Splashing at Lake Danao, Ormoc

Location : Lake Danao, Ormoc, Leyte, Philippines

Lake Danao
A day after LyFest, the organizers took us teachers for a day of splashing at Lake Danao on a floating cottage. Whoa!

Lake Danao lies 19 km from Ormoc's city center on good roads. The main deal is to bring your food and drinks and rent a floating cottage which is manned by the lake's staff. The cottage is tied on the dock as it drifts up to 100 feet away from the lake bank. From the deep end, you can party, splash and just soak in all of nature's goodness.

floating cottage drifting out with a rope tied to the dock

Bonding
Yesterday's LyFest was a no-nonsense, get-it-right event for the benefit of all those who participated. Today's event was just an informal leisurely chill-out to unwind and get to know the organizers and fellow teachers a little better. Over good food, good vibe and refreshing drinks, we bonded, connected and shared the good moments.

Ending Thoughts
The festival organizers did an impossible job making yesterday's event as flawless as possible. They deserved this much-needed break. Us teachers were lucky enough to be along for the magical ride.

Thank you Soulfulnest Yoga Ormoc, Leyte Yoga Festival and Sadhana Wellness for this wet and wild experience.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Icebath at Sadhana Wellness

(October 24, 2024) Since I mentioned to Annie that I used to conduct icebaths in Thailand, she asked for an icebath class before I head out home. Of course I said YES!...more »»

More on Ormoc:

Ormoc Map

Ormoc Local Info

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Ormoc Blogs

Ormoc

ORMOC

Exploring Ormoc, Leyte Oct 19-25, 2024

Icebath at Sadhana Wellness October 24, 2024

Splashing at Lake Danao, Ormoc October 20, 2024

Leyte Yoga Festival October 19, 2024

History

The Spanish colonizers (fronted by the Jesuit missionaries) stepped foot in Ormoc in 1595. This began the 300 years of colonial rule by the Spaniards. The town was often raided by the moro pirates. In 1634, the worst of these raids plundered the town and took 300 natives. Every man who resisted was killed. A few uprisings took place against the oppresive Spaniards. One revolutionary and folk hero was Faustino Ablen who formed the Pulahan Movement. In 1900, after 300 years of Spanish brutality, America defeated the Spaniards and the Philippines changed masters (yes, the Americans were colonizers as well who cleverly disguised their intentions as benevolent Big Brother but exploited the country nonetheless to serve US interest). When WWII broke out in the 1940s, the American high command abandoned the Philippines and fled with MacArthur's infamous, "I shall return". The cruel and barbaric Japanese took over (yes, another colonial master). With the atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan surrendered. MacArthur did return on the shores of Leyte. The Philippines was then returned to its former master - the 'great' USA. Shortly after the war in 1946, the Philippines gained its independence from the USA ('thank you', Uncle Sam). The Philippines became a republic and Ormoc became a city a year after in 1947.

In 1991, the city was devastated by a series of landslides and flashfloods that took 10,000 lives due to Typhoon Thelma. This was largely caused by illegal logging that prevented trees from absorbing the water (these illegal loggers are the oligarchs and politicians so the practice continues to this day). The city slowly recovered but in November 8, 2013, the city was again severely damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Between oppressive colonizers, corrupt politicians and natural disasters, it is a testament to the resilience and survival instincts of the Ormoc people that its city remains viable and vibrant.

Tourism

Lake Kasudsuran - one of the three lakes of Ormoc. The lake is only accessible by foot
Alto Peak - the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas
Sayahan Falls - it's a newly discovered spot that gained popularity in social media
Puente dela Reina - the oldest bridge in the city, built in the early 1800s. It is still in use to this day
Centennial Park - the park honors the Filipino soldiers who fought for the liberation of Leyte. It was erected in 1998 and is now a leisurely picnic ground
Queen Pineapple - Ormoc's pride, in a pineapple plantation in Brgy. Hibunawon
Tongonan Hotsprings National Park - the largest power plant in Southeast Asia. It lies 2,000 ft. in a 272-hectare forested park
Lake Danao - picnics, floating cottages
Guerrilla Warfare Forces Monument - this monument commemorates the Filipino guerillas who fought against the Japanese invaders
Ruins of Cong. Dominador Tan Residence - this mansion became a Japanese garrison during wWII. It was ruined by the carpet bombing of the Americans before liberation day

Ormoc to Cebu by boat

Ormoc is a port city serving as gateway to Eastern Visayas.

SUPERCAT - 3 hours, 5:30 am | 9:00 am | 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm
Business Class: Regular 1500, Student 1,200, Senior/PWD 1,071
Tourist (Aircon) & Economy (Non-aircon): Regular 1100, Student 880, Senior/PWD 785
OCEANJET - 3 hours, 6:00 am | 8:30 am | 9:30 am | 1:00 pm |3:30 pm | 4:30 pm
Open-Air (OA) 1100, Tourist Class (TC) 1100, Business Class (BC) 1600
Folded bicycles are charged P 525.00
SEACAT - Daily, 5 am and 12 nn, Economy P1100, Business Class 1600
LITE FERRIES - 6 hours, 10 pm, Economy P600, RORO (folded bicycles free)
ROBLE SHIPPING - Daily, 11 am