My First Ever Domestic Flight -- Trip to Leyte and Samar

Last Dec1-6,2008 -- Me and Marilou were sent by our manager to Leyte and Western Samar for a field visit. It was a fun and memorable experience and I learned a lot from our trip. I so love my new job cause it allows me to go different places and countries where we’re able to learn a lot from.

Going to Leyte is an hour flight from Manila. We checked in at Hotel Alejandro which I heard is one of the best hotels in Tacloban, Leyte. We enjoyed the food in Leyte. I love seafood and so most of my orders were seafood and I was surprised that prices of prawns, squid, fat crabs are very cheap as compared to the prices here in Manila.

It was also my first time to pass by San Juanico Bridge of course we stopped by the bridge and had some shots taken.. Funny thing was that behind our picture says “no stopping anytime” hahaha! We didn’t notice the signage..

We went to Catbalogan, Samar to visit the Plan Phils. Program unit office, after a few meetings with them, they took us to Daram Island. We went there by pump boat and I enjoyed the 1 hour ride..

When we reached the place, my heart almost melted cause they had a placard that says “Welcome Visitors”. The residents of the island heard that the people from Plan Regional Office will be coming to visit (which was Me and Marilou) so they prepared very well. We went to the school which was at the top of the mountain. When we reached the small gate of the school.. there’s a signage again that says “Welcome Visitors” awwww…… They really gave us a warm welcome.. People in the province live a very simple life.

During lunch, the residents of Daram Island prepared lots of food for us. We were so touched by their thoughtfulness and hospitality. While on the plane on the way back to Manila, I realized again how very lucky I am to have been born with everything that I need in life and that I should be contented and be happy for what I have (of course, I always do).