Zumarraga Philippines

Zumarraga Philippines The pumpboat from Catbalogan to Zumarraga leaves every morning at 10am, Filipino time, from pier uno by the fish market. It begins it's journey at 5am in Zumarraga. The fare is 50 pesos one way. This is the municipal pier in Zumarraga on the island of Zumarraga. Looking across the water you see the island of Daram. Zumarrage is a friendly place. It was established as an administrative and trade hub back in the Spanish days and lost some of its influence when the San Juanico bridge was built to connect Leyte and Samar. There is an old fort up on the bluff behind the school but is has fallen into disrepair. It is a strategic overlook and was an important defensive position years ago. It was called Buad in the 18th century, when the fortifications were built, but the name was changed in later years to Zumarraga to honor an official's hometown in Spain. The town separated from Catbalogan  in 1859. There's a panoramic view of Maqueda Bay from the old fort. The small island, connected by a natural causeway, is accessible during low tide. The bell still swings in the old Spanish Belfry, but the ringer is missing. You are asked not to ring it anyway because the town's people feel it will bring bad luck. This island is really laid back and frankly there is not a lot going on most of the time. During the heat of the day it's kind of nice to just hang out in the shade somewhere and eat halo halo. The garden at the end of the pier has some interesting murals painted by someone with a sense of humor. The town's fiesta is the biggest event of the year. The fish market is at the pier too. Dried fish, or "bulad" is a big thing in Samar. These fish are dried in the sun as a way of preserving them until they are cooked for the family meal later on. There is electricity in Zumarraga, so refrigeration is possible, but this age old method works just as well. You will develop a fondness for these dried fish after a while. There are no hotels in Zumarraga so you will have to ask around for a homestay. These are places where they will make room for you to join the family and eat their meals with them. Usually they are very inexpensive and it is a great way to experience some of the local ways. Nimfa could be considered a "tour" guide, but the industry is just being developed in the Catbalogan and is still undeveloped. She was working with the school system in Manila but is now back with her family for a break. She can be contacted nim_1181@ yahoo.com We stayed with her family during our one night visit. You can contact her by e-mail but wait a few days for a response. Here she is up at the ruins of the old fort on the top of the hill. They put on a good feed for us. Later we did the videoke thing whilst enjoying some of the local brew "tuba". "Boy" and "Boy". Their other brother is also named Boy - a common nickname in the Philippines. The locals are a friendly lot and we had a great time. 2008   www.dutchpickle.com

 

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