Leyte is one of the provinces in the Philippines that are considered to be underdeveloped or economically less fortunate. This is due to the less than ideal topography of the province. The rough terrain is often times lashed by typhoons during the rainy season months so that it is pretty rare for agriculture to have bumper harvest. Additionally, trade is relatively less given that of other nearby more popular provinces in the area that gain control most of the trade in the region.

Leyte however is rich in history. This is one of the country’s provinces that have made a great contribution in shaping the history of the Philippines. The Warays (people on the eastern part of Leyte) and the Cebuanos (people on the west side of Leyte) are proud of their rich and important past. This fact was further attested by the seal of the province. The upper portion of the seal honors the landing of US Forces headed by General Douglas McArthur; the letters on the cross signifies the passage of Magellan on the way to Cebu and the stars represents the 49 towns of Leyte province.

The very first Catholic mass in the country was held in Limasawa when Magellan and his men arrived in March 28, 1521.True to the hospitable trait of the natives, a friendly reception was arranged to welcome the foreigners. Magellan and Kulambo, the local chieftain made a blood compact to signifying that both accept each other as a brother. The first mass that was held on March 31, 1521 was participated in by most of the natives. Leyte was again prominently featured in the history of the Philippines when the US liberation troops landed in the shores of Leyte during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur landed at Palo, south of Tacloban on October 20, 1944 with his historical words of “I Shall Return” promise fulfilled on that day.

In recent years, Tolosa, a city in Leyte gained nationwide recognition as it is the hometown of former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Tolosa greatly benefited from the luck of Imelda to be a first lady as substantial funds were poured for growth and development of the city and not to forget Tacloban City as its capital. Presently, Leyte has numerous attractions to offer travelers. One is the San Juanico Bridge that spans the San Juanico Strait. This is hyped to be the most magnificently designed and the longest bridge in the entire country. On top of the bridges, one can see countless whirlpools as well as the picturesque islets of Leyte.

Leyte, just like any other place in the Philippines has an excessive liking for festivals. The most notable in this province is the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival that is celebrated every 29th of June in Tacloban City. Painted or tattooed dancers would perform narrative dances that illustrate their customs, traditions and beliefs.
Buyugan Festival mimics the movements of the buyog (honeybee). This festival that is celebrated every 19th of August in Abuyog, Leyte is judged as one of the top ten festivals in the Philippines due to its highly artistic choreography and lifelike, accurately designed costumes that portrays the appearance of bees.

Tags: Buyugan Festival, Leyte, Pintados Kasadyaan Festival, Waray