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Guinhangdan Hill derived its name from the word "hangad" or "to look upward". Alternatively, it is called Hill 522 owing to its height of 522 feet above sea level.
It is the entrance to the first liberated town (Palo) from the Japanese forces. A cross is planted at the highest point as a memorial to the event. This cross is visible from the ground surrounding the hill.
Much as I would have liked to hike it, I backtracked because of the slippery trail going up. The hike starts at the La Purisima Shrine where there were concrete steps upto the third level. At this point, I was surprised to find a small community and from hereon, the foot path becomes grassy and slippery. Hence, I decided to cut short my hike.
Updated Jul 19, 2006
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Palo Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1596 by Augustinian friars. Like most Catholic churches in the country, it also served as a refuge and hospital during World War II.
Although the church's exterior may have lost its past splendor, the interior retained its grandeur particularly its main altar which is covered in gold leaf. The stations of the cross lining the church's walls were carved by local artisans.
Updated Jul 19, 2006
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Red Beach is a stretch of water with a view of Samar island on the other side. It figured prominently in Philippine history as the site of Gen. MacArthur's Leyte landing.
Today, Red Beach is lined with resorts and picnic huts. It has fine gray sand and the warm water is good for swimming as there are no big waves. Early morning seems the best time to stroll and swim. It faces the east thus affording one a frontseat to witness the sunrise.
Updated Jul 19, 2006
Address: Stretch of Brgy. Baras and Candahug
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The Leyte Landing Memorial competes with San Juanico Bridge as the province's most popular attraction. It is called by different names - MacArthur Park, Palo Landing, MacArthur Memorial. Whatever name it is called, the monument is a memorial to the historical landing of American troops led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Red Beach on October 20, 1944 with the aim of liberating the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
The site is famous for larger-than-life statues of Gen. MacArthur, President Sergio Osmeña, Carlos P. Romulo, and a host of other men standing on a lagoon. It is said that the statues were erected on the same spot where these people landed some 60 years ago.
Updated Jul 18, 2006
Address: Red Beach, Government Center, Candahug
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In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Leyte landing, the Stone Garden of Peace was built in 1994 within MacArthur Park. A monument depicting the eternal flame stands at the center of 2 semi-circular benches. Inscribed on the benches are the pledges for world peace by the different Heads of Nation like the Philippines, Japan, Korea, USA, UK, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Mexico, Spain, among others.
Updated Jul 18, 2006
Address: Red Beach, Government Center, Candahug
The Oriental Place Leyte: Best Hotel in Leyte
marlo.flores Says: A five star hotel experience. The hotel staff are very helpful. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. There is an infinity pool and the restaurant is overlooking the ocean, which gives guests a very relaxing ambiance while dining.
MacArthur Park Beach Resort: Shall I return?
asianbelle Says: The resort is obviously named after the famous war hero, Gen. Douglas MacArthur. It is situated along Red Beach where MacArthur's troop landed upon return to the Philippines during World War II. It has 43 airconditioned rooms all made of native materials like parquet floor,...
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The La Purisima Shrine was erected in 1879 at the foot of Guinhangdan Hill. Since then, it has been a site for Marian pilgrimage. A very small prayer room is located at the ground level, while an icon of the Virgin is placed a few steps above it.
Considering its relevance in the religious life of the Leyte people, I don't think the shrine is given proper recognition. I passed it on my way to Hill 522 and offered a short prayer never realizing that it is already the Shrine. There is no sign, no identification nor indication that the site is a sacred site. It was only when we were about to move to another site, that the trike driver informed us that "that was the shrine".
Updated Jul 26, 2006
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