Posts Tagged ‘coconut’

This very expensive Palace in the Philippines, which is of course made of coconut materials from the exterior into the interior of it, was somehow wasted for its prime purpose why it was created, that is this palace was made originally for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1981 which the Pope himself decline to stay in it due to he was burden by his own conscience through the poverty he has seen in the Philippines at that time. However, the Coconut Palace was somehow serves as a guesthouse for a handful of personalities who visit the Philippines during the early times, like the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Hollywood actress Brooke Shields and George Hamilton, as well as the Amazing race team.

But that was then because now the Coconut Palace is just a mere Museum in the heart of Metro Manila Philippines between the Folk Arts Theatre and Sofitel Philippine Plaza at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or at Eduardo A. Makabenta Street.

This palace was originally a project of former first lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II but the Pope has not acknowledged its worth, which of course disappoint Imelda Marcos and the Philippines then. However, it was justified in the public that Imelda Marcos has already this luxurious project in mind long before the Pope plan to visit the Philippines. The Coconut Palace was originally conceptualized and created, as their justification says, to promote the wonders of the coconut to be the “tree of life”. Every bit of the coconut tree can be useful or can be use for house infrastructure. For the coconut materials of the Palace from coconut’s roots to its flowers and fruits has craftily engineered to make it a coconut palace itself. Yes, with a $10 million in budget, surely you can make a very beautiful palace out of coconut materials. What a luxurious project is not it?

The Coconut Palace has seven suites which were named after the different regions in the Philippines. And each suite has in display the handicrafts of a specific region in the Philippines. Moreover, the palace has hundred and one coconut shell chandeliers and forty thousand tiny inlaid coconut shells. Its roof was shaped in a traditional salakot shape hat, of course to represent Filipinos. The shape of the entire palace as well as its courts is pentagon –like shape. I do not know it is pentagon in size, whereas a coconut fruit is not pentagon in size.

Although, it is now a museum, still anyone who can afford to lodge at its beautiful suites can be accommodated to check-in to it. The Coconut Palace can also be a best reception venue for weddings or rather a venue for garden-like wedding. It is perfect venue! Yes, it can be rent for this purpose. You can contact the Coconut Palace customer service for reservations.

Furthermore, The Coconut Palace is alternatively known as the Tahanang Pilipino or the Filipino Home. However, today it is widely known as The Coconut Palace. You can take a peak of it for free at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The Relaxing Side of Leyte Philippines

Aside from Leyte Philippines rich historical tourist places, there are also places in LeytePhilippines which was weaved not by history but by nature itself. Leyte has also beaches a beach lover tourist seek, such as the White Beach located at Brg. San Jose where one could do what one is commonly doing in a beach. That is, swimming, skiing, fishing, boating, etc. Another beach which we mention in my article about historical Leyte Philippine or about General Douglas MacArthur historical landing upon the shore of this beach is the Red Beach located at Palo Leyte.

Leyte Philippines have also cool and relaxing places aside from beaches; such is the cool climate of Mt.Kankahanay located at Jaro Leyte. It has scenic virgin forest which nature lovers could appreciate. And from Mt. Kankahanay we may visit Leyte’s cool Parks which also exhibits natural beauty like the scenic virgin forest of Mt. Kankahanay. We may start nature trekking from Mahagnao Volcano National Park where we could see awe inspiring volcanic craters as well as the multi-colored muds and rocks and witness the gigantic ferns and orchids of the virgin forest of this park as well its beautiful lagoons. Then from Mahagnao Volcano National Park we may cross the Lake Danao Natural Park where we could witness a spectacular fall called Guinaniban Falls as well as we could view the breathtaking Amandiwing Mountain Ranges. Not to mention also the beautiful lakes, namely, Mahagnao, Malagsum, Casudsu-ran and Danao Lake of course. Then we could go at   Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark where could see the endangered species of Lemurs and Tarsiers. After we have treaded from this nature trekking we may take a bath at Tongonan Hotsprings National Park to relax our tired feet and body as well.

Like island hopping in Leyte? We may start at San Juanico Straits where it is said that it has beautiful islets, infinite whirlpools, and rushing water sceneries. From San Juanico Straits we may swim first at Amihan Cebu Woodlands which is said to be a perfect site for swimming while watching cattles roams within their grassy pasture. Then after we have taste the swimming experienced at Amihan Cebu Woodlands, we may hop into Himokilan Island to watch how this big delicious coconut-cracking crabs crack our own coconuts. Surely, your own coconut will be crack because of it very delicious taste that will drive you to snorkel or scuba dive them at Mahaba Island in obsession. Or it will drive you nuts to drive Leyte’s longest beautiful bridge in the Philippines which is the San Juanico Bridge into the endpoint of it. It will be tattooed on you mind these beautiful islands of Leyte and will be drive to join Leyte’s Pintados festival where the participants where all tattooed throughout their bodies at Tacloban city.

Perhaps, you have to relax already at The Leyte Park Resort Hotel before you drive your body into the next trip. This resort hotel in Leyte was build by the former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. She builds it in 1979 and now has become a major tourism and convention complex.