Tacloban, Leyte: Of kisses, idols and photobombing kitties

Anyway you look at it, being included in a couple’s wedding guest list is, and will always be, an honor. When I finally make my own, I will make sure that only those who are special to us, and has shared and played a part in our story, will be there. (My other rule of thumb: whoever asks when that will be, will not be invited. )

Beautiful and understated, Mona and Ode’s was one of those weddings where I felt that it wasn’t a production or a show.

That is why when I was first told that Mona and Ode invited me to theirs, I was extra flattered. I had not known the couple for very long, and I initially felt that I only got in because they were good friends of Kite. Talking to the couple themselves convinced me otherwise. Leading to it, and on the weekend of the event itself, I genuinely felt that they meant for me to be there, and for that I can’t thank the couple enough.

Captioning photos like this is always a challenge. How can one put into words what can already be clearly seen?

The lovely, and blooming, bride.

And of course, the kiss!

The marriage rites were held at the Sacred Heart Parish, just near the town proper. The church wasn’t grand, and was in fact, quaint and simple, but it framed the lovely ceremony perfectly. The solemnity of it all was complemented by the small, tight group of attendees and the peace and quiet the relaxed city afforded. All in all, it was no fuss, but still charming and heartfelt. This generally continued to the fun reception that followed, anchored by a very engaging program host and great music from the couple’s chosen band. It was a fuzzy, warm, feel good day full of love and joy, and I can’t help but exclaim that if only for that, that weekend trip to Tacloban was all worth it.

Where Kite and I stayed during that weekend, and where the reception program was held after the wedding. It’s a hotel just a few minutes from the town proper, and was previously a mansion of a prominent local family. Good hotel, with standouts like their in-house resto, the war memorabilia that adorn the hotel walls, and the small but refreshing rooftop pool.

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The last statement shouldn’t discount all the other things the city has to offer, though. Sleepy as it is, there are some points of interest in the city itself that the wandering traveler may indulge in. We missed major ones like the Basilica of Sto. Niño de Tacloban, a landmark church of the province, and Libro Atbp,, a coffee shop-slash-book I first heard of from Tito Anot. The former we passed by on commute but wasn’t able to really visit, the latter we visited thrice, at different times of the day, but was unfortunately closed (ironic too, since it was just in the same block as our hotel). Deep, deep sigh of regret…

Anyway, below are some of those that we did manage to drop by, or at least see in passing while walking around. Don’t worry, we didn’t miss San Juanico Bridge and the MacArthur memorial. That’s coming up in the next posts.

The Marcos’ Sto. Niño Shrine along Real Street.. We walked to the door and saw darkness, so Kite and I got discouraged to get in. Did we miss anything worth noting?

On our last night, trying to find a decent night spot, we passed by Senator Enage St. and chanced upon the Leyte Provincial Gym. We got lured in by music which we thought was coming from a concert. Leyte Idol rehearsal pala.

Adjacent to it is Plaza Libertad, a space that seemed to attract younger ones hanging out with their respective barkadas. These parks I find nice about our provinces. Loved it.

And right across the street, was the Leyte Provincial Capitol. Very stately with its columns and obviously American-inspired architecture.

I was aware before hand that Leyte was historically significant (“I shall return!), but I didn’t realize that it once was the location of the Capitol Building of the Philippines, albeit for a short time. Astig!

As for that nightlife, well, we spotted it at Leyte Park a couple of blocks behind the Capitol and just along Magsaysay Blvd. Unfortunately, all of the establishments were closed. Bummer! The good thing that came out of it was that we unexpectedly came across UPV (and three feline photobombers)! What else was an Isko supposed to do?:-P