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Gamay Samar

Gamay Samar is a seaside village on a river in Northern Samar on the coast facing the Pacific Ocean. I spend 3 days there waiting out the weather brought on by a tropical depression or low pressure system at Freddy’s Hotel the Gold Rich Lodging House This beautiful hotel seems so out of place out [...]

Samar River Crossings

Northern Samar – Eastern Samar Small homestead on the riverbank near the seaport town of Gamay, Samar. There had been 5 days of rain bought on by a tropical depression so I was just waiting out the weather for a few days on the edge of the Pacific Ocean here in Eastern Samar. This is [...]

Tricycles of Catbalogan

Tricycles of Catbalogan – 4 pesos can get you anywhere you want to go in the congested town of Catbalogan. Hundreds of drivers keep Catbalogan humming. Parking spaces are scarce because this town is located in a crowded valley surrounded by hills so real estate is at a premium. When I first arrived here in [...]

Grand Tours update

Grand Tours update – June 2009 The Grand Tours mini-van transport company has expanded recently to a new terminal near the Dona’ Paz memorial park in Catbalogan. There is stiff competition from another good carrier,Van’s Vans on the corner just down the street. The result is super low fares for travelers. You can take a [...]

Two Days in Samar

Two Days in Samar Most travelers give Samar a pass, but I have developed a special fondness for this province that grew during the year that I lived here. My girl and I were based out of Catbalogan, Samar but now live in Ormoc, Leyte. We left early in the morning so we would arrive [...]

Tagged: Motorcycle

Pahoy Pahoy Scarecrows

Pahoy Pahoy Scarecrows Calbiga Samar Fiesta The fiesta is the major event in every village in the Philippines and becomes a family reunion for those that have moved away. Bands, discos,and games of chance give the event a carnival atmosphere. Fiestas are also a chance to bring new blood into the community. Locals from the [...]

Maqueda Bay Hotel and Restaurant

Maqueda Bay Hotel and Restaurant Barangay 9 Bo-ao Catbalogan Samar (055) 251-2386 This hotel is undergoing remodeling at this time and is under new management. The staff here is friendly and the view is probably the best in Catbalogan. The ground floor is pretty much closed for remodeling at this time (May 2009) but there [...]

Haven of Fun Beach Resort

Haven of Fun Resort – Update March 2009 Dalupiri Island – San Antonio Don’t let the cheesy name put you off – “Haven of Fun” is really a great place to hang out on a laid back, peaceful and friendly little island in northern Samar. Dalapuri Island – San Antonio Island – youtube video Pumpboats [...]

Waray Waray Lesson Number Three

The language used in Samar Philippines – Waray Waray Waray Waray Phrasebook – Lesson Number 3 buying shoes – youtube video It rains a lot in Samar. Ruel and the welder work on replacing the roof. At the request of reader “Joe” we put together 50 simple sentences in this lesson. I am going to [...]

Northeastern Samar by Motorbike

Northeast Samar by motorcycle If you like riding trails in the bukid, this is the place for you. Not many people venture into northeast Samar because it just takes too much work. Even locals give it a pass during the rainy season. The area between Rawis and Arteche gets soaked during the rainy season – [...]