Ormoc, Philippines

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Ormoc, Philippines

Region: Leyte


Geographic Coordinates: 11.010600, 124.607000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with typhoons from June to December.
Population: 230998
Language: Waray-Waray

Ormoc is a city located in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is known for its stunning natural attractions and historical landmarks. The city has a population of over 215, 000 people and is one of the largest cities in Eastern Visayas. One of the most popular attractions in Ormoc is Lake Danao National Park. This beautiful lake covers an area of 148 hectares and is surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, Fishing, Hiking, And camping while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Another must-visit attraction in Ormoc is the Pineapple Plantation.

This vast plantation spans over 2, 000 hectares and produces some of the sweetest pineapples in the country. Visitors can take a tour to learn about pineapple farming techniques or simply indulge in freshly harvested pineapples. For history buffs, Ormoc offers several landmarks that reflect its rich cultural heritage. One such landmark is the Ormoc City Superdome which was built to commemorate victims of Typhoon Haiyan that hit Leyte Island on November 8th, 2013. The dome serves as a shelter during natural calamities but also hosts sports events and concerts throughout the year.

Another historical site worth visiting while you’re here would be MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park located at Red Beach Palo Leyte which commemorates General Douglas MacArthur’s return to liberate Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II. In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Ormoc also has a vibrant food scene with plenty of local delicacies to try out like binagol (a sweet coconut dessert), Moron (a rice cake wrapped around chocolate), Biko (sticky rice cake), Among others.

but not leastly , Visitors should not miss out on experiencing fiestas celebrated all year round with grand parades showcasing colorful costumes depicting local cultures accompanied by street dancing competitions where locals and tourists alike can join in the fun. Overall, Ormoc is a city that offers something for everyone, From nature lovers to history buffs, Foodies to festival-goers. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while learning about its rich cultural heritage and indulging in delicious local cuisine.



Important Landmarks

  1. Lake Danao National Park
  2. Ormoc Bay
  3. Leyte Geothermal Power Plant
  4. Pineapple Plantation and Processing Plant
  5. Tongonan Hot Springs National Park
  6. Queen Pineapple Monument
  7. Sts Peter and Paul Parish Church
  8. Veterans’ Park
  9. City Plaza
  10. Old Municipal Building

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture (especially rice and sugarcane production)
  2. Fishing
  3. Tourism
  4. Manufacturing (such as food processing and furniture-making)
  5. Retail trade
  6. Banking and finance
  7. Healthcare services
  8. Education services
  9. Transportation services (including shipping and logistics)
  10. Construction and real estate development

Noteable History

  1. Ormoc was heavily devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, which claimed thousands of lives and caused severe damage to infrastructure.
  2. During World War II, Ormoc was a strategic location for both American and Japanese forces. The Battle of Ormoc Bay in 1944 saw intense fighting between the two sides.
  3. The late Senator Blas Ople, who served as Senate President from 1999-2000, hailed from Ormoc.
  4. In 1991, a flash flood caused by heavy rains killed over 5,000 people in Ormoc City.
  5. The city is home to several notable landmarks and attractions including Lake Danao National Park, Tongonan Hot Springs National Park, and the Leyte Geothermal Power Plant.
  6. In recent years, Ormoc has become known for its annual Piña Festival which celebrates the city’s pineapple industry.
  7. Other famous personalities who hail from or have ties to Ormoc include former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and Filipino-American actor Lou Diamond Phillips.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Ormoc City Museum: This museum displays the rich history and culture of Ormoc, showcasing various artifacts from the Spanish colonial period.
  2. Lake Danao National Park: A picturesque park with a stunning lake surrounded by verdant forests, offering excellent opportunities for trekking and picnicking.
  3. Leyte Landing Memorial: A monument that pays tribute to General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines during World War II.
  4. Our Lady of Assumption Church: An ancient church constructed in 1795 featuring intricate architecture and religious artwork.
  5. Pineapple Plantation Tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of a pineapple plantation to learn about the cultivation process and savor fresh pineapples.
  6. Sabin Resort Hotel & Aqua Park: A well-known resort with an aqua park featuring water slides, pools, and other attractions suitable for all ages.
  7. San Juanico Bridge: The longest bridge in the Philippines that connects Samar Island to Leyte Island over San Juanico Strait.
  8. Tongonan Hot Springs National Park – A natural park with hot springs that are said to have therapeutic properties for skin diseases and other ailments.
  9. Ulan-Ulan Falls – An enchanting waterfall located in Barangay Cabintan accessible via a short hike through lush forests.
  10. Veterans Park & Wildlife Sanctuary – This park has several memorials dedicated to war veterans as well as wildlife sanctuary where visitors can see different species of birds, butterflies, monkeys among others in their natural habitat.


Sports Teams

  1. Ormoc City FC is a professional football club based in Ormoc, Philippines. The team was founded in 2014 and has since participated in various local and national competitions.
  2. The Ormoc Gwapitos is a basketball team that plays in the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball League (CECAL). The team was formed by a group of friends who wanted to promote basketball as a sport for the youth of Ormoc.
  3. The Leyte Mariners Athletics Association (LMAA) is an athletics association based in Leyte province, which includes the city of Ormoc. It was established in 1960 and has since produced many notable athletes who have represented the Philippines at international competitions.
  4. San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School (SLRMS) is a private school located in Ormoc that has been active in various sports competitions, including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, and swimming.
  5. Western Leyte College (WLC) is another educational institution located in Ormoc that has been active in sports events such as basketball tournaments and track meets for many years.
  6. University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) is one of the largest universities located near Ormoc City with an extensive history of participation across different sporting events like athletics, badminton, boxing etc..


Cultural Events

  1. Tugob Festival is a week-long celebration held every October to commemorate the city’s founding anniversary.
  2. Sinulog sa Ormoc is a religious festival held every third Sunday of January, featuring street dancing and parades in honor of the Sto. Niño.
  3. Buyogan Festival is a cultural festival held every July in Abuyog, Leyte (near Ormoc) featuring street dancing and performances showcasing the town’s beekeeping industry.
  4. Kanidugan Festival is a cultural festival held every April in Tanauan, Leyte (also near Ormoc) featuring street dancing and parades highlighting the town’s agricultural products.
  5. Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is a religious feast celebrated on June 29th with processions and masses at various churches around Ormoc City.
  6. Christmas celebrations are widely celebrated with colorful decorations, caroling, and midnight masses leading up to December 25th like most places in the Philippines.
  7. Holy Week observances include Palm Sunday processions, Visita Iglesia (visiting seven churches), Good Friday reenactments of Jesus’ passion and death, and Easter Sunday celebrations.

Cuisine

  • Binagol is a native delicacy made of taro, coconut milk, and sugar.
  • Moron is a sweet rice cake wrapped in banana leaves.
  • Sikwate and puto maya are hot chocolate drink paired with sticky rice.
  • Lechon de Carajay is a roasted pig dish served with liver sauce.
  • Ormoc’s Best Barbecue House is known for their grilled meats and seafood dishes.
  • JJ’s Halo-Halo and Snack Inn serves Filipino snacks such as pancit, lumpia, and halo-halo.
  • La Consolacion College canteen is famous for their chicken adobo and other home-cooked dishes.
  • Kusina ni Aying’s Restaurant & Catering Services serve Filipino comfort food like sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and kare-kare (peanut stew).
  • The Coffee Library offers various coffee blends, pastries, sandwiches, salads.
  • Rancho Cancio Grill & Resto Bar is popular for its grilled food like barbecues, pork belly skewers or liempo in Filipino cuisine.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Lake Danao National Park is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping.
    2. Leyte Mountain Trail is a hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
    3. Ormoc City Plaza is a public park that features landscaped gardens, fountains, and statues.
    4. Anilao Hill is a scenic spot for picnics and hiking with panoramic views of Ormoc Bay.
    5. Alto Peak offers a challenging trek to the highest peak in Eastern Visayas with breathtaking views of the region.
    6. Sabin Resort Hotel & Aqua Sports Inc. offers various water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, paddle boating etc.
    7. Ormoc Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole golf course open to the public.
    8. Lake Kasudsuran is ideal for fishing and swimming.
    9. Ormoc Superdome has a basketball court open to the public.
    10. Apalit Falls is located in Barangay Ga-as and it’s perfect for nature tripping or swimming.

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