Palompon barbeque boulevard

PALOMPON, Leyte -- Barbecue Boulevard, the newest attraction here, has been attracting locals since its completion a few months ago. Located at the breakwater near the port area, it is part of the P28.5 million improvement of the public market. The place used to accommodate stalls that serve breakfast like puto maya and hot chocolate.

Now, it is a tile-coated tourist attraction that draws promenaders. Considering that the plaza beside the town hall is not presentable, the barbecue park is now the favorite of people who want to relax by the sea. At nighttime, barbecue vendors set up their tables and serve food. Some of these vendors used to crowd the bus terminal, which was why they were transferred.

Leyte’s bird sanctuary still safe for tourist

PALOMPON, Leyte -- The Tabuk Marine Park and Bird Sanctuary here remains safe for tourists despite the bird flu scare. This was the assurance made by Horeem Urboda, head of the Human and Ecological Security Commission, who said that the municipal government is closely monitoring the 222-hectare sanctuary.

Urboda pointed out that there has been no reported deaths nor unusual movements of migratory birds since the formation of a special task force on the Avian Influenza on November ’05. The Philippines is along the Southeast Asia-Australia flyway used by birds from the Northern Hemisphere. These birds from Siberia migrate to Asia in September then return home by March. Urboda said the sanctuary continues to be visited by students, environmentalists and other government employees on study tours.

Among the bird species that can be seen in the islets are Philippine mallards or wild ducks, Asiatic Dowitcher, Chinese Swinhoe’s Egret, etc. Urboda also informed that there has been no reported deaths of domestic fowl in the town, even from the large and medium scale poultry farms in the upland barangays of Tambis and Lat-osan, some 10 kilometers from the poblacion. The sanctuary, on the other hand, is located some 300 meters across the mainland.

Dr. Laarni Cabantac, asst. coordinator of the National Avian Influenza Task Force, told participants of a seminar workshop in Cebu this week that migratory birds are the usual natural carriers of the virus that can affect the country’s poultry industry. But she also clarified that there are other modes of transmission like the importation of wild birds and unsanitary poultry farms.

Tabuk was declared as a marine park and bird sanctuary in 1995 through an ordinance enacted by the municipal government. After it was adjudged as 1997 Galing Pook Awardee, the sanctuary was declared as an eco-destination. Amenities were constructed, and tour package has been organized that includes, bird watching, trip to bat kingdom, marine safari, trip to mallards lair, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Typewriters, old sewing machines, metal plates, etc.

The museum in Carigara town is indeed a depository of old things that belongs to the people in those era. Lamps, glass jars, kitchenwares, are among the items found here.

The municipal museum is an evidence that Carigara is the regional capital of Region 8, long before Tacloban and other towns were established.

Still part of the municipal museum here..,...

The devotional garden, part of the ruin of Carigara church, that was used as "dagkotanan" today.

The belfry of the old church in Hilongos, Leyte.

The church in Tanauan, Leyte, one of our destination in the Heritage Tour.

May 1, 2007-ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE TOUR
Carigara church
Carigara museum
Cassidy Elementary School
Gawas an Harigi, Carigara, Leyte
Palo Metropolitan Cathedral
Tanauan church
Dulag church
Baybay church
Kuta de Hilongos

History and heritage: treasures from the past

The ruin of the 1595 Carigara church at Binongtoan, some 3 kilometers from the town proper. It was only restored during its 400 years anniversary last 1995.

The author, in the 1596-Dular seminary ruin beside its church which was also reduced to rubble during the liberation in 1944. The author, Gerard Reyes is one of the participants of the architectural heritage tour sponsored by Dept. of Tourism last May 1, 2007.

The old Hilongos-which is the mother parish of my hometown-Palompon.

By: Gerardo C. Reyes Jr.

Discovering the richness of our architectural heritage in Leyte is indeed an amazing and satisfying time travel to centuries ago. Although, very little is known about the fascinating story of the life and culture of our forefathers and early settlers in this province, but these old structures tells us more about their existence.

Unlike in other forts in some parts of the country, Leyte has its unique “kuta” with the church inside the massive fortification of stones. The church is enclosed with a stone- wall and watchtowers to protect the early settlers from the violent Moro raids some centuries ago. Both, Tanauan and Dulag has walls around their churches, but only that in Tanauan still exists until today. Even Palompon and Ormoc churches has also a massive stone walls but was only reduced to rubble, before the townspeople could preserve it. But in Hilongos, Leyte, its history-conscious inhabitants wants to remain these walls untouched and preserved the church ruin. Today, only Hilongos, where we can find a church with a fortification, it is unlike in Fort San Pedro, Fort Santiago, Fort Pilar and other walled cities in the country.

These old walls tells us a very fascinating story, that early settlers survived the assault of the Muslim raiders centuries ago because they seek refuge inside these churches. They brought rice and other provisions, and most of these churches have deep wells inside that sustained their needs for potable water. They stayed there for five days or more and fought back by way of using bow and arrow (pana) with poisons, as evidenced in the book written by Manuel Artigas y Cuerva in Reseña de la Historia de la Provincia de Leyte.

The Architectural Heritage Tour last May 1, disseminates valuable historical and cultural information among us and instill a great sense of pride in our heritage and history as a people. Our country is truly a place of rice heritage, colorful history and vibrant culture. Leyte’s architectural heritage tour highlights the region’s historic sites, and its potential of becoming a tourist destination because of its historical places.

The town of Carigara, Leyte is a living representation of the region’s historic settlement encompassing architectural legacies. The Balay nga Gawas It Harigi, is truly a significant structure of the era and the only building in Eastern Visayas, with its posts visible outside (Gawas it Harigi, literally). Its century-old municipio was converted into a public library and museum with valuable items and historical artifacts that proves the province’s rich culture. Not only World War II memorabilla are found in the museum, but also centuries-old wares and stuffs, not limited to lamps, typewriters, plates and other kitchen wares, dress, Demi John (dama), which is a glass container of tuba and lambanog, old paintings, wood carvings, coins, icons and other antiques.

The ruins of the old church, built in 1595 are found in Binogtoan, (some few kilometers from the poblacion). The place was the old settlement of the early settlers in this town. It was only in 1995, during the Leyte’s Jesuits Evangelization 400 years anniversary, when the ruin in Binogtoan was protected and preserved. The place was inhabited by squatters with the their houses within the ruins of the old church.

Palo Cathedral is also one of the oldest churches within the province, but its renovation wiped away its architectural richness and antiquity, although, centuries-old items and icons are found inside the church. In Tanauan, people will understand better the struggle of early Leyteños during the onslaught of the Moro raids. The stone church was built to protect the inhabitants from Moro bandits. The fortification of coral stones around the church and its watchtower “tan-awanan” or “tan-awan” became the name of its town. The old walls are still present and visible though it is already a structure worn out through time. Some portions of the church’s wall are original coral stones and tiles, and some of it are renovated.

Dulag’s church could have been the oldest in the province, but the shillings by the Liberation forces during the World War II reduced this huge structure to rubble, including the oldest school. It was the oldest school built in 1595, older than the other schools in the country said Mayor Themestocles “Timmy” Saño.

Baybay, Leyte is another historical spots in the region. It has several century’s old houses within the poblacion. Its old stone church is similar to that in other churches in the region. It was made of massive blocks and coral stones, with its façade and other portions of the church that remained untouched unlike in some other churches.

Hilongos is a classic example of a well-preserved fort (kuta) and church. Hilongos way back in 1700’s was already a parish with its neighbring towns included as its jurisdiction. In Palompon, early settlers sailed to Hilongos to attend masses every Sundays. The frequent Moro raids made the Leyte churches unique, with fortification of massive coral stones. The church in Hilongos was buit in 1737, but during the American occupation, a Katipunero, Francisco “Kikoy” Flordeliz, was forced to surrender by the US forces, but he refused. The whole town of Hilongos was burned including the church. But the ruin was masterfully renovated not to touch the original architectural make-up of the structure. The old church is still there, but an extension was built in 1960’s. The ruin of the altar was transformed into a devotional garden (dagkutanan) with statues of saints and decorated with ornamental plants and flowers.

How people treated the heritage sites?

People of this generation treated these architectural heritage sites differently, in Binogtoan ruins in Carigara where the 1595-church stands was completely abandoned for hundred of years before it was transformed into a park only in 1995. Secondly, some of the old structures was stored and preserved for the younger generation to understand our past, like that of Dulag church. Third, people wanted to make the place integral to modern needs like that of Hilongos church. The ruin of its altar was transformed into a devotional garden, and some of the old walls of the church (that was not completely burned in early 1900s) served as the main altar of the church (extension in Hilongos was built in 1960’s). Now, any effort to preserve and protect the Hilongos church is a joint undertaking of the parish and the local government unit.

Leyte is fortunate that its people work hard to protect and preserve its heritage sites which is significant part of our struggle as a people or else the younger generation would totally forget their past and might lose their sense of history

Ang Mabulukong Kagahapon

by: GERARDO C. REYES JR.

Matag usa kanato adunay “utang sa kagahapon”. Nahimo kitang usa ka malamboong komunidad karon tungod sa paninguha sa atong mga katigulangan og mga ginikanan kinsa mipatulo sa ilang singot, mibuhis sa ilang kinabuhi og gani mi-ula pa sa ilang dugo tungod og alang sa bag-ong kaliwatan.

Ang kasaysayan sa atong pagka-lungsod og pagkakatilingban maoy nagdugtong kanato ngadto sa mga hitabo sa kanhiay'ng panahon. Maoy magbukas o moabli sa atong mga mata niadtong mga mabulukong yugto sa atong kagahapon nga maoy hinungdan nganong “ingon kita niini karon”.

Malisod alang kanato sa pagdis-ug sa unahan og paglatas sa dalan nga atong padulngan kun dili nato lingi-on ang kagahapon nga maoy atong gigikanan. Og mao kini ang pagpakigbisog niadtong mga tawo nga mihatag sa ilang sakripisyo tungod og alang sa nasud og sa lungsod.

Angayan lamang nga ato silang pasidunggan, aron nga ang bag-ong kaliwatan makasabot sa kasaysayan og sa mga daghang mga panghitabo nga mao ang mga mabulukong yugto sa atong kagahapon.

Daghan usab ang angayan natong mahibaloan kon giunsa pagtubo sa lungsod sa Palompon-gikan sa usa ka gamay'ng puluy-anan daplin sa baybayon, hangtod nga nahimo kining usa ka parrochia niadtong 1784, unya usa ka malamboong pueblo, og hangtod karon. Unsa nga mga panghitabo kaniadto nga naghatod sa lungsod sa Palompon, karon sa iyang kahimtang? Kinsa ang mga tawo nga nahimong instrumento aron nga mahimong gawasnon ang lungsod sa Palompon gikan sa mga malupigong mga banyaga gikan sa habagatang bahin sa nasud-nga mao ang mga bandidong Muslim nga gitawag usab og Moros? Unsa ang mga nahitabo sa atong lungsod nga wala masayri sa atong mga kaigsoonan dinhi sa Palompon?

Kini og ang daghan pa pagatubagon sa atong ipagawas o ipublikar nga libro mahitungod sa KASAYSAYAN SA PALOMPON.

PALOMPON - a historic town

by: GERARDO C. REYES JR.

My native town-PALOMPON did not lack the historical episodes that made it interesting to trace its fascinating story that took place in the past.

It is the place where the fiercest battle among the early settlers and Moro raiders happened sometime in 17^th and 18^th century, or even earlier. Our forefathers stood defiantly and fought those Muslim pirates during that decisive encounter. Many among the local warriors perished, and some women are held captive one of them is a young woman named Tomasa, daughter of a local warrior and leader.

In reading the accounts written by Manuel Artigas y Cuerva, it open my eyes to a very interesting segment of our past that many Palomponganons did not know. There was a decisive encounter that repulsed the Muslim invaders and the natives were victorious. What made the book interesting (even if it is written in Spanish) is its provocative revelation.

If I will going to published my research about the history of Palompon, the book written by Artigas will be one of my principal source. History has three sources; namely, relics, oral tradition and written records. But it would appear to be reliable if our sources will be on records and published accounts written by early Filipinos, Spanish missionaries, or even historians. If I can publish this one before the end of this year, it will include the following;

1. the early settlements in Leyte province

2. the Bankaw revolt in 1621

3. the origin of turugpo in Camansi, Carigara, Leyte

4. the life of the early settlers in the coastal settlement

5. the Jesuit missions before they reach Palompon

6. the life of the early Palomponganons

7. the Christianization of the natives

8. the Moro raids in Palompon

9. the man named Molo, and his lineage

10. the fortification of stone build by the natives to protect the town from Muslim raids

11. Palomponganons traveled by sea to attend masses and other religious activities at Hilongos, Leyte,(some 100 kilometers south of Palompon) its mother parish before 1784.

12. Palompon celebrated its first Fiesta on 1784

13. the image of the San Francisco Xavier and its possible origin

14. the mystery behind the century-old cannon, (now displayed prominently at the plaza)

15. the construction of the church and its builders

16. the 9-day battle that resulted to the defeat of the invading Moros

17. the blow-by-blow account of the Moro attacks written by Artigas

18. the settlement in Baybay was established by a Palomponganon

19. The island of Camotes (particularly in the town of Poro) was discovered by Jesuit missionaries from Palompon, and then thereafter they annexed their mission area to the island

20. Ormoc, a part of Palompon parish from 1784 until 1851

21. Ormoc gained its parochial independence because of their petition, due to the abusive attitude of a certain Fr. Samson of Palompon parish

22. the cabeza de baranggay or capitan municipal of Palompon

23. that the abaca industry was once a flourishing trade in this town, with some suppliers from Palompon and manual machines in weaving abaca.

24. the number of voters in this town in 1900, and the socio-economic profile in the post-Spanish era, or at the start of the American occupation.

25. the business partner of the Aboitiz, a certain Jose Muertegue live in Palompon sometime in 1900-1916 and engage in abaca trade. The flourishing abaca trading in this town. Their business partnership paved the way to the establishment of Aboitiz y Muertergue

26. The justice system and administration in Palompon and other Leyte town's before the American regime, and the fiscal/ trial court judge who visited this town with area of assignment as far as Maasin, Southern Leyte.

27. The typhoons and other natural calamities that hit Palompon

28. the guerrilla movement during the American occupation

29. The society and culture of the Palomponganons during the Americal occupation

30. the guerrilla movement in Palompon from 1942-1944

31. the conquest of Leyte and the decisive battle in World War II

32. the historic landing of 77^th division headed by Gen. Bruce and the end of Japanese resistance

33. Palompon-after the war

34. Contemporary Palompon

For more interesting details of the above-mentioned topics, WATCH OUT FOR THE RELEASE OF THE BOOK. COMING SOON!

Ormoc's past revisited

by: GERARDO REYES JR.

Ormoc like many other towns and cities in the country, did not lack the historical episodes that shape the future of this progressive provincial city. But the younger generations of Ormocanons are not even aware of that segment of Ormoc's history. Only very few from this city, knew that there are Moro raids in the coastal settlement and drove the natives away to the hinterland for fear that they will be captured or killed by the enemy. But those who are brave enough, face head on the Muslim bandits and even shed their blood for the future generations. We owe a lot to them.

They deserve recognition and tribute. Sadly, we did not remember our forefathers who died for us and for our native land. We did not know the fascinating story of our town-now the city of Ormoc. We did not honor those men and valiant heroes who perished on that fateful encounter during Moro raids. Ironically, the name of the sultan who perpetrated the Moro attacks in Ormoc on December 4, 1634 was immortalized because one of the province is named after him-SULTAN KUDARAT, the culprit. On that fateful day, a Jesuit priest was killed by a Moros, and also some other 50 warriors, including more than 300 innocent elderly, women and children were slaughtered by merciless Muslim bandits.

These things come to my mid, since I am a teacher in SYNTACS College (in Ormoc) what if I will let the students to stage a play featuring the “history of Ormoc”. Last August 9, 2006, I wrote a letter to the Theater Club members and suggested them to perform the play. The letter are as follows:

MGA KASAPI NG TEATRO

Kolehiyo ng SYNTACS

Sa pamamagitan ni : G. MACKY BOY NUDALO

Pangulo, TEATRO

Ang wika ay pamana ng lahi. Ito ay binigay sa atin ng ating mga magulang at ninuno upang ating alagaan at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga. Sa taong ito, nararapat lamang na ang ating paaralan sa Kolehiyo ng SYNTACS ay magdiriwang ngayong buwan ng Agosto bilang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa. Dahil dito ay napagkasunduan ng mga guro, kabilang na dito si G. Fredie Boy Cabonegro, Guro sa asignaturang Filipino at ng nakalagda, na ang mga programa ng pagdiriwang ay gaganapin sa huling araw ng buwan ng Agosto.

Dahil ang wika ay pamana ng lahi, nararapat din na bibigyan natin ng halaga ang estorya ng ating pagiging Filipino. Magkakaiba man ang ating katutubo at rehiyonal na wika, gayunpaman ay pinagbubuklod tayo sa iisang wika. Ang lalawigan ng Leyte at ang bayan ng Ormoc ay mayroong natatanging kasaysayan na syang naghubog sa ating katauhan at naglinang sa ating pagkakilanlan.

Ang inyong pangkat sa Teatro, bilang isang bagong kapisanan ng paaralang ito na nagtataguyod na malinang ang kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa larangan ng sining, karapat-dapat lamang na maghanda ng isang drama na isasadula ngayong ika-31 ng Agosto, taong kasalukuyan. Isa sa aking mungkahi ay ang pagsasadula ninyo sa kasaysayan ng ating lahi, at ng lugar na dati ay tinatawag na Ogmuk na sa ngayon ay kilala na sa pangalang Ormoc. Kakaiba ang naging nakaraan ng ating pook at ang mahalagang yugto ng ating kasaysayan ay s'yang magbukas ng ating isip na noong unang panahon ay may mga taong nagtatanggol sa lugar na ito, upang ito ay mapapasa-atin sa ngayon.

Ang detalye ng dula na ito ay aking ibibigay sa inyo upang inyong pag-aralan, at mapagtuonan ng pansin. Lubos ko pong inaasahan ang inyong pagbibigay halaga sa mungkahing ito, dahil makakatulong ito sa ating pag-uunawa sa kabihasnan, kasaysayan, kultura, at lipunan ng Ormoc noong panahon na hindi pa tayo ipinanganak.

Ibibigay ko sa inyo ang aking buong suporta upang magtatagumpay kayo sa darating na araw ng pagdiriwang na ito.

GERARDO CODILLA REYES JR.

Tagapayo, Tanggapan ng Ugnayang ng Mag-aaral

I am indeed delighted by the positive response of the students who are members of the Theater Club, after receiving the letter. And I am confident they can perform well the presentation with regards to the history of Ormoc City this coming August.

My message to SYNTACS student leaders

(Inspirational Message delivered during the Induction of SSC Officers of SYNTACS Computer College held last July 28, at Dustria Bar, Ormoc City.)

Vice President on Academic Affairs, Maam Irene de Loyola-Manalastas

My fellow faculty members Maam Elisa Berog, Maam Jenny Edjec, Sir Ompad, Sir Cabunegro,

Sir Cabudlay, Maam Raquel, Maam Evelyn, My colleagues in Media who are with us this evening, we have Gleen Vergara from Ormoc Cable and Sir Felix Codilla III, of West Leyte Weekly Express, newly elected officers of the student council headed by Ms. Norie Allosa, my dear students, friends,

ladies and gentlemen.

My pleasant evening greetings to one and all.

A writer must be first inspired before he can embark in a creative work of writing. Because of such inspiration, he can come up with a beautifully-crafted masterpieces –an obra maestra.

There are many ways of inspire others in order for them to do something inspiring. If inspiration is a needed moving force to push men into the brink of greatness, then this message of mine will be a catalysts for better things to come.

This made my message a challenging one. How to inspire these young bunch of restless individuals, the student leaders of SYNTACS Computer College.

A while ago, you have made a solemn vow. That you will perform faithfully your duties and responsibilities as duly elected officers of the student council officers in the school. That you will carry out a mission in order to make things happen. But there is only one thought I wish to convey you. DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE for your student organizations, for the school and for the community.

You are the youth. The fair hope of the Fatherland—of the PATRIA ADORADA. You are the critical sector in the society, full of ideals and aspirations. And you can make things happen.

History tells us that many young people has change the course of history of the world even in their youth. Jesus Christ, has spread the Christianity before reaching the age of 30, Alexander the Great was only 16 when he became the commander of the Macedonian Army, at the age of 20 he became the ruler of Macedonia and Greece, Dr. Jose Rizal generously shed his blood for the Filipino people to attain freedom. Pedro Calungsod at 17 became a catechists, preached to foreign lands, to the faraway Pacific islands of Marianas until he was killed by a pagan ruler.

You can be one of them. You can make things even if you are very young, and I am very confident you can.

To the newly elected officers of the student council, my heartfelt congratulations, Once again Good evening and thank you very much.

Moving

BY: gerard

Transferring from one place to another could be a dramatic experience for a sentimental guy like me. I’ve been deeply attached with the place where I can call my-home sweet home. But circumstances compelled me to left Palompon and look for greener pasture to nearby city to find my place under the sun.

I cannot understand why it seemed difficult for me to leave the place where I spent from childhood until mid-twenties. Maybe, the longest time that I am away from my hometown is when I work in Manila for almost one year, but I decided to return less than a year after, because I longed the things that I usually did in Palompon.

During my college days, I was hired by the municipal government to work as the spokesperson of the Mayor and I spend the next four years in government service and politics. But when my expectations at mayor’s office failed I tendered my resignation, leaving a strongly –worded passionately written resignation letter, the reason why I left the place afterwards and spent the next ten months in Manila.

Living in the bustling metropolis, away from home is an exile for a stranger in the city, like me. The pulsating environment of the city will somehow caught your attention and tempt you to spend some of your hard-earned money for watching the Panaghoy sa Suba and Enteng Kabisote, during its star-studded premier nights at SM Southmall, or spent the night with live bands at Queen Rhoda's Palace or in Rose Garden chatting with gorgeous ladies who are entertaining customers (known as GRO) in their early twenties, and some even 17 to 19. It seems that the road and street in this place is like a circuit of circuitry which starts from nothing and ends to nowhere, like an endless cable wires which direction is not known, and where does it ends.

While away I longed for the mouth watering bahalina which is only P 7 a large glass (medyahan) in our public market, the appetizing kinilaw of assorted seafoods such as guso, lato, lukot, alimango and the juicy imbao which is abundant in our place. The succulent alipapa and other squids which we use to cook in fire while singing the Bakit ngayon ka lang Dumating and Ngayon at Kailanman. The tasty sa-ang and other kinhason, and the equally delicious pawikan or lumod cooked with black beans and peppered with red chilies and served in awfully hot delicacy.

But aside from its tasty delicacies, I desired to go home to see my close friends, and see the unending smiles that slip from the lips of every Palomponganons. The familiar faces I’ve seen everyday in the marketplace, plaza and along the streets, the barangay captains and barrio folks whom I often visited in their baranggays when I’m still working in the government. The friends and acquaintances, or even tempting beauties whom I danced during coronation nights and spent the whole night jamming at the basketball court-turned-dance floor during fiesta.

I want to linger for a day in our town, before finally moving to Ormoc.

But the day has come that I have to report at our editorial office along Bonifacio Street in Ormoc City, across the posh Pongos hotel. My first day in Ormoc was lonely. But the succeeding days were enjoyable in a challenging job of a journalist. Another reason for moving to Ormoc is that I’ve heard a vacant teaching position in an IT school.

Now, I am just contented with a small room that I pay for P 500 every month, while in our house my room is double the size this. And it is a tricycle ride away from the city proper or in Cogon, where I worked, even if I hate tricycles and multicabs before because of its untidy thing that exhaust smokes. Besides, I used to walk in our town because the marketplace, municipal hall and church are just walking distance from our house.

Since there are many things that made me busy and occupied, my desire to return to my hometown has subsided as of the moment.

Now, I am inside the classroom, and very happy with my students.

Ang lugar nga gitawag ug “Ila Ete” ug ang iyang mabulukong kasaysayan

NI: GERARDO CODILLA REYES JR.

Ang lalawigan sa Leyte adunay mabulukong kasaysayan nga wala na gani mahibaloi sa bag-ong henerasyon. Gani ang iyang kagahapon hapit mapapas sa panumnuman sa mga Leyteño kay walay libro nga nahisulat mahitungod sa sinugdanan niining matahom ug makasaysayanong lalawigan sa Sidlakang Kabisay-an.

Sa biyahe sa ekpedisyon nga gipangunahan ni Ferdinand Magellan niadtong 1521, ang Sidlakang Kabisay-an mao ang unang lugar nga iyang naabtan. Gani ang Homonhon, nga karon sakop sa lungsod sa Guiuan, Eastern Samar mao ang isla nga iyang nasiplatan niadtong Marso 16, 1521. Pila ka adlaw human niadto gihimo ang pinaka-unang misa sa Pilipinas, sa isla sa Limasawa, nga sakop karon sa lalawigan sa Southern Leyte.

Ang mahinungdanon yugto sa kasaysayan sa Leyte ug sa Sidlakang Kabisay-an naukay tungod sa paninguha sa mga historians kinsa nagduki-duki ug naghago pagpakisusi ug pagtuon pinaagi sa paghiling niadtong mga karaang sinulat mahitungod sa Leyte ug gitugma sa mga tradisyon nga gipasa-pasa sa mga katigulangan. Lakip kanila mao sila si Prof. Rolando Borrinaga ug Emil Justimbaste.

Daghan nga mga hitabo sa Leyte nga wala mahipatik sa mga libro sa kasaysayan sa atong nasud, ug daghan nga mga bayani nga miula sa ilang dugo ug mibuhis sa ilang kinabuhi apan nahikalimtan na lang sila sa dayon ug ang ilang pangalan napapas uban sa paglabay sa panahon. Apan nagpabilin gihapon ang maong mga hitabo nga mahinungdanon, nakalimtan man kini o wala man mahisulat apan ang ilang gipakitang pagkabayani nagpahinumdum kanato nga angayan silang pasidunggan.

Ang mga pinaka-unang nahisulat mahitungod sa Leyte nagsaysay nga kini gitawag kaniadto ug “Tandaya”. Ug sa sulat ni Rui Lopez de Villalobos kinsa maoy nangulo sa ekspedisyon sa mga Kastila kaniadtong 1540 mihisgot sa isla nga gitawag ug Abuyo nga matod pa duol sa Ibabao (Samar) ug Mazzawa (Limasawa). Adunay teorya nga ang mga Kastila nidunggo niadtong higayona sa lugar nga ginganlan karon ug Abuyog, nga naa sa Sidlakang bahin sa Leyte, apan ang sinugdanan sa pangalan nga Abuyo dili na masubay kon unsa ang gigikanan niini. Hinuon ang mga taga-Abuyog, Leyte nagtuo nga ang pangalan sa ilang lugar gikan sa pulong nga “buyog” o bee.

Giunsa man pagkausab nga pangalan nga Abuyo?

Pinasikad sa sulat niadtong 1668 ni Fr. Francisco Alcina nga usa ka paring Heswita nga ang Abuyo gitawag na ug “Ira Ete” o “Ila Ete” o buot ipasabot nga kining lugara mao ang ila ni Ete. Apan si kinsa ang Ete nga gihisgutan sa sinulat, kon ang buot ipasabot sa pangalan nga “Ila Ete” mao gayod kini.

Si Prof. Borrinaga nagkanayon nga ang pangalan nga binunyagan ni Rajah Bankaw nga taga –Limasawa mao ang Iti, nga hangtod karon gigamit gihapon nga angga sa mga batang lalaki sama sa Indoy, Idoy ug Dodong. Midugang si Borrinaga nga si Ete apo ni Rajah Colambu, nga maoy nahimamat ni Magellan niadtong 1521 sa Limasawa. Ug si Ete migamit sa pangalan nga Bankaw sa dihang nahimo na siyang pamuno.

Si Bankaw kinsa misukol niadtong higayona sa mga Katsila gipaluyuhan sa iyang anak nga si Pagali. Tungod kay si Padre Melchor de Vera, usa ka Heswita naalarma sa kalihukan ni Bankaw, dali siya nga milarga paingon sa Sugbo (Cebu) aron itaho ang pagpangdani ni Bankaw sa mga mulupyo sa lugar nga Kan Gara (karon Carigara, Leyte). Ug tuod man ang kadagkuan sa mga Katsila, nga gipanguluhan ni Alcalde Mayor Juan de Alcarazo sa Cebu nagpadala ug 40 ka sakyanang pandagat nga maoy gisakyan sa mga sundalong Katsila ug kauban ang ubang mga Cebuano.

Sa nahisulat nga libro sa Katsila nagkanayon nga ang mga Katsila nakighinabi sa pundok ni Bankaw aron mahimong magmalinawon. Apan midumili si Bankaw ug ang iyang pundok hinungdan nga gilutos sila sa mga Katsila, ug ang edaran nga si Bankaw nga niadtong higayona nag-edad na ug kapin sa setenta anyos (70) namatay sa engkwentro ingon man ang iyang anak nga si Pagali, samtang ang iyang anak nga babaye gibihag sa mga Katsila. Ang ulo ni Bankaw giputol ug giugbok sa maong lugar aron ipakita sa kadaghanan kon unsa ang silot niadtong mosupak ug mosukol sa rehimeng Katsila.

Apan ang sugilanon sa maong panagsangka dili mao ang sugilanon sa mga katigulangan sa maong lugar. Ug ang folk version-giila na karon nga maoy lehitimo nga tinubdan sa historical data. Matud pa nga ang banay ni Bankaw ug ang ilang mga kaubanan buot nga makighinabi sa mga Katsila niadtong higayona didto sa lugar nga gitawag ug Hiraan, karon usa ka barangay sa Carigara, Leyte.

Apan ang mga Katsila midumili sa pakighinabi sa pundok ni Bankaw tungod kay niadtong higayona buot nila puohon ang maong pundok sa mga sumusukol. Ang tinuod nga nahitabo didto sa Hiraan, mao ang linuog nga pagpatay sa banay ni Bankaw. Apan ang mga Katsila buot nga molingla mahitungod sa kamatayon ni Bankaw aron matabunan ang ilang dautang binuhatan.

Wala mahisulat sa libro nga sinulat sa paring Katsila mao ang asawa ni Bankaw nga biktima sa maong pagpatay. Siya si Tirana, nga wala gani hisgoti kon giunsa pagkutlo sa iyang kinabuhi, gani ang iyang pangalan dili ipahisgot sa mga Katsila ug ang mohisgot sa pangalan nga Tirana ilang silotan.

Si Padre Alcina niadtong 1668 mihisgot sa iyang sinulat mahitungod sa asawa sa pamuno sa Kan Gara (Carigara, Leyte karon) nga matud pa niya gilubong nga giputos lamang sa dahon sa saging tungod kay ang mga Katsila midumili paghatag kaniya ug desente nga paglubong. Mahimo nga si Tirana mao ang iyang gihisgutan. Bisan pa man gidili ang paglitok sa pangalan ni Tirana ug paghisgot kaniya, ang ilang kaliwat naghisgot gihapon kaniya. Gani sa usa ka karaan nga balitao (folklore) nga awit nag-ingon “Tirana bitaw’ng makaluluoy nga nagsugid mahitungod sa pait nga gidangatan niya sa kamot sa ilang mga kaaway.

Apan ang mga tawong buot mohandom kanila ni Bankaw ug sa iyang banay, kinsa walay kukaluoy’ng gipuo sa mga Katsila, mihatag ug pangalan sa ubang barangay dinhi sa Leyte agi’g pagpasidungog kanila. Adunay baranggay sa Limasawa nga gitawag ug Triana, mahimong gibaylo lang nila ang mga titik aron dili mahibaloan sa mga Katsila, samtang sa lungsod sa Leyte, Leyte sa amihanang bahin sa lalawigan, adunay baranggay nga ang pangalan Maritana, nga tingali gikuha sa pangalan nga Maria Tirana. Ang babaye sa kinabuhi ni Bankaw, kansang kamatayon nagpabiling tanghaga hangtod karon kon giunsa siya sa mga Katsila, kay sa awit (folklore) sa balitao naghisgot gayod sa iyang makakaluluoy’ng gidangatan.

Duha ka ritwal nga gihimo gihapon hangtod karon sa mga mulupyo sa Carigara, Leyte, nga mao ang turugpo. Usa kini ka kalingawan nga gihimo matag Biyernes Santo, kanus-a adunay sabong, away sa mga kabaw ug kabayo (carabao-fighting and horse fighting) ug uban pang sugal didto sa baranggay sa Camansi, sakop sa lungsod sa Carigara. Ang kasaysayan nagkanayon nga sukad sa pagkamatay ni Bankaw, ang uban nga mga tawo nga nasayod sa gidangatan sa ilang pamuno misukol sa mga Katsila sa hilom ug malinawon nga paagi. Wala nila gitahod ang adlaw nga Biyernes Santo agi’g pagsupak sa mga kadagkoang Katsila ug sa mga pari. Gihimo kini nila matag-Biyernes Santo sukad pa kaniadto. Karon gibalhin kini sa Sabado de Gloria, tungod sa hangyo sa Obispo sa Palo, Leyte niadtong 1970.

Lain nga ritwal nga hangtod karon gihimo matag tuig, mao ang Palarao, sa lugar usab nga gitawag ug Palarao sa Leyte, Leyte. Ang kahulugan sa pulong “larao” nga pagbangotan o pagsubo gihimo sa mga tawo kinsa miduyog sa kasubo sa gidanggatan kang Bankaw ug sa iyang tibuok banay, lakip na usab ang ubang mga taga –Carigara nga kaniadto mipabanaw sa ilang dugo aron pagsukol sa mga malupigong langyaw. Ang pinaka-una nga “palarao” gihimo sa mga tawo nga nagsud-ong sa patay’ng lawas ni Bankaw ug sa iyang banay nga gituohang gilubong dinhing dapita sa Palarao.

Dili pa diay hingpit nga nalubong sa panumduman ang pagkabayani nga gipakita sa mga nahiunang pamuno sa Leyte nga mao si Bankaw, tungod kay hangtod karon si Ete Bankaw mao ang gigikanan sa pangalan sa lalawigan sa Leyte nga gikan sa pulong nga “Ila Ete” o sa lugar nila ni Ete nga karon nahimo nang Leyte.

Ang pangalan nga Leyte, adunay pagkamahinungdanon og adunay gi[asidunggan nga mao ang tawong misukol sa mga Katsila, apan mangil-ad ang gisangpotan saiyang pagsupak sa mga langyaw tungod kay nagkahulugan man kini ug pagtugyan sa iyang kinabuhi pinaagi sa mabangis nga pagpatay ug pagputol sa iyang ulo, pagpabanaw sa iyang dugo alang sa yutang natawhan. Sama sa kataposang panamilit ni Dr. Jose Rizal nga nagkanayon nga “Kon kulangon ka ug pula nga itina sa iyang banagbanag, Ibubo nianang bulahang takna, pabanawa ang akong dugo ug ipulog sa mga silaw nga bag-ong nahimugso”, kinsa namatay samtang nagpaabot sa kalamdag sa kagabhion, namatay samtang naghulat sa kahayag nga modan-ag sa iyang yutang natawhan.

Ang lugar sa Leyte dili lamang makasaysayanong lugar tungod sa unang misa nga gihimo sa mga Katsila niadtong 1521, dili lamang sa pinakadakong engkwentro sa kadagatan panahon sa Liberation ug sa pagdunggo sa Alyadong Kusog sa pagpanguna ni General Douglas Mac Arthur niadtong Oktobre 20, 1944, kondili adunay mahinugdanong yugto sa iyang kasaysayan nga hapit na mapapas sa panumduman sa mga katawhan ug mao kini ang mga nahikalimtang mga tawo nga bayani kinsa namuno sa lugar nga kaniadto gitawag ug “Ila Ete”

Palompon and Ormoc among the earliest settlements in Leyte

by: GERARDO C. REYES JR.

Since I was a young boy, and throughout my research in various books about local history, it is already a fact that Ogmuk (now Ormoc) was a mere village part of Palunpun (now Palompon). I surmised, on why Ormoc became a densely populated coastal municipality then, and even expanded bigger compared to Palompon.

But it does not mean that the settlement in Palungpung then is older than at of Ogmuk. Because it might be possible that Ogmuk (now Ormoc)is older that Palunpun or Palompon.

Ogmuk (Ormoc) has been established before 1596, or maybe this is the place where the Spaniards christened as “Islas de Buenas Señas” sometime in 1521. It was believed that the settlement in Ogmuk was already existing based on the accounts of Fegafetta (Magellan's chronicler) during that historic expedition, the first journey that circumnavigate around the globe in 1521. The crew of Magellan come across with a coastal village along northwestern shore of Leyte, which was defined by deep bay waters and they called the place as Islas de Buenas Señas. They took in supplies from that place and the crew stayed there for number of days. When the Jesuits arrived in Ogmuk sometime in 1596, it was already a fairly advanced community. The natives build their houses along the shore (the present site of Linao, Punta, Alegria and Naungan).

The Jesuit missionaries' first mission areas when they arrive in Leyte (before called as Cantaya or Tandaya) includes the coastal settlement in Carigara, which serves as cabecera of Leyte and Samar islands during that time. Carigara was also the Residencia Central and the focal point of both government and religious affairs. Another town that the Jesuit missionaries constructed a church, or considered as their mission stations upon their arrival to Leyte are Dulag, Alangalang, Palo, Ogmuk (later written and pronounced as Ormoc, during American occupation).

During that time our town, Palompon was a mere visita of the Jesuit missionaries. The parishioners in this place would go as far as Hilongos to attend mass and other religious activities, which is the mother parish of Palompon. Later on, however, the Jesuits established its mission station in Palompon. But when the Jesuits missionaries ordered the construction of the stone church in Palompon, (later replaced by the Agustinian missionaries) and completed in 1784, Ormoc was part of its ecclesiastical jurisdiction, shall we say. Or Palompon was the mother parish of Ormoc from 1784 until 1851.

But, how did it happened that the settlement in Palompon grew and expanded while that of Ormoc lagged behind.

The settlement in Ormoc was depopulated because of the circumstances that occurred during that time (for more and detailed information, just watch out for the release of the BOOK about the fascinating events that shape the town of Palompon, hopefully this will be release very soon or before the end of this year). Therefore , both the communities in Ogmuk (Ormoc) and Palungpung (Palompon) are thriving coastal settlement or a pagan tribe before the Spaniards came. But on which of the two places was established earlier, that's remained to be researched.

Both localities are strategically located along the coast, Ormoc is along the bay, while Palompon is likewise a coastal village then, and it is protected by natural mangrove forest in Tabuk and other smaller islets, or atolls.

It would be safe to presume that both places has already been established even before the arrival of the Spaniards in 15TH Century.

Where are the sources of history?

BY: GERARDO CODILLA REYES JR.

There are three principal sources of history, first we have the relics or artifacts which can be examined by historians, second, the oral tradition and folklore which is still an interesting legend or narration about the past, and was transmitted from one generation to another, and thirdly, we have the written records or accounts, which is most reliable compared with the relics and folklore.

Valuable sources of information needed in writing local history are scattered. And it is frustrating to know that some of these materials are rare. But thanks to the help of our fellow researcher, Mr. Emil Justimbaste, former Editor-In-Chief of The Freeman newspaper, also a member of the Ormoc Historical Society, who willingly provide me some materials and help me in my research. The copies of the Reseña Historia de la Provincia de Leyte written by Manuel Artigas y Cuerva came from him and if I can complete this research and could come up with a book about Palompon's history (I hope so) Sir Emil, is one of those generous and kind fellow who is instrumental for the success of it.

To trace the past of Palompon that took place before the Spaniards came, is somewhat a very challenging tasks. because there are few written accounts during that time, and some of its documents are becoming rare. These can be found nowadays in National Archive, museums, and libraries.

The available materials that can be a good source of relevant data and information, are the books published by Jesuit missionaries when they began the Evangelization of Leyte on July, 1595. Some of these books are scattered in museums and libraries across the country. But it has a detailed narration of the missionaries' experiences in Christianizing the pagan and animistic natives, who by that time worship the trees, mountains and consider Diwata as their gods.

In the Souvenir Program of the Municipality of Palompon published on November 1990, it mentioned about the establishment of the settlement sometime in 1620, but that is remain to be seen if that is really the time when the town existed. Or earlier than 1620. If this is true that 1620 is the year when the coastal settlement was founded in Palompon, then Ormoc was established earlier than Palompon.

If there are records, published or unpublished accounts that could reveal the life in Palompon (Hinablayan, according to folklore) before the arrival of Spanish missionaries, that is still remain to be seen. And I am very confident that I could find one.

The century-old church in Palompon town, completed in 1784.

by: GERARDO C. REYES JR.

The town of Palompon is one of the oldest coastal settlement in Northwestern Leyte. It existed for more than four centuries already. Folklore says that it was Hinablayan before because of its gory objects found along the coast. The dead bodies of the enemies (Moros) that are hanged at the branches of the tree. However, these remained an oral tradition up to now.

The name Hinablayan evolved to Palompong, and then to Palumpun (spelling of Palompon sometime in 1700 or 1800). It is indisputably a very old town. Ormoc was part of Palompon parish from 1784 until 1851, when finally it was declared as an independent parish. Villaba and Matag-ob are both part of the territorial jurisdiction of this town before it obtain its municipio (pueblo) status.

But there are no available records in our town about our very interesting history. In 1990, then Mayor Viacrucis together with historian, Arcadio “Carding” Molon Jr, and Antonio E. Reposar came up with a book that established some facts about the significant past of Palompon. It was an attempt to give a clear picture of the things that happened to this town. It has complete names of town leaders (mayors and capitan municipal) from 1852 until present , municipal mayors, parish priests from 1784 until present, names of beauty queens and damas from 1914.

It was a good and laudable accomplishments, but there are still many things that are unknown to many Palomponganons.

The history of the people's struggle should be verified so that the younger generations of Palomponganons and Leytenos will know how their forefathers generously shed their blood for the noble cause.

Sadly, little is known on what must have been to be a very fascinating story. The place has some artifacts and relics that came from the past. One of these, is the century-old cannon, believed to be used by the natives during the violent Moro raids in 17TH and 18TH centuries. But there are no established facts that can claim that the said cannon was used by the early Palomponganons during those encounters, or where did it came from. Another, is the wooden image of the patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, place in a glass and wooden urn, which was brought by the Jesuits missionaries in mid-17TH century.

Lately, the book of Manuel Artigas de Cuerva “Resena de la Historia de la Provincia de Leyte” has a fascinating revelation. That the cannon found in our plaza was used by the early Palomponganons during Moro raids and that they have sustained in a nine-day battle that took place sometime in late 17TH century, that the people rushed to the stone church (newly completed at that time) and took refuge for more than a week, that the Moros suffered losses in that encounter. It was the only recorded victory among the natives in all the raids that happened Leyte perpetrated by these bandits.

Some other towns, however, was devastated by the onslaught of these violent raids, like Ogmuk in December 3, 1634 (now Ormoc) whose priest, Fr. Juan del Carpio was brutally killed by the raiders by the use of kampilan, with more than 300 natives perished because the bandits slaughtered them mercilessly, and other towns suffered losses also when these Muslim bandits plundered whatever riches they could take from these places, and took its natives captive. In Ogmuk, the early settlers in the coastal villages (now the present site of Linao, Alegria, Punta and Naungan) find its way to live in the hinterland, the reason why the settlement of Palungpung (now Palompon) flourished and expanded earlier than that of Ogmuk.

The towns invaded by Moro raiders includes, Palo, Carigara, Tanauan, and even Baybay and Hilongos. Only Palompon has a detailed narration about the blow by blow accounts of the raid, thanks to Artigas de Cuerva.

With these new written accounts that established some factual data of Palompon's history, it is now easier to write about the town's fascinating distant past.

The centuries-old church in Palompon town

by: GERARDO C. REYES JR.

The town of Palompon is one of the oldest coastal settlement in Northwestern Leyte. It existed for more than four centuries already. Folklore says that it was Hinablayan before because of its gory objects found along the coast. The dead bodies of the enemies (Moros) that are hanged at the branches of the tree. However, these remained an oral tradition up to now.

The name Hinablayan evolved to Palompong, and then to Palumpun (spelling of Palompon sometime in 1700 or 1800). It is indisputably a very old town. Ormoc was part of Palompon parish from 1784 until 1851, when finally it was declared as an independent parish. Villaba and Matag-ob are both part of the territorial jurisdiction of this town before it obtain its municipio (pueblo) status.

But there are no available records in our town about our very interesting history. In 1990, then Mayor Viacrucis together with historian, Arcadio “Carding” Molon Jr, and Antonio E. Reposar came up with a book that established some facts about the significant past of Palompon. It was an attempt to give a clear picture of the things that happened to this town. It has complete names of town leaders (mayors and capitan municipal) from 1852 until present , municipal mayors, parish priests from 1784 until present, names of beauty queens and damas from 1914.

It was a good and laudable accomplishments, but there are still many things that are unknown to many Palomponganons.

The history of the people's struggle should be verified so that the younger generations of Palomponganons and Leytenos will know how their forefathers generously shed their blood for the noble cause.

Sadly, little is known on what must have been to be a very fascinating story. The place has some artifacts and relics that came from the past. One of these, is the century-old cannon, believed to be used by the natives during the violent Moro raids in 17TH and 18TH centuries. But there are no established facts that can claim that the said cannon was used by the early Palomponganons during those encounters, or where did it came from. Another, is the wooden image of the patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, place in a glass and wooden urn, which was brought by the Jesuits missionaries in mid-17TH century.

Lately, the book of Manuel Artigas de Cuerva “Resena de la Historia de la Provincia de Leyte” has a fascinating revelation. That the cannon found in our plaza was used by the early Palomponganons during Moro raids and that they have sustained in a nine-day battle that took place sometime in late 17TH century, that the people rushed to the stone church (newly completed at that time) and took refuge for more than a week, that the Moros suffered losses in that encounter. It was the only recorded victory among the natives in all the raids that happened Leyte perpetrated by these bandits.

Some other towns, however, was devastated by the onslaught of these violent raids, like Ogmuk in December 3, 1634 (now Ormoc) whose priest, Fr. Juan del Carpio was brutally killed by the raiders by the use of kampilan, with more than 300 natives perished because the bandits slaughtered them mercilessly, and other towns suffered losses also when these Muslim bandits plundered whatever riches they could take from these places, and took its natives captive. In Ogmuk, the early settlers in the coastal villages (now the present site of Linao, Alegria, Punta and Naungan) find its way to live in the hinterland, the reason why the settlement of Palungpung (now Palompon) flourished and expanded earlier than that of Ogmuk.

The towns invaded by Moro raiders includes, Palo, Carigara, Tanauan, and even Baybay and Hilongos. Only Palompon has a detailed narration about the blow by blow accounts of the raid, thanks to Artigas de Cuerva.

With these new written accounts that established some factual data of Palompon's history, it is now easier to write about the town's fascinating distant past.

My 27th birthday

The birthday celebrant, last June 30

I already turned 27 last June 30. It was a hectic day for me but I still find ways to spend some of my time for myself and love ones. But, honestly it was one of the birthdays that I spend only less than P 200 pesos, believe me, I’m not kidding. Thanks to the Republic Act 7160 (otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 that sets June 30 as the inauguration of newly elected officials.

In 4^th district, two towns have already their oathtaking ceremonies a day before, but four others hold their inauguration on June 30, that happens to be my birthday. I can still recall that at the age of 12, we attended the inauguration of then mayor Ramon Oñate, with my grand uncle the late Margarito “Tatay Tots” (Toting) Codilla, a war veteran. The crowd packed the social center and I witness myself, how festive my birthday was not because of my preparation, but that of the newly elected officials inauguration, which is also my birthday. Then in June 30, 1998, I and my fellow youth coordinators and leaders took part of the victory party, and it was my 18^th birthday (few months ago, we worked hard campaigning for Ramon Oñate, who was then on his last term, the first time that I got into political activities being one of the speakers bureau, a truly satisfying and fulfilling experience). Then before 2001, I was already hired as an employee of the municipal government in Palompon, assigned at the mayor’s office. And again in 2001, during my 21^st birthday, more than 50 lechons are served at the packed social center with more than 3,000 barangay officials, civic leaders, etc. attended, because the new mayor at that time, former mayor Baloy Oñate took his oath before Judge Eric Menchavez, then the same thing that happened in 2004, June 30 during my 24^th birthday, inauguration again of elected officials and at the same time, victory party for their supporters.

This time, since I have already resigned as municipal employee of Palompon since July 30, 2004, I do still attend the inauguration of elected officials in my hometown but including other municipalities also, considering that I worked now at congressman’s office.

Going back to what had happened last June 30, during my 27^th birthday…as I have said a hectic day for me. At 5:00 AM I get up early to hitch a ride with my boss’ vehicle going to Isabel, Palompon, Kananga then back to Ormoc. About 9:30, we we’re in Isabel municipal hall already and then proceeded to the sala of Judge Lida L. Nicol where newly elected mayor Saturnino “Jun” Medina took his oath of office, he was accompanied of course by his colleagues led by vice mayor Greg Cerillo and SB members.

In Palompon, it was a grand victory party in the crowded Palompon social center (called tenisan when I was young…anyways, I’ll going to tell you the story behind, or the history behind rather…in my incoming blogs). This time, Yoly Tupa, the former vice mayor is now the new chief executive, with vice mayor Lloyd Surigao and SB members. Most of them are known to be Codilla political allies. The congressman administered the oathtaking and in fact promised to make a municipal gym (a smaller version of Ormoc superdome).

After that we proceeded to Kananga, Leyte where Eming Codilla is also about to take his oath of office. We reached there at about 2:00 PM, and the oathtaking started right away. It was the first time nga nakasaka ko sa municipio sa Kananga. After the snacks was served we then proceeded to Ormoc SP session hall to witness the inauguration of Mayor Eric Codilla, the second term of mayor Beboy I mean.

I have an invitation for Tabango, Leyte that night (no less than Mayor Bernard Jonathan “Benjo” Remandaban, invited me but I need to cancel my trip to that time, so that I can spend time with my family during that day—my 27^th birthday.

At last, at 6:00 I’m in our rented house in Can-adieng already, then buy 2 lechon manok at nearby J-1 chicken (near Kusina Ormoc and Chicken Ati-atihan) for only P160. And still I enjoy my birthday despite that hectic day.