Late Post on Late-Y (Leyte)

Hello world, I'm back.

I've been away for weeks because of too much work and I am still adjusting to the changing crazy effed up weather.

One rewarding thing about my work is, perhaps, the fact that I get to travel to places for free. This month, me and the whole team of young writers went to the South. We invaded Leyte for a 9-day conference held at Ormoc City. It was my first to get there, since I don't have the time and much resources.

Leyte is an island on the Eastern part of Visayas, which is around 616.46 kilometers or a distance equal to 383.05 miles and 332.64 nautical miles (too much math, I know).

We will be in Ormoc City from days 1 to 8. Ormoc City was first known for the tragic flash flood and landslide that took the lives of around 6,000 inhabitants. But of course, its been more than a decade when it happened, and now Ormoc City has recovered from its sad past.

(You can click on images to make it larger)

After the flash flood in around circa 1991, bridges were built as flood-controllers

A view at the Ormoc City food park. Yes, a food park!

We first set foot at around 5:00 am (+8:00 gmt) at Tacloban City Airport. Mild rains that lasted for almost an hour welcomed us. I thought its going to be rainy for the rest of the day, but I was wrong. After a few, the sun began to shine... and it did magnificently shined so it made the day feel like its really summer.

Ro-ro vessel bound to Cebu City at Ormoc Port.
Fare ranges from Php 300.00-500.00 and travel time lasts for like 3-4 hours or more

Doves are commonly seen roaming and flying around the city plaza

Thinking that we'd get to our destination within an hour, our team didn't take any meal as to start the day in Leyte. It was a wrong choice. I thought its quite near the airport, but for the second time, I was wrong. Ormoc City, our destination, is around 2-3 hours travel by land from our current location. So, as soon as we arrived Ormoc City, we were really starving.

The City park and its nice view of Camotes Sea

Still in the city park. Stalls of various goodies can be found here, too

The place was great, IMHO. And perhaps, what I've said is a bit biased because I love being near the sea. Yes, Ormoc City is surrounded by waters.

Sea wall ready for passers-by who want to sit for a while

A six-seater tricycle as means of transportation can be seen almost everywhere. It looks like the smaller version of the jeepney. The city is clean, too. Too bad we cannot stay out of the quarters for long during late nights because of tasks given by the bosses.

The sea wall at night time. The only photo I had.
Didn't notice the lovers sitting near me when I took this shot *smile*

Ah, this? I call this the JEEPCYCLE. A jeepney+tricycle in one.

What makes Ormoc City really fun? It's the food and some perks. To be posted up next :)

summer lovin' beach spoilers

Sweet guacamole! Can't wait to take a dip in the not-so-deep waters

Summer. It's almost here.
Can't wait for the summer lovin' fun? Are you now in good shape to wear tankinis and bikinis for the ladies and those hot trunks with matching cool sunglasses for the gents? Bet you are. This is the perfect time to go out: no school, long breaks and stuff. The idea of how ready you are can be seen through those big colorful bags [or luggage]. But are you ready enough to survive the summer heat?

Commonly, the beach is one awesome place to be during summer. The Philippines has much to offer in terms of beaches. Price ranges from moderately cheap to grandiose. Well, regardless of the location, the price and its amenities... beaches are natural home to unwanted [read: scary] water creatures, who are also taking their breaks. Sometimes, shore cleaning ups and stuff doesn't do the trick in preventing them from mingling with the beach lovers. Why don't we check them out and meet some of the sea creatures you wouldn't want to be around as you enjoy your break?

Sea Anemones lie from shallow to deep waters, with their friendly coral pals and clownfishes 

He's Nemo's very best friend, sure... but not yours. Sea anemones might look harmless, but they are one of those contact irritants that could make your skin itchy. These colorful cnidarians dwell on tropical reefs so if you seem to be much interested in snorkeling and diving, you know what to avoid.

The stings of these jellies can cause lingering pain. Worse, they can sting even they're dead @___@ 

Jellies. Squishy, but definitely stingy. There are reports showing jellyfish attacks in some beaches. Their threadlike tentacles contain nematocyts which pierce the skin and inject venom. If left unguarded, it can paralyze its victim and produce tingling to painful stings [that can lead to death, depending on the species]

You will never have any problem with Sea Urchins, just DONT STEP ON IT.

Running on the beach barefooted? Its a no-no when Sea Urchins invade the sands of your target vacation haven. These creatures can release their quills fast and has the ability to get into your skin deep. So beware.

There's much more to these three fun spoilers out there in the shore. Now you get to see what they look like, we know what to do to avoid them [and of course, avoid them as much as possible]

How I see the beach spoilers?
I would want to take them home as pets but I can't. Nah, just kidding.
I've seen a lot of these in real life and as far as I can remember, I have avoided them. They won't hurt you if you keep your distance from them. In case you have an accident involving these, seek immediate medical attention. And to be safe, do not swim/stroll/wander around alone. Take a buddy with you. Have fun!