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 quick safe trip from [...]
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 before noon. [...]
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 provinces don’t travel [...]
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 is a room or two [...]
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElZHVFSbKgE
Pumpboats in Victoria, Samar will bring you over [...]
The language used in Samar Philippines - Waray Waray
Waray Waray Phrasebook - Lesson Number 3
buying shoes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g95GKcRdM7Q
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 keep up on this because it helps [...]
Northeast Samar
mud mud mud
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 - so be [...]
Samar by Motorbike
Around Samar Island in 5 days with Joni and the dutchpickle
My neighbor Joni and I decided to spend a few days exploring Northern Samar by motorcycle. We just headed north on the National Highway that runs up the western side of Samar Island because we didn’t have a set plan. This story is [...]
Gamay Hotel - Gamaynon’s
Gamay Northern Samar
Gamay is a small town on a river in north eastern Samar with an immaculate hotel that is completely out of place. The pickle rates this place with 5 stars because of it’s quality, cost, fantastic service, back-up generator, and the feeling you get after a hard day and suddenly [...]
Biri Island Samar
Lavezares to Biri
Biri Rock Formations
Biri town is on Balicuarto Island where the Biri rock formations are located. Biri is actually a nearby island but this cluster of islands is collectively called Biri Island.
The rock formations in the area are one of the draws for the tourists but there are never crowds on this [...]