Palo Leyte Christmas Festival 2012

All roads led to Palo Leyte last December 14 as the town celebrates the annual Christmas Festival. The opening ceremonies was led by no less than the Mayor herself, Madam Matin Petilla. Also present during the event was the new Leyte Governor Mimieta Bagulaya. Former Governor and now Department of Energy Secretary Jerico “Icot” Petilla also graced the event.

I have been to Palo several times. In fact, during the recent Pintados Kasadyaan Festival, we stayed at one of the hotels in Palo, Leyte. But this is my first time to witness the towns celebration of the Christmas Season.

The opening ceremonies program was held with songs and dances featuring the popular hymns in time for the season. Later, the town Mayor was called on stage, together with the former governor, Icot Petila to do the ceremonial switching on of the plaza lights.

And when the entire plaza got illuminated, it’s time for the fireworks display.

immediately after the fireworks were set off, Mervz, Ludette and Gerry Ruiz of Leyte Gulf travel and Tours immediately left the plaza grounds to check out what’ happening around the area.

We found a stall selling local delicacies. Aha! There’s suman, sagmani, and sarungsong. I was actually looking for a Binagol but the woman in charge of the stal said they don’t sell binagol. Oh well. Pwede na rin ang sarungsong and sagmani. I tried all three types of foods they are selling! hahaha. My favorite was the sarungsong. I love its fine teture, sprinkled with chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.

From there the four of walked a little bit farther towards the barangays where the beautiful arches were installed. Each barangay also has to decorate their homes as these wil be judged on a specified date.

We got to visit one of the homes that has been elaborately decorated. the Saboren House is decked with all the glittering poinsettias, Christmas balls, santa claus, and angels.

I just love the saboren House! They have several miniature Christmas villages scattered everywhere. Paskong Pasko na talaga sa Leyte!

And because of the annual festival, Palo has been nicknamed as the Christmas Capital of Eastern Visayas.

The lights and display will be ongoing until first week of January. Truly, we a re a nation with the longest Christmas celebration!

Many many thanks to Ludette and Gerry ruiz of Leyte Gulf Trave and Tours for bringing us to Palo and experience the Eastern Visayas’ way of celebratign the Chritmas season.

Damo nga salamat! Maupay nga Pasko!

Many many thanks to AirPhi Express for flying us to Tacloban City. Palo is just very near the Capital of Leyte. It is the next town after Tacloban. AirPhil Express flies daily to Tacloban City, the gateway to the Eastern Visayas Region. Log on to http://www.AirPhilExpress.com for your cheap flights to Tacloban and the rest of the Philippines!