The Oriental Leyte, a prominent hotel in Eastern Visayas, hosted again the recent luncheon reception and VIP events of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings.
Spearheading the commemorative events were the local governments of Leyte and the municipality of Palo, the Department of National Defense's Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and the Department of Tourism, in cooperation with the Veterans Federation of the Philippines. Also taking part were and diplomatic representatives from the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, which were the protagonists in the Pacific during World War II.
The four-star resort was also the venue of an exhibit of artist Nemi Miranda of Angono, Rizal, whose paintings depicted the quincentennial of Christianity in the archipelago, and the return of Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur in 1944.
Located beside the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, the Asian-themed hotel boasts 128 well-appointed rooms and suites, several function halls, a fitness center a spa, and the Samsara Restaurant. Aside from being the regular venue of the Leyte Gulf Landings event, the property chain has taken on the corporate social responsibility of historical and cultural promotions. The DoT-accredited tourist establishment is offering guests heritage and nature tour packages in Samar and Leyte, World War II-related spots in Tacloban City and environs, and the San Juanico Bridge.
The Oriental Hotels group has properties in Legazpi City, Albay; Tagaytay Ridge, Cavite; and Mariveles, Bataan. It will soon open the sub-brand Proxy in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, and The Inn in Bacolod City.