire family.   Looking at the building from t

Pines Farm Resort in the Mountains of Burauen Leyte Pines Farm Resort is located 5km from Burauen Town Proper in the barangay Abuyogon. Coming from Burauin the turn off to the resort will be on your left hand side. It is a bit of a drive from Tacloban City but well worth it! Link to Pines Farm Resort Location A Beautiful Mountain Setting   This resort is in a very natural and beautiful setting. The water coming off the mountain is rain runoff. There is no industry in this area that is polluting the atmosphere so the water you are swimming in is very clean. If you enjoy the outdoors and like a beautiful rain forest atmosphere then this resort can bring an enjoyable day On the day we visited this resort I only spotted two foreigners. Filipino’s appear to visit these resorts for a celebration of some kind. From what I observed there is no restaurant at the resort so you need to bring your own foods and drink. You will have to bring your foods and drink For Filipinos and f

MY PERSPECTIVE OF BARANAGY LIVING IN THE TACLOBAN AREA INTRODUCTION When I meet foreigners visiting the Tacloban area many conversations similar. They have met a Filipina and are looking to settle here and live in a barangay. These foreigners are in love and I can fully understand where they coming from. During the conversations I find it hard to say anything negative as this person is on top of the world and has great plans. This article is about explaining how life really is living in a barangay (village) setting. There are positives and negatives to this life style. Talking to foreigners planning to settle locally The talk or chatter to foreigners wishing to settle here revolves around buying land, building a house and a new life. I never try to influence just give my opinion and answers to the questions. How big is your house and what did it cost to build? Can I own land here “ NO ”? It is hard to answer as land and building costs vary from province to province. To b

STO NINO SHRINE AND HERITAGE MUSEUM TACLOBAN CITY I drive past this building which is actually a mansion at least twice a week. I have read about the history and my last visit to this museum was just before Typhoon Yolanda. Friends I know who have made the visit in recent times say it appears a bit run down but the mansion is still very impressive ENTRANCE                              SIDE VIEW This building is one of the mansions of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The mansion was built for Imelda Marcos, the president’s wife during his time in power. If you don’t know Imelda Marcos is a native of Tacloban   It was erected in the late 70s. I have read this is one of 29 residences that were built across the Philippines during this time. The building has an area of 21,500 square feet so it is one mighty quest house or residence. We are talking about 21 bedrooms. I also took a photograph giving a side angle of the building to give you an idea of the she

INTRODUCTION When you drive along the Maharlika Highway from Tacloban to Dulag you will pass through towns and small barangays. Inland from the sea there are many of these small barangays (villages) that most foreigners will never see. If you have met or engaged to a Filipina there may come a time where you will travel to the family home. The family maybe be farmers or have some type of business but the family may also be poor. I have foreign friends married to Filipinas who choose not to visit the family home. That is a personal chose and should be respected whatever the reason.   I have been living in this barangay (village) for many years. I am married and have a young daughter. My wife’s family have friends some of which are poor but I prefer to use the term disadvantaged.      I visited one family, actually there are 3 families all directly related living on this section of land (12 people in total). I did not take pictures of them as all people are entitled to their priva

                   CAMP KAWAYAN RESORT IN BARANGUY BALORINAY IN THE BURAUEN AREA    ENTRANCE TO RESORT There is another resort but it may be too far for some from Tacoban. The aim is to let readers know what is available. If you are visiting family or just site seeing around the Burauen area then you may have the opportunity to spend a few hours here, relax and cool off in the nice swimming pool   The resort name is Camp Kawayan in Barangay Balorinay Burauen Leyte. The resort is very well laid out with a large swimming pool with water slides. In addition they have a shallow children’s swimming pool. MAIN SWIMMING POOL The reason I sometimes visit this resort is the Dulag barangay I live in is inland from the sea in land from the sea and there is a short cut via dirt roads to get on to the main highway just before town of Julita. If someone was making a day trip to visit say Hill 120 in the Dulag area then it is