 must-have in every town fiesta, and occasions. Binagol (sweetened taro pudding with nuts) is made from talyan - a root crop specie like gabi that is endemic to Palapag Northern Samar. Talyan is grounded, and mixed with eggs, coconut milk, sugar, butter, nuts and chocolate. The mix is packed into the half of a polished coconut shell called “bagol,” covered with banana leaves steamed, tied securely with a string, and then steamed. Hence the name binagol which means placed in a “bagol”.
“Moron” is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable. It is made of ground rice cooked in coconut milk, flavored with tablea, and wrapped in banana leaf. Sagmani is another suman made of gabi or sweet potatoes cooked with coconut cream, sugar and sometimes coconut meat.
There are many things to do around Leyte catering to one’s interest, budget, and preference.
Leyte is one historical island, from welcoming the party of the Ferdinand Magellan when he circumnavigated the world to being the site of the bloodiest Naval Battle in world history. Tacloban, the capital of Leyte was the seat of the Philippine Government during the Liberation of 1944. History buffs will enjoy combing through the different historical sites in Leyte.
Gen. Douglas Macarthur Landing Memorial
The Liberation of the Philippines by the Allied Forces in 1944 headed by the party of Gen. McArthur is immortalized by life sized statues in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. This event is celebrated annually every 20th of October. It is also the site of the 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace.
Hill 522 Ginhangdan Hill
Ginhangdan Hill is entrance to the first liberated town of Palo in 1944 . The town suffered heavy bombardment to destroy the garrisons built by the Japanese artillery units. Foxholes built by the Japanese still exist. A memorial marker built by Mie Prefecture in memory of the lives lost in the battle. Guinhangdan is in Palo, Leyte, 12 kilometers form Tacloban.
Hill 120 is also called Catmon Hill which is located in Dulag Leyte. On October 20, 1944, the first American flag was raised by the Liberation Forces on this hill after heavy fighting. The Hill offers a panoramic view of Leyte Gulf and surrounding coastal towns. A historical park, it features a landscaped garden with tropical flowers and shrubs with benches, and concrete tables with canopy as well as restrooms. There is also an open-air stage where memorial programs are held annually.
Battle of Baluarte Marker
Baluarte in Brgy. Minuhang, Barugo, Leyte, is the site of the historic battle between Filipino guerrillas and Japanese Imperial Forces at dawn of August 24, 1944. The Battle of Baluarte suffered no casualty on the Filipino guerilla’s side while everyone in the Japanese Imperial Army was all killed except for one.
Hilongos Bell Tower
The Hilongos Bell Tower is the highest existing bell tower built during the Spanish era. The Bell Tower also served as watch post for marauding pirates from the south in Mindanao.
Japanese War Memorial Cemetery
The Japanese War Memorial Cemetery in Brgy. San Diego, Burauen is one of the few Japanese cemeteries in Leyte. Thousand of Japanese soldiers are buried in this cemetery. Japanese tour groups frequently visit the site to pay respects to the Japanese soldiers who died in the bloody battle of 1944. A remnant of the airfield built by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II still exists for visitors to see.
Buga Buga Hills was the mountain stronghold of Gen. Suzuki. Thousands of Japanese soldiers died defending Buga Buga Hills from the Allied Forces, who also lost a huge number of their men in an effort to cordon off the hill and isolate the Japanese troops. Buga Buga is another favourite among Japanese Tour groups. Bone hunting expeditions are also popular in the area. Buga Buga Hills is located in Villaba Leyte.
Philippine-Japan Peace Memorial
This impressive memorial in Carlota Hills, Ormoc City was a gift from the Nagoya and Gifu Prefectures. A token of friendship and peace form the Japanese people to the Philippines. La Carlota Hills affo