Leyte Trip Day 2: MacArthur Shrine, San Juanico Bridge and Hiphop Dancing

The second day in Leyte turned out to be productive with Eric’s presence. Yaya to the rescue!

We went to Robinsons Tacloban for lunch. We ended up eating in a place called M Lluiller Dimsum and Tea House. Reminds us of a popular Philippine pawn shop chain.

After doing some errands, a staff of DOT-Region 8 arrived and drove us to Palo, Leyte.

As one of the judges, Eric stayed at The Oriental Leyte. It is just a few steps away from the popular MacArthur Landing Shrine. Weee!

“O, baba muna tayo rito. Pa-check attendance ka muna kay Lolo MacArthur”

I finally saw the larger-than-life historical statue! Time to take touristy pictures! I’m a tourist! 😉

The Oriental Leyte is jam-packed with celebrities from GMA-7. I think all the lead cast members of the GMA Afternoon Prime show Faithfully was there. I stayed in my Eric’s room. We were working on some tasks while watching Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka 😛

At 5pm, we went to the Lobby area to meet up with some staff members of DOT-Region 8. I also met Ms.Annie, Eric’s fellow judge in the festival. We went to yet another historical landmark of the Philippines – The San Juanico Bridge!

“I’m in the middle of Leyte and Samar! I just crossed the bridge because I got here! Char. Another souvenir photo before the night ends because once again, I am in tourist mode 😉

We returned to The Oriental Leyte for dinner. The dancers of BoyZ Unlimited were rehearsing for their presentation. Later on, I found out through their manager Ms. Jinkee that they are from Mangaldan, Pangasinan! Wah kababayan! 😀 I am more than proud to meet another successful Pangasinense. I smiled more after learning that Marrion Evangelista, the leader of BoyZ Unlimited is also a graduate of Lyceum-Northwestern University. He was once a member of the L-NU Dance Troupe. Astig!

I never imagined Eric to judge a hiphop dancing competition, but I have to admit that I am excited to witness this one. Way back in my teenage years, I was also a struggling performer. Our group would perform in several dancing competitions. I’m glad my grades didn’t drop that low.

^ BoyZ Unlimited’s Special Dance Number for inspiration^

There were over 14 groups vying for the grand champion trophy.  My favorite part of the whole program is the showdown section. Ayaw paawat ng mga representative!

For the complete results, you can check my coverage -> Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Hiphop Dance Competition 2012

^ The Grand Champion Performance video ^

What a groovy night! I went back to my room in GV Hotels with the thought of reviving my unused dancing skills LOL. I should get back to dancing soon and get Marrion Evangelista as my choreographer. Woot.

Thanks to Byahilo, DOT-Region 8 and BoyZ Unlimited crew for the fun night!

~0~

FIRST TIME IN LEYTE SERIES:

Leyte Trip Day 1: On Missing the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Highlights

Leyte Trip Day 2: MacArthur Shrine, San Juanico Bridge & Hiphop Dancing

Leyte Trip Day 3: The Sangyaw Festival  of Tacloban City 2012

Leyte Trip Day 4: Visit to the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

* This trip took place on the 4th week of June, 2012.