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Tacloban, Philippines: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and a Whole Lotta Vibes

@Mila Sanders3/6/2026blog
Tacloban, Philippines: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and a Whole Lotta Vibes

okay, so. tacloban. i didn’t really plan to end up here, you know? touring with the band, we had a gig cancellation in Manila, and our drummer (that’s me, by the way - Liam, nice to meet you) was like, “let’s just…go somewhere.” and somehow, somewhere ended up being this.


I just checked and it’s…a damp hug right now. Seriously, the humidity is thick. Like, you walk outside and your hair instantly decides to form its own ecosystem. The weather report says it’s hovering around 26.65 degrees Celsius, feels like it too, and the pressure is 1012. I’m not a meteorologist, but that sounds…sticky.

a group of people dancing


I’ve been wandering around, trying to soak it all in. The city itself is…rebuilding, you know? There’s a palpable energy, a sense of resilience. It’s not polished, it’s not perfect, but it’s real. I spent a good hour just watching people at the *public market, haggling over fish and vegetables. It was chaotic and vibrant and utterly captivating.

Someone told me that the best place to get halo-halo is at Jaro Town Proper. Apparently, it’s a generational thing - the same family has been making it for decades. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s high on my list. I did stumble upon this little carinderia (that’s a small, local eatery, right?) and had the most incredible adobo. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth pork. I’m going back tomorrow.

a group of women wearing colorful hats


I’m staying in a pretty basic guesthouse near San Jose. It’s clean enough, and the owner, Aling Nena, is a sweetheart. She keeps offering me coffee and telling me stories about her grandchildren. It’s…nice. It’s a far cry from the fancy hotels I sometimes get stuck in on tour, but I’m not complaining.

“Don’t go near the old church after dark,” a drunk guy mumbled to me at a roadside stall. “They say it’s haunted by the spirits of those lost in the typhoon.”


Okay, maybe I will skip the late-night church visit. I’m not exactly a ghost hunter, you know? Though, honestly, the whole place has a slightly eerie vibe, especially when the rain starts. Which, let’s be honest, is pretty much all the time.

If you get bored, Ormoc and Palo are just a short drive away. I’m thinking of checking out Palo’s San Isidro Parish Church tomorrow - Aling Nena said it’s beautiful. I’m also looking into checking out some local music venues. Apparently, there’s a thriving scene here. I found a listing on Tacloban City Tourism.

a group of people standing outside


Pro-Tips (because why not?):

 *Bug Spray: Seriously. Invest in it. The mosquitoes are relentless.
 *Water: Drink tons of it. The humidity will dehydrate you faster than you can say “halo-halo.”
 *Bargain: Don’t be afraid to haggle at the market. It’s expected.
 *Respect: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. It’s always appreciated.
 *Embrace the Chaos:* Tacloban isn’t a perfectly curated travel destination. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and it’s utterly charming. Just go with it.

I found a few reviews on TripAdvisor that mentioned the friendliness of the locals. They weren’t kidding. Everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and helpful. I even got a free mango from a street vendor!

I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, but I’m definitely enjoying the unexpected detour. Check out Yelp for some restaurant recommendations - I’m always on the hunt for good food! And if you’re looking for a place to stay, Booking.com has a few options.

Okay, I’m off to find that halo-halo. Wish me luck (and maybe send some bug spray).

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About the author: Mila Sanders

Believes that every problem has a solution (or at least a workaround).

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