Tacloban

Tacloban, a highly urbanized city in the Eastern Visayas region, serves as a significant hub in the Philippines. Situated on San Pedro Bay at the southern entrance to San Juanico Strait, it is a bustling center of commerce and culture. The city lies approximately 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Manila and stands as the most populous city in Eastern Visayas. Recognized as the 'Gateway to Eastern Visayas,' Tacloban offers a blend of urban energy and appealing natural settings, establishing itself as a vital point for transportation and trade within the archipelago.

From Fishing Village to Wartime Capital

Tacloban's origins trace back to a small fishing village known as Kankabatok, named after a prominent inhabitant. The name 'Tacloban' evolved from 'Taklub,' a local bamboo trap used by fishermen to catch crabs and shrimp. When asked where they were going, fishermen would reply 'to tarakluban,' meaning the place where these traps were used, eventually shortened to Tacloban.

While the exact date Tacloban became a municipality is uncertain due to destroyed records, it is widely believed to have been officially proclaimed in the 1770s. Its strategic location made it a crucial trading point between Leyte and Samar, which were separated into two provinces in 1768. Tacloban became the capital of Leyte on February 26, 1830.

The American colonial period brought significant development. In 1901, Colonel Arthur Murray, the first military governor of Leyte, opened Tacloban port to world commerce, leading to large-scale exports of copra and abaca. Before World War II, Tacloban flourished as the commercial, educational, social, and cultural center of Leyte.

The city played a pivotal role during World War II. Japanese forces occupied Tacloban from May 25, 1942, to October 1944, fortifying the city and improving its airfield. This period is remembered as one of the darkest due to civilian torture. On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur's forces landed on Leyte, liberating Tacloban the following day. Tacloban briefly served as the temporary capital of the Philippines until Manila was regained. On June 20, 1952, Tacloban was proclaimed a chartered city.

In recent history, Tacloban faced immense devastation from Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on November 8, 2013. The typhoon caused widespread destruction, including a 13-foot storm surge that largely destroyed the airport and scattered debris and bodies across the city. Despite the tragedy, Tacloban has shown remarkable fortitude and continues its journey of recovery and progress.

Begin your exploration at the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines, which connects Leyte and Samar. Its S-shaped span offers expansive views of the San Juanico Strait. For a poignant historical experience, visit the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in nearby Palo. This site commemorates General Douglas MacArthur's return to the Philippines during World War II, featuring larger-than-life bronze statues of MacArthur and his entourage. The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Marcos era, housing a vast collection of art, antiques, and religious artifacts within a former presidential mansion. The Price Mansion, a historic house built in 1910, served as General MacArthur's headquarters after the liberation, and now contains MacArthur memorabilia. Do not miss the M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine in the Anibong district, a powerful memorial featuring a cargo vessel swept inland by the Super Typhoon Haiyan storm surge. For a moment of reflection and expansive city views, ascend Calvary Hill, adorned with statues depicting the Stations of the Cross. The Madonna of Japan monument, a gift from Japan, symbolizes friendship and peace between the two nations and honors soldiers lost in World War II.

Tacloban experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistent warmth and high humidity year-round, with average temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. While there is no distinct dry season, the period from February to April is considered relatively drier. The wettest months are typically from June to December, with October experiencing precipitation almost daily. For hot-weather activities like beach and pool outings, late January to late April is ideal. If you plan to visit during June, it is highly recommended to book accommodation in advance due to the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival.

The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While major hotels and malls accept credit cards, cash is widely used, especially for tricycles and local markets. ATMs are available in the city center. Tacloban is generally safe, but standard precautions for belongings in crowded areas apply. The most convenient way to reach Tacloban is by air, with Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC) receiving regular flights from Manila and Cebu. Getting around the city is primarily done via jeepneys and tricycles, which are affordable. Taxis are also available, with a standard fare from downtown hotels to the airport around PHP 250. Waray is the official local language, but Filipino/Tagalog and English are also widely spoken.