I Shall Return to Leyte
- Joanna Garingarao
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
An wartime statement which has become a household phrase is “I Shall Return” uttered by General Douglas MacArthur in Australia in 1942 after escaping the Japanese troops in the Philippines during World War 2.
On October 20, 1944, the fabled general fulfilled that vow as he and President Sergio Osmena and over 100,000 Allied Forces landed in the Pacific beaches of Leyte to start the liberation of the archipelago.
To memorialize this momentous occasion, the Province of Leyte recently observed the weeklong 81st Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary with a series of commemorative activities and special events.
Fringe events included photo displays on General Douglas MacArthur and the Philippine Veterans Bank’s mobile “War of Our Fathers”, a philatelic show, the Leyte Liberation Golf Cup, and the 2025 Dulag Carnival Queen.
Major events kicked off with the Sentimental Journey in Suluan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar which recounts the daring raid of Filipino guerillas on a Japanese airstrip which led to the establishment of a US naval base 3 days before the Allied landings.
Tolosa municipal government led the Signal Day which relived the exploits of Boy Scouts Valeriano Abello and his friends Antero Junia and Vicente Tiston who helped US warships redirect their artillery to Japanese positions through their semaphore skills.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts recreated the telltale semaphore message “Don’t bomb the beaches. There are civilians. If possible, let me direct the shelling” at Telegrafo Beach where the American fleet were located.
Dulag town recreated the hoisting of the American flag on Hill 120, the first time it was raised on Philippine soil after the US surrendered in 1942.
Palo municipal government welcomed surviving war veterans and their descendants, dignitaries and local officials in the annual Barrio Fiesta gala dinner which showcased Eastern Visayas cuisine, and music and dance.
The big day unfolded on Oct. 20 with the 81st anniversary program where the 12 surviving war veterans were honored by the Leyte Provincial Government.
But beyond the nostalgia left by the Pacific War, Leyte boasts of an exciting array of nature, culture, and adventure destinations worth exploring. Guests can hop around idyllic islands with powdery beaches, mountain lakes, enchanting waterfalls, farm-themed resorts, heritage and pilgrimage sites, ecotourism spots, and everything in between.
Visitors can get an eclectic experience at the newly-opened The Tropics at MacArthur Park Resort, the only four-star accommodation in Eastern Visayas. Strategically located beside the iconic landing site of Gen. MacArthur, the resort hotel takes pride in its 124 well-appointed rooms, which include 2 executive beach pool suites and a presidential villa.
The classy hideaway is owned by Palo Entertainment and Resort Corp. and managed by Kandor Hospitality Management, a sister firm of the Discovery Group which also manages landmark boutique properties across the country.
Just on its first year of operation, The Tropics was already as the Best Accommodation Establishment (Resort Category) at the Golden Amity Awards 2025 held recently in Tacloban City.
For the Christmas Season, the hotel has prepared an exciting lineup of special events and promos to help end the year with a bang.
For a worry-free and consummate journey, tours can be arranged around the usual tourist destinations around Leyte, as well as in neighboring Samar, Biliran and Southern Leyte provinces.
With the rich war heritage and tropical allure of Leyte, you will surely make the similar vow of “I Shall Return”.
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