After
4 hours of travel from Tacloban City via Duptours, I finally arrived at the
capital city of Maasin. The integrated terminal with adjacent market and
shopping center caters the people of Maasin as well as the needs of neighboring
town in Southern Leyte.
Since I have my offline map in my smartphone, I walked the streets of Maasin City, looking at the bay where families had their morning swim. After few minutes, I’m already at the city plaza, surrounded by the stone cathedral and city hall. Students had their dance practice when I got there.
Before
roaming around the city, I checked-in at GV Hotel branch where I had my
reservation beforehand. I really like the ambiance of budget-friendly but
decent rooms they offer for backpackers.
I
looked outside and saw the monument of Our Lady of Assumption at the top of the
hill. From the city center, you can hail a tricycle going to ascent point at
minimal fee. However, I chose to walk so I can gaze at the old houses along the
highway, still with my offline map.
 |
| Provincial Library |
Scaling
the steps leading to Jaleca Hills where Our Lady is perched, it rained heavily
but it didn’t stop me to reach the peak as I have my reliable umbrella. No
entrance fee in the pilgrimage site but make sure to keep quiet and surrounding
clean.
Once
I reached the chapel behind the monument, I uttered my simple prayer, thanking
Him for letting me reach this place safely. From this viewpoint, you can see
the city center on the right and the azure bay near the horizon.
Bidding
farewell to Jaleca Hills to visit the capitol two kilometer away from city
center. I tried to wait for tricycle but it seemed they won’t fetch me so I
walked instead. It was not that humid so I enjoyed the scenery along the
highway. When I got to the capitol complex, I saw this “I Love Southern Leyte”
sign within the sunken oval. No way will I waive this moment so I took a selfie.
Some employees seen on the complex are busy as they’re going to celebrate
Southern Leyte’s Foundation Anniversary. Repainting of roads, buildings and
fixtures in the grandstand are on works.
Finally, after taking a picture of
capitol’s façade, I rode a tricycle leading to terminal to start my journey in
Baybay City.
