Samar – Splendor Between Mountain And Sea
The province of Samar is nestled between mountain and sea, bountiful waters on the west and low mountain ranges on the east. With this, Samar is blessed with a lush rainforest, exotic flora and fauna, and natural wonders that has attracted local and foreign nature-loving tourists. Its famed attractions include the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park and Calbiga Cave.
Aside from its natural treasures, it boasts of architectural and cultural wonders as well. There is the 17th century old Basey Church, Calbayog Cathedral, Samar Archeological Museum and Research Center, and the San Juanico Bridge.
Demographics
1. Population –
390, 847 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 6, 048 sq. km
3. Capital – Catbalogan
4. Language/Dialect – Waray – waray, Cebuano,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (25)
St. Michael
the Archangel Church (Basey Church)
This 17th century church is one of the oldest churches
here in the Philippines. It features a watchtower and
old images of saints painted on the ceiling.
Sohoton
Natural Bridge National Park
It is internationally known for its natural beauty expressed
in its caves, subterranean rivers, waterfalls, and unique
limestone formations
Langun-Gobingub
Cave (Calbiga Cave)
The 2,968-hectare cave system has the Philippines’
biggest karst formations, which are also some of the
largest in Asia. It is composed of twelve caves with
a wide underground space, unique rock formations, and
subterranean watercourse.
San Juanico
Bridge
The San Juanico Bridge is the longest and most beautifully
designed bridge in the Philippines. It connects the
islands of Samar and Leyte.
Samar Archeological
Museum and Research Center
It is the first and only museum in Samar Island. It
houses numerous artifacts and archeological treasures
that dates back to the 14th Century.
Cultural
Samar Archeological
Museum and Research Center
Location: Christ the King College, Calbayog City, Samar
The first and only museum in Samar Island opened on
April 11, 1970. Among its archeological artifacts include
burial jars and covers, log coffin, jarlets, cups, howls,
saucers and dishes dating back to the 14th Century.
There are also coins, heirlooms, old household items,
and religious items such as saints, altar, chalices,
and monstrance used during the Spanish occupation.
Historical
Obelisk
Location: Samar Provincial Capitol Park, Catbaloga,
Samar
Made by Juan Sajid Imao, son of National Artist for
Sculpture Abdulmari Imao, this four-sided work of art
depicts four momentous and historic events in the Samar
Island. Facing East is the Balangiga encounter. Facing
North, is a relief of the Sumuroy Rebellion in Palapag
in 1649. Facing West, is a scene depicting the arrival
of the first Jesuit missionaries in Tinagon on October
15, 1596. And facing South, is Queen Isabella III, carrying
a Royal Decree of August 11, 1841 declaring Samar a
province.
Man-made
San Juanico
Bridge
Location: Sta. Rita, Samar - Tacloban City, Leyte
It is the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning
a body of water with a length of 2.16 kilometers (1.34
mi) It is considered one of the most beautifully-designed
bridges in Philippines. The bridge is supported by 43
spans rising 41 meters above the sea. It has a large
arch beneath which allows boats to pass.
Nijaga Park
Location: Calbayog, Samar
Named after Benedicto P. Nijaga, one of the Thirteen
Martyrs who died on January 11, 1897. The park is the
site of social, political, cultural, and sports activities.
The Rizal monument, a fountain, and amphitheater are
its focal features.
Natural
Sohoton Natural
Bridge National Park
Location: Rawis, Brgy. Guirang, Basey, Samar
Covering an approximate area of 840 hectares, It is
internationally known for its natural beauty expressed
in its caves, subterranean rivers, waterfalls, and unique
limestone formations. It is an idyllic place for recreation.
The most prominent assemblage in the park is the cathedral-like
caves, which are the Panhulugan I, and II, Sohoton and
Bugosan. All the caves in the park are endogen caves
in angular limestone cliff, which support the base of
other crack system. It abounds with flowstones and dripstones.
Langun-Gobingub
Cave (Calbiga Cave)
Location: Calbiga, Samar
e 2,968-hectare cave system is composed of 12 caves
with a wide underground space, unique rock formations,
and subterranean watercourse. The surface area of the
cave has a mid-mountain forest which is the habitat
of some threatened wild species like bats, cave crickets,
eyeless shell fishes.
Tinago-an
Cave
Location: Brgy. Longsod, Oquendo district, Calbayog
City, Samar
The cave has been the main attraction for picnickers
desiring to get the rare thrill and excitement of having
a trip through nature-made dark tunnels. The cave made
a name for itself when it was made a hideout by two
men wanted by the guerrillas who hid in it for nearly
two years and coming out at night in search for food.
Hence, the name “Tinago-an” means hiding
place.
Danao Cave
Location: Brgy. Danao I, Tinambacan District, Calbayog
City, Samar
It is made up of seven (7) chambers inhabited by various
species of snakes and bats as evidenced by a good deposit
of guano. The cave serves as an initiating hive for
those who want to acquire talisman.
Guinogo-an
Cave
Location: Brgy. Lungsob, Oquendo District, Calbayog
City, Samar
Its cathedral door-size entrance leads one to wade the
fresh, cool water into a natural tunnel stretching through
uneven ceiling touching one's head, giving the adventurer
an eerie trip through the dark cave lighted torches.
Binaliw Isle
Location: Brgy. Maguino-o, Tinambacan District, Calbayog
City, Samar
The islet is a potential diving spot, surrounded with
aquifers equally and uniformly spread at the peripheral
limits of the islet with white sand and pebbles. Beneath
the deep waters are sea corals of multifarious varieties,
rare white pebbles spread all over the floors, 20 types
of shells, and ornamental types of aquamarine species
Mapaso Springs
Location: Brgy. Rizal II, Oquendo District, Calbayog
City, Samar
“Mapaso” literally means hot. Fresh crustaceans
(pokot) abound. They are naturally pinkish resembling
scalded shrimps due to the high temperature.
Bangon-Bugtong
Falls
Location: Brgy. San Joaquin, Calbayog City, Samar
Below the falls is a circular pond about 30 meters in
diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for
diving. The cascading water seems to come from streams
flowing endlessly, resulting from the pressure of its
disgorge, which becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable
as the time of the day passes.
Pan-as Falls
Location: Brgy. Pilar, Oquendo District, Calbayog City,
Samar
It is surrounded with the mighty stands of rare timbers
and wildlife that abound in the area. Seen from afar,
it is like a long constructed boat by the mountainside
and at a close up, a series of long drop of crystal
water to another. At places where the cataract is quite
high, the falling of water into the pool below becomes
a mere mist because of its high elevation.
Lulugayan
Falls and Rapids
Location: Brgy. Literon, Calbiga, Samar
Considered as the mini version of Niagra Falls, the
falls is 50 meters wide and 30 meters high. Nature-lovers
likewise enjoy white water rafting (rapids shooting)
here.
Religious
St. Michael
the Archangel Church (Basey Church)
Location: Basey, Samar
It was built during the 17th century by the Jesuits
on top of a hill. It was later turned over to the Augustinians
and later, in 1795, it was ceded to the Franciscans.
It has significantly kept the features of a typical
Spanish church, even if it was nearly destroyed in 1880
by a storm.
Saints Peter
and Paul Cathedral (Calbayog Cathedral)
Location: Calbayog City, Samar
The cathedral occupies one whole block in the heart
of Calbayog City. It is considered to be the biggest
church in all parishes in the province. Its tell-tale
dome, spire, and thick walls reveal the blending of
Spanish and modern architectural designs.
St. Vincent
de Paul Seminary
Location: Dagum Hills, Calbayog City, Samar
A seminary offering specialized philosophy degree for
priesthood. Fronting the seminary is a huge replica
of Our Lady of Fatima carved similarly to the one in
Italy. Refreshing, cool mountain breeze, scenic view
of Calbayog City and Samar Sea
Mayaw-Mayaw
Ethnic Festival
Place: Pinabacdao, Samar
Date: May 10
“Pag-mayaw” is an old Waray word meaning
to give offerings and homage to the gods and to drive
away the evils spirits as well. Mayaw-Mayaw is unique
as it depicts a revered tradition of the Waray people
at its most authentic and original form. Participated
in by all schools, civic groups, and barangays, this
is a dance and drama competition with street dancing
and cultural presentations.
Pahoy-Pahoy
Festival
Place: Calbiga, Samar
Date: May 25
The town of Calbiga showcases giant pahoy-pahoy (scarecrows)
made of indigenous materials dancing in the streets
to the sound of musical instruments made up of bamboos,
cans and stones that scare the maya or ricebirds. It
features the legend of Pahoy as they drive off the evil
spirits and ricebirds that ruined their rice lands and
agriculture. They commemorate the time when the tribe
"humanoid" saved the village settlers from
famine.
Kaadlawan
han Samar
Place: Catbalogan, Samar
Date: August 11
The event is in celebration of Samar province’s
Foundation Day. It was on August 11, 1841 that Queen
Isabela II of Spain declared Samar a province. It is
celebrated with socio-cultural activities organized
by the local government.
By Land:
Bus transits headed to Samar from Manila or Tacloban
City, Letye pass through the Pan-Philippine Highway
(Maharlika Highway) and the San Juanico Bridge.
By Air-Land:
Daily flights are available from Manila to Tacloban
City, Leyte. From there, there area public transports
available headed towards Samar
By Sea:
The Port of Catbalogan (Piers I and II) is classified
as a national port. It is a major seaport that
can handle passengers and cargoes to and from
Manila, Cebu and other places.