The Potters of Tanauan:

Earthen colors.

The potters of Tanauan, Leyte have been with us from since way back when. It's common practice for homeowners and garden enthusiasts to head there for their gardening pot and clay cooking pot needs. This earthen-wares have been a part of our tradition hasn't it? It has been a trade, an art and a livelihood for many of them and we Leyteños ought to be good supporters and allow them not only to continue but to flourish. A knockout landscape is only 3 towns away from TC, what are we waiting for?

Classic, conventional pots, Zen garden-inspired and curvy jars, it's all there. Demand for bricks are increasing too. 

Jars, pots of all sizes.

Dilemma. This lady potter makes close to 20 per day depending on the demand. Sad to report though that since Typhoon Yolanda, the mountain-scape changed in Tanauan and the quality of the soil has decreased, they are are now filled with pebbles and other artifacts making the clay product not as pristine as I remember but the potters are doing their best.

A day in a life...

Pots drying...

Kudos to all the potters!

The Haiyan Food and Coffee Shop at Bislig, Tanauan, Leyte

I was finally able to check out this only game in about 5 towns coming from Sogod to the Palo, Leyte area named Haiyan Restaurant. As we can see the namesake, “Haiyan” is dervied from that devastating typhoon that ravaged Leyte in 2013. I wonder if the owners want to thumb their noses and defy said calamity by christening this eatery as such, or perhaps it's their way of exhibiting their resilience.

As for the entrées, some dishes are cafeteria arrangement while others a' la carte and most are classic Filipino dishes like Kinilaw (ceviche-type fish), pancit and other meat preparations, no annotations needed. Beside the main restaurant is a coffee shop as well and I also noticed a motel being erected within the premises, which will complete a trifecta of service and hospitality.

The décor is eclectic here, with the ubiquitous use of quality wood on the floor, walls, tables and chairs. The staff members are welcoming and helpful. The entire area is al fresco, so just be patient with a stray dog or 2 and the occasional vector visitors which can't be avoided but rest assured, the place is pleasantly rustic and even classy as a whole.

Oriental lattice woodwork.

 Creative and well thought out wood sculptures of lasses which has pocket of drawers.