May 19, 1997. As usual, we all wake up ten minutes late in the morning. We were supposed to visit our relatives at ESPERENZA but we woke up late so we headed to the town proper. There you can see the church and Municipal Hall.
Matalom Road
Old Matalom Bridge
New Matalom Bridge
St. Joseph Church
One grand old church that must have seen so much history over the years. As we approached the entrance and entered quietly, I couldn't help but get a sense of being transported back in time in a very profound and spiritual manner. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation and just as we turned to leave, our attention was drawn to some activity emanating from the church main entrance. A group of people was carrying something inside the church.
photo by Lapaj
Oh, I remember that St.Joseph fiesta is on May 26 and 27. That is why people are very busy preparing for the Town Fiesta.
Matalom Municipal Hall
photo by Larry A. Villaruel
Matalom is a 4th class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It borders with Bato in the north. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 30,216 people in 6,093 households.
It was said that the Spaniards once saw the flaming red of the fire trees that dotted the shores of Matalom Beach and the scenic Canigao Island and asked the natives the local dialect for "hermosa" or beautiful. The natives answered "Matahum" or "Matalom." This was the origin of the town's name.
Before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, a peaceful sea-loving people lived along the banks of the Matalom River and also on the scenic islet of Canigao (formerly Comigao).
In the middle of the 18th century, the townspeople of Matalom constructed their own parish church, convent, school, and public buildings through their own efforts. These were all accomplished with the leadership of a kind Spanish Friar, Fr. Leonardo Celes Diaz and Capitan Calixto Pil believed to be the founder and first president of the town.
Leadership in the town's administration may be divided into three regimes: Spanish, American and Postwar (Philippine Independence). The first president of Matalom during the Spanish regime was Capitan Calixto Pil. Succession to the chair of president was patterned after the original dynasty set up by the natives, by Pal and Pil families. Thus, after Kapitan "Itong" (Cpt. Calixto Pil) his son followed. Next in line was Kapitan "Osting" (Cpt. Agustin Pil) then Kapitan "Kulas" (Cpt. Nicolas Pal), then Kapitan "Bentoy" (Cpt. Ruberto Pal), the last president before the transition period from Spanish to American regimes. The council members were then called, "Guinhaupan," acknowledged leader in settlements, now barrios or sitios.
The transition from the American regime to the time the Philippines obtained its independence saw Jeremias Pal re-elected alcalde in 1937 until the outbreak of World War II. The dark days of the Japanese occupation had Antonio Olo as the "puppet mayor". The restoration of the civil government after the war saw the appointment of Primitivo Gopo as the municipal mayor of Matalom.
Next stop Matalom Public Market. Since we are here having our tour why not buy fresh and dried fish for our lunch. Matalom Market is known to have this product.
Matalom Public Market
According to my cousin Connie she had fond memories of the the oldest bridge. Wherein she and her friends jump for a swim.
My father was so amazed on what he had seen. The place has been so much improvement compared to the previous years he visited the place.
As we got home we quickly help our Aunties to cook and prepare our lunch. Tiring day. After lunch we rest for awhile and headed to the beach, GUERRERO BEACH RESORT.
This is an out of the way little beach resort consisting of 6 air con beach cabins. In a beautiful tropical setting. It was hard to find nice holiday accommodation in this off the beaten path area of Southern Leyte. The Guerrero's are very nice hospitable people .You will enjoy your stay. The rooms are very affordable.
My Lola's house is near the resort and we used to spend the day swimming in the beach overlooking Canigao Island.
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| Photo credit to Larry A. Villaruel |
The island was so quiet and very promising.
The next day we decided to try something different and go to Canigao Island.
photo credit: Larry Villaruel
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