As my service work progressed, I also took the opportunity to explore the rich culture, diverse attractions, and breathtaking scenery of both Samar and Leyte. The initial landmark that welcomed me on our journey to the second facility, The Midwives Way birthing clinic in Samar, was the iconic San Juanico Bridge. Historically, this bridge held the title of the longest bridge in the Philippines at 2.16 kilometers. While the newly opened Cebu-Cordova Link Express surpassed it in 2022 with its 8.9-kilometer length, the San Juanico Bridge’s legacy remains. It wasn’t just the longest in the country for many years—it was once considered the longest bridge in all of Southeast Asia. Crossing it was a reminder of the region’s history and architectural ambition.
In a thrilling turn of events, we received an invitation to attend the “Miss Basey Samar 2025” pageant. This was a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and witness a powerful display of community pride. The event itself was a fantastic platform for women’s empowerment, showcasing not only the renowned beauty of Filipinas but also their sharp wit, talent, and intelligence. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening, as it allowed me to fully appreciate the cultural essence that underlies Filipino pageants.
We dedicated time to exploring the region’s historical and spiritual landmarks, visiting several churches where the sheer passage of time was evident in every wall and stone. It was impossible not to feel the weight of history; if those walls could speak, they would surely tell countless tales of the area’s heritage and the lives lived within their shadows over the centuries.
Our cultural immersion wasn’t limited to history; it also extended to the local cuisine. We were generously treated to some delicious local crab. While the taste was fantastic, I admit the experience presented a familiar challenge: painstakingly extracting the sweet meat from the shells.
Speaking of delicious food let me just go directly and share our lunch before I fly back to Manila. The meal was a lavish affair, starting with an impressive selection of worth-it desserts.
The table was graced by Red Velvet, Tiramisu, Chocolate Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Carrot Cake, but the clear winner and my personal favorite was the creamy, tropical Mango Bavarian.
Moving to the savory courses, the array of local flavors was exceptional. We were served fresh sashimi that burst with flavor and melted in the mouth.
We also enjoyed Pörbida, a comforting, rich local dish made with kale simmered in coconut milk.
Two different preparations of fresh fish were offered, both amazingly delicious in their own right, 
and the succulent grilled shrimp was the undisputed favorite among the children. 
This spectacular feast provided a wonderful, flavorful finale to my time serving and exploring in the region.
I nearly forgot to mention one of the most memorable sensory experiences of the trip: the incredible quality of the local fruits. The coconuts were exceptionally fresh, offering both refreshing juice and creamy, satisfying meat.
The jackfruits were equally impressive—super sweet and incredibly juicy. Beyond just enjoying them, I gained a fascinating piece of local knowledge: I learned that even green jackfruits can be ripe, judging purely by their scent and texture. We often assume that the bright yellow color indicates ripeness, but the seller explained that the final color depends largely on the material used to wrap the fruit while it ripens on the tree.
And, of course, no trip to the Philippines is complete without the famous Filipino mangoes. They remain my absolute favorite. I pride myself on my peeling skills, and I especially love them when they are at that perfect stage—the balance between fully ripe and still slightly unripe. It was a true pleasure to savor these natural, local delicacies.
We also had the opportunity to unwind at the Caluwayan Palm Resort and Restaurant. The scenery there was truly magnificent. The contrast between the vibrant green of the palm trees and the breathtaking blue of the sea was nothing short of stunning. This experience reinforced a powerful realization: I genuinely hope more people around the world get the chance to witness the magnificent seas and beautiful beaches that the Philippines has to offer.
Retrieved from Caluwayan Palm and Resort Facebook Page https://web.facebook.com/caluwayanresort
My exploration of the region was truly a rich tapestry of history, art, and natural beauty. Discovering Basey, Samar more, we ventured into Panhulugan Cave, the largest cavern within the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. The fascinating rock formations, sculpted by time, were a powerful reminder that truly beautiful things require patience and time to develop. I also learned that this vast cave holds historical significance, having served as a hideout for indigenous people during the Spanish-American War.
The cultural immersion continued at Saob Cave, where local artisans showcase their talent through beautiful handwoven bags and hats. I had a wonderful, engaging time with the manghahabi (the weavers), who kindly taught us some of their techniques. My small token of appreciation was met with genuine happiness and gratitude, which was incredibly fulfilling.
I was also treated to a spectacular natural wonder by Nerissa and her family, who took me to witness the famous “sea of clouds” at Baybay, Leyte. Waking up exceptionally early to catch the view was entirely worth it. Though access is currently limited, I sincerely hope the site extends its public hours in the future, as the panoramic view, even without the clouds, is utterly breathtaking.
Our final excursions around Tacloban, Leyte, were a deep dive into the province’s rich history. We visited the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, admiring its architectural beauty and the collection of antiques, art pieces, and artifacts that showcase the old-style structures of the past. We also saw the Municipal Hall and the old capitol building. Another is the Yolanda Shipwreck Memorial Park, which is a reminder of what tragically happened when Yolanda hit the province. A visit to the McArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, served as a poignant reminder of General McArthur’s fulfillment of his promise to return.
My time in Leyte was truly exceptional. My heart, mind, eyes, and stomach are full—filled with the rich cultures, local delicacies, stunning sceneries, and, most importantly, the incredible warmth of the people. The individuals I met—Nerissa Cumpio and her family, the dedicated mercy kasamas, the supportive midwives, and the devoted mothers—are all remarkable individuals who made this journey unforgettable.
I know this will not be the last time I visit, learn, and connect with them, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return.
