The Invasion Of Leyte, a work in progress

  I couldn't find any other appropriate heading to this post.  This is, technically, an invasion - MY INVASION into Leyte.

    Leyte- Tacloban, in particular, is Region 8's government epicenter.  It is here that we go for passports, government clearances, everything, and shopping.  And it is during during these trips that I find opportunities to make my discoveries.

RAFAEL FARM, BABATNGON, LEYTE

   I had the opportunity to discover the much-blogged about Rafael Farm very recently (April 2013, that is) with my husband.  

   We took the public transport bound for Babatngon from the Tacloban City Terminal.  It was not so hard getting there as there were constant trips bound for Babatngon from Tacloban.  It took us about thirty minutes and twenty pesos (per head) to get to Rafael Farm which was along the highway.

    

     

    Rafael Farm was very beautiful.  Not really a farm, per se, but a beautifully landscaped piece of property with a restaurant and a lagoon-which I figure out to be the lowest level of the property where rainwater collects but was artfully designed and put up to look like a lagoon,  for the main attractions.  Oh, but it was just lovely and so serene I could stay here forever.

   This is the lagoon, above, where guests who would like to indulge may go boating, and the restaurant, below, as seen from the cute pergola at the pond's center(not sure how to call it).

  The restaurant is surrounded by lily- and freshwater fish-ponds which made the ambiance even more zen-like.

    It was tastefully crafted out of what I believe to be discarded items from old house(s) as most of the items found inside seemed 'old' - from the capiz window cum backdrop to the chairs and the minutest pieces which served as decor.

 

   The food was definitely Filipino.  We tried the much talked-about baby back ribs, gaway(I forgot what they call it but it resembles laing), and a pitcherful of herb-infused lemonade.  Very tasty.

   I found the sinigang a little bit too sour for my tastebuds, but I will definitely come back - my children are looking forward to this trip after they have seen our pictures.

Easter At Rocky Liliputan

   My children love the beach.  Oh, it doesn't matter what waterform they're into as long as they can take a dip - they'll love it.  At Easter they found the perfect opportunity to convince mama and papa to head off to the beach, and  so off  we went to the Liliputan Rocky Beach Park in the nearby town of San Julian here in Eastern Samar aboard our old but trusty cab.

   Liliputan is about ten minutes from Borongan by car.  There are public utility multicabs at the Borongan City Transport  Terminal that can take you to San Julian and you just tell the driver that you will alight at the crossing nearest Liliputan, as there are no direct public transport to the beach park.  A two-kilometer hike sea-bound and you will find yourself at the entrance of the resort.  

 

   A marker glued to the mountain edge and a welcoming sight beacons at the entrance.  

   A minimal fee of Php 6 is required at the entrance.  I have learned that one part goes to the barangay and the other part goes to the municipal treasury as the place is owned and maintained by the local government of San Julian.  Open cottages range from Php 150- Php 300 depending on capacity.  However, it's only-until-6 PM so it is better to be there early in the day to have the fill of this rocky getaway.

   The place is needs a little more development but I think it is just as beautiful as it is.  Alas, it's bring-your-own-provision, if you don't want to be taking constant trips back to the poblacion just to fill the picnic basket.

   Perfect for rock climbs (at your own risk and provision, of course) or just appreciation of the natural rock formations.

   For the thrill seekers, a dangerous dive from the steep cliff may be more of a novel experience.

   Cottages were constructed atop rocky protrusions and interconnected by narrow pedestrian walkways.

    A natural lagoon makes this rocky creation a must see.  Not ideal for little kids though as there are no shallow crevices for non-swimmers.   The place was packed with people when we arrived, but there was simply no stopping my little ones from taking a swim aboard their floats.