Leyte » gerryruiz photoblog mark II

Palo Cathedral undergoes major renovation

Churches, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel No Responses »

Jan 282012

It’s the archdiocese’s dream of restoring grandeur to the landmark of the Catholic faith in the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte.

The Lord’s Transfiguration Cathedral – better known as the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral – has been undergoing major renovation work since August of 2010.

Last reconstructed in the early 1960’s, the historic structure has badly needed repair of its roof and ceiling, electrical and communication systems, and major renovation of its sanctuary and belfry.

The renovation project costs over 25 million pesos under the commission of Filipino architect Gervacio Amistoso.

The major facelifting comes in time when the Archdiocese celebrates its Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) as a diocese on November 28, 2012.

Photos taken on January 25, 2012:

The Oriental Hotel – Leyte: A sneak preview

photography, Tourist destinations, Travel 8 Responses »

Dec 152011

Full steam ahead!

This seems to be the battle-cry of everybody working at “The Oriental Hotel – Leyte” – the new hotel taking shape at the former site of the MacArthur Beach Resort at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte – when we visited the site today, December 15 for a first hand view of the project.

Singaporean-backed conglomerate LKY Property Holdings is rushing construction of its P300-million resort hotel; its soft opening has been set before the end of the year.

Developers pushed not just for a renovation but a total reconstruction of a new hotel.

New structures have been erected where the buildings of the old hotel once stood.

An elegant lobby now sits adjacent to the restaurant and spa lounges.

The hotel will also have outdoor pools and fitness facilities.

The new hotel offers new facilities for functions, meetings and conferences all housed in a new building. It boasts of having a 1,000 seating capacity ballroom suited for big conferences and conventions.

This answers the clamor for a large venue which has been a major problem in the region when hosting national conferences.

Lunar eclipse of 10 December 2011

nature, photography No Responses »

Dec 112011

I wasn’t expecting much when I first heard the news earlier this week about the coming lunar eclipse owing to the rainy weather prevailing in our area.

But, lo and behold – the skies cleared up last night!

And so with great haste I managed to set up my camera in what would be a tedious shoot for the next 2 hours or so! When I finally called it quits, the moon was directly overhead so that the camera position was already vertical! Looking at the viewfinder of a tripod-mounted camera positioned vertically is no joke. I was expecting a stiff neck upon waking up this morning hehe

Composite above shows photos taken from 9:02PM-10:00PM. Relative moon positions are not accurate; presented here solely for graphical purposes.

Photo taken at 10:31:39 PM

Photo taken at 10:48:14 PM

Photo taken at 10:50:34 PM

All photos taken 10 December 2011 from calle Z Cafe, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines using Canon EOS 7D with EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM +1.4X Extender II.

The 1st Lawig Festival Queen 2011 competition

Beauty Contests, Fiestas, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel No Responses »

Dec 072011

Here’s our photo coverage of the 1st Search for Lawig Festival Queen 2011 held December 02, 2011 on the eve of the town fiesta of Palompon, Leyte.

Festival Queen 2011 Ms. Jyca Therese V. Mancao of MBVMH being crowned by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District Leyte) and Leyte Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla