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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

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.

1. Lake Kasudsuran - one of the three lakes of Ormoc. The lake is only accessible by foot
2. Alto Peak - the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas
3. Sayahan Falls - it's a newly discovered spot that gained popularity in social media
4. Puente dela Reina - the oldest bridge in the city, built in the early 1800s. It is still in use to this day
5. 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
6. Queen Pineapple - Ormoc's pride, in a pineapple plantation in Brgy. Hibunawon
7. Tongonan Hotsprings National Park - the largest power plant in Southeast Asia. It lies 2,000 ft. in a 272-hectare forested park
8. Lake Danao - picnics, floating cottages
9. Guerrilla Warfare Forces Monument - this monument commemorates the Filipino guerillas who fought against the Japanese invaders
10. 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 is a port city serving as gateway to Eastern Visayas.

1. 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
2. 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
3. SEACAT - Daily, 5 am and 12 nn, Economy P1100, Business Class 1600
4. LITE FERRIES - 6 hours, 10 pm, Economy P600, RORO (folded bicycles free)
5. ROBLE SHIPPING - Daily, 11 am