Days ago, San Juanico bridge was only an image from my elementary textbooks for me. Now, I can say that I have crossed the bridge when I got there! (riding a vehicle).

It’s illegal to stop in the middle of the bridge so the other option was to drive a bit slow. It takes a couple of minutes to pass through the approximately 2,200 meter long bridge.

Once upon a time, this was also called Marcos Bridge, according to the marker on the Leyte end.

Don’t be deceived. Though the waters in San Juanico Strait seem calm when viewed from the bridge, it actually has very strong currents. No diving okay??

There was a side walk on both lanes of the bridge. Meaning, it was meant to be walkable. Two people ahead of us walked from the Samar end to Leyte. After when they were several meters ahead, we stepped on to proceed with photo taking.

Perfectly veiled by clouds at this time, the sun was not too hot, and not too dark for photos either. The only unforeseen circumstance was how shaky the bridge for someone walking on the sidewalk when trucks (even when cars) were passing by. We didn’t even reach a hundred steps from land HAHA. I can’t decide on whether to stay close to the handrails and risk falling over and drowning, or stay a bit closer to the road and gamble getting hit by a truck. I should practice my balancing skills, I bet.

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I love the thrill of roller coasters, okay, but I’m secured at a seat the whole time there. I’m not exactly 100% sure with my sense of balance. It would take me a little getting used to walking a shaky bridge I guess. I know it’s made of steel and concrete, and it’s perfectly safe, but still 🙂 . So after the third truck passed by, we walked back to Samar, and drove the length of the bridge back to Leyte. We took some photos of the scenery on the way back.

Here’s another photo chance at the Leyte end. I guess we were able to walk a bit further this time. But then another TRUCK that passed by. It’s part of the Pan-Philippine highway for a reason. Lots of vehicles must pass through this everyday. So yeah, we walked back to land after a few shots. Thinking back, did we even step on San Juanico Bridge? or was it just the Pan-Philippine highway??

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Off we go to another history book item!

MacArthur Park

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“I shall return”, is one of the most popular historical phrases we learned in school. Today I got to visit the landmark built after the one who said it. It’s a nice cloudy afternoon at MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte. Quite a drive from San Juanico. Though it would have been nicer if there were less clouds for a sunset view.

Seven life size bronze statues serve as the centerpiece of this park. Of course leading them is Gen. MacArthur. Imagine, this park where a lot of residents unwind with their friends and families at current time, was also the same spot where MacArthur arrived back during World War II.

Renovations have been completed a few weeks before my visit which includes a visitor center and viewing deck across the road, and dancing fountain/ lights show. We were supposed to watch the lights and a bit of a mini water show on the side but maybe because it’s Monday, there would be no show. (Monday is like the rest day instead of Sunday for some shops/attractions).

It’s been 12 hours since we started the day and my phone batteries died 😦 Good thing my friend was still able to take photos of the park with me!

Next stop, a little rest (phone charging) then dinner downtown.