ORMOC CITY — Ormoc City is taking a fresh approach to promote tourism and investment while celebrating its culture and daily life through a new short film titled “Homemade, Handmade Ormoc.”
The 25-minute film highlights the city’s natural attractions, such as Lake Danao and lush forest landscapes, while capturing the simple, everyday experiences that define the lives of over 200,000 residents across 81 barangays.
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez said the film was created to answer a frequent question from outsiders: what makes Ormoc worth visiting or investing in.
“This is for both Ormocanons and non-Ormocanons. We are often asked what can be seen in Ormoc, so this is our way of showing what makes our city special,” she said.
The film not only promotes Ormoc to visitors and investors but also reminds residents of the city’s quiet beauty and unique character amid rapid development. Torres-Gomez noted that what locals may consider ordinary—daily routines, familiar places, and simple experiences—can feel extraordinary to outsiders.
Situated on the western side of Leyte, Ormoc has emerged as one of Eastern Visayas’ fastest-growing urban centers, complementing the region’s main hub, Tacloban City. While portraying the city as a place of “slow living,” the film also reflects Ormoc’s vision of balancing growth with preservation.
“Progress and tradition can coexist,” the mayor said.
“Homemade, Handmade Ormoc” was officially launched on March 16 at SM Cinema and is now part of the city’s promotional efforts to attract tourists and investors while giving non-residents a closer look at Ormoc’s charm.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
