A Long Walk at San Juanico Bridge

Let's build bridges, not walls.

_{~ Martin Luther King Jr.}

Let me take you virtually on a long walk my sister and I took at the 2nd longest bridge in the Philippines, the San Juanico Bridge, which used to hold the title "longest bridge" in the country before the Cebu-Cordova Bridge was constructed. It is two-kilometer long that stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait. Now before proceeding with our long walk at this bridge, let me just share a brief pinch of history. It was built under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos as a declaration of love to his wife Imelda Romualdez Marcos (a native of Leyte) way back in 1969. Oh well, maybe that's what love can do.

We had passed by this bridge a few times before whenever we travel to Manila by land but never got the chance to drop by and have a longer look at this stunning view. All the choice we had back then was to stare at it from our window seat while we were crossing.

Until it was a holy week from a few years ago and my sister and I had taken the time to go home. But at that time, we were no longer traveling by land (since it would take us 28-hour long road travel) but via airplane instead (which only took us 1-hour travel from Manila to Tacloban). Before proceeding home, we both agreed on visiting the San Juanico Bridge. Our hometown is quite far from Tacloban so we were both excited because that means another adventure to be shared and explored.

Upon setting foot on this bridge, I was left in awe staring at this astonishing beauty unfolding before my very eyes. Although it's not my first time seeing this, still it gives a different delight when you are standing there, feeling its charm, energy, and power. Its aerial view is amazingly shaped into the letter S at the side of Samar and slowly depicting into the shape of the letter L when approaching Leyte.

Moreover, it's amazing to know that this structure of engineering wonder has faced and withstood countless destructive tropical cyclones for more than 4 decades, which emulates the resiliency of Leyteños who have learned to adapt in facing many typhoons including one of the strongest and deadliest typhoons to ever hit land in history, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that devasted the country in 2013, particularly in the Visayas area.

It was kind of heartbreaking but on the lighter side, there were many islets lying below the bridge which gives a breathtaking spectacular view of the sea with those floating lush greenery from above.

There were also picturesque views of mountain ranges which are Instagram-worthy.

My sister and I proceeded with our walk and I was thinking to myself, a morning jog could be very perfect here. And then as we reached the middle part of the bridge, there are arch-shaped trusses wherein the signage of WELCOME TO LEYTE is written. It may be very windy at the top but it felt so warm. Maybe because it just felt good to be back. "Yes, I am home! I was smiling as I was saying it to myself.

Leyte than the sunset...Leyte than the rain! 🎶🎶 Singing my heart out with my hair fluttering in the wind. 😅

Recently, an aesthetic lighting project was made, the first of its kind. It is to attract more tourists to the region. It's glowing in the dark image in the evening is truly world class. And I wish I could visit it again to see and witness first hand its sparkling charm at night.

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And that was quite a memorable bond I had with my sister. By visiting beautiful destinations like this San Juanico Bridge, we created beautiful and unforgettable memories. And we will continue building a strong connection between us that like this bridge, will stand against all the storms of life.

Thank you everyone for joining me in this #WednesdayWalk by @tattoodjay. It's one great adventure.