When I was in Leyte, I did not expect to visit one of the most incredible museums in the Philippines—the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum in Tacloban Leyte. This was built by the Late President Ferdinand Marcos and Madam Imelda Romualdez Marcos. This grandeur and extraordinary chapel museum and the guest house were already managed by the PCGG or the Presidential Commission on Good Government as part of the I'll Gotten Wealth of the Marco's Family. It became the most visited tourist attraction in Tacloban Leyte. This was named Santo Nino in honor of the holy child, the patron saint of Tacloban. This was supposedly where the Marcos Family would stay if they visited Tacloban, Leyte. This features the collection of Imelda Marcos as well as the artifacts of Santo Nino. All types of furniture were made of hardwood and even animal skin coming from outside the country and already become antiques. Furniture and fixtures were all carved with authentic and spectacular designs. These were preserved and open for the public to showcase the collection of antiques, paintings, and pottery, from China, Vienna, Italy, Spain, and other countries. So in this blog join me as I will introduce you to what is inside.
From Palo Leyte, we rode a jeep going to Santo Shrine. It takes almost 1 hour to travel from Palo to the Santo Nino Shrine. It was our first time visiting the Shrine so we were confused about what possible areas we would drop off or follow but with the help of the GPS App we easily found it. When we arrived I asked the information immediately how much is the entrance. So, we discovered that the entrance is 150.00 with a tour guide. At first, my friend was hesitant to go inside. But because I paid her already she was obliged to go on your with me. The tour guide accompanied us and discussed everything inside from the different floors, every room, and everything inside.
As we were inside we were amazed at the uniqueness and durability of all types of furniture and fixtures inside. I can't help myself but just say, wow every detail inside. Since we couldn't go on to every room without your guide so while waiting we just took a photo opportunity every angle of the prayer hall of the museum or on the first floor. When we started our first trip on the first floor we went to every room and listened to the tour guide as he explained every detail of the room. There were 21 bedrooms including the room of Madam Imelda Marcos. Each room had different motifs and paintings of the couple as well as replicas of Marcos's project and achievements during his presidency. These were designed and sculptured uniquely by an expert and high-caliber sculpturist. The paintings were even painted by the famous painter and some were made of mosaic from Capiz shells. There was even a painting of President Marcos's Family Tree and various jars collected by the President from all over the world.
That's all for now and see you on my next blog for the continuation of my visit to the Romualdez Museum.