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1. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR PLACE?

- The picturesque town of Palo is located twelve kilometres from the city of Tacloban. I t was
twice as Leyte’s capital and is full of traditions. The center of Catholicism, it is where the
Leyte bishop resides, being the seat of Diocese. The town’s historic significance lies in the
fact that on October 20, 1944, Gen. Douglas McArthur who led the allied liberators waded
ashore on the Red Beach, Candahug, fulfilling his promise to the Filipino people when he
said, ‘I SHALL RETURN”. The origin of the name of PALO cis related to several versions. One
of them state that the name is devised from the mast ship (mast in the dialect of Palo) which
in the past sailed in its waters and fish-laden shores. It is also believed that the name is
derived from the mallet (PALU) for this in the past had many carpenters. Another version by
Justice Norberto Romualdez in his book, says that this town was frequently visited by
typhoons “as often as every eight day” (walo walo). Later, the term walo became corrupted
into Palo. The last version is about an incident which led to the naming of the town: During
the Spanish captain befriended a beautiful lass in this settlement. Because of her beauty, the
Spanish captain was captivated, leading to his visiting her often in her HOME. A historical
landmark in Palo is the Cathedral which was built in 1596 by Fr. Alonso de Humanes, a Jesuit
who came to the places when the sitio had only two houses, who spreads the gospel of
Christ baptized natives, taught the children to read and write and pray the rosary, sing
church hymn and play the flute. The palo church was created a cathedral on March 27, 1938
when Msgr. Guglielmo Piani apostolic delegate carried the papal bull from Romee,
proclaimed it and erected the diocese of Leyte, designating Palo as its seat and Msgr.
Manuel Mascarinas of Bohol as its first bishop. Palo is also the site of World Health
Organization pilot project to control schistosomiasis. This town has several active
organizations; noth civic and religious managed to give improvement to the town.

- In the place which I’m currently residing is Brgy. Cavite East Palo, Leyte, a población
barangay. The formerly marshy area (binog) was expropriated for the use by military and
other officials from Cavite under Gen. Ambrocio Mojica, the politico-military governor of
Leyte during the Philippine American War (1899-1902), after the provincial capital was
transferred to Palo starting in 1899.

2. HOW ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?

- I came from a family where our source of income came from farming. My grandmother
named Emerenciana Lago Celada, her maiden name originally from Brgy. Castilla Palo, Leyte
met my grandfather named Maximo Plazuela Marilla that came from Brgy. San Joaquin Palo,
Leyte. They have created 8 beautiful and handsome children. My grandfather which is a
farmer suddenly decided to try fishing which causing his left hand to be cut because of a
explosive thing. When that incident happened, they decided again to go back in farming in
which their children help them to do the farming. However, due to financial incapability 7 of
their children where not sent to school while the other one, a lady who is eager to fulfil her
dreams for her family studied until she graduated college. The only one to do so. Our farm
came from our ancestors which were transferred to my grandparents up until to their
children and to us.

3. HOW ABOUT YOUR SELF?

- I came from an incomplete family because my father left me when I was still 5 months old in
my mother’s womb. That is why my mother left me to my grandparents because she had to
work in a far place to sustain my basic needs. My grandparents raised me until I was 16 years
old because they died unexpectedly. After that until the present, my aunt the elder sister of
my mother is the one who is taking care of me. Talking about my name, FRANCELL SHANE.
My aunt who graduated college is the one who gave my name. She told me that my name
came from one of her co-workers in Taiwan who had a very cute baby girl named FRANCELL
SHANE. My aunt adored that baby so much that is why she named me after her. Talking
about my surname, since my father did not acknowledge me, my surname is taken from my
mother’s maiden name and it look like I’m their younger sister because of my surname haha.
THAT’S ALL SIR HAHAHAH NOTHING’S SPECIAL HAYS