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emergency shelter set up among the downed coco trees

Yolanda Samar Leyte

After Yolanda – new leaves growing on a vine in Guiuan Samar 6 weeks after typhoon Widespread destruction in Tacloban above.  Christmas tree Dec 26 2013 below Typhoon  Yolanda also landed in Samar – the southern edge of Samar Island across from Tacloban Leyte took a temendous beating from the winds and storm surge. Guiuan, […]

Gamay Samar

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

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

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 […]

Pahoy Pahoy Scarecrows

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 […]

Dalupiri Island Samar

Dalupiri Island Samar

Dalupiri Island Northern Samar – Victoria to San Antonio Haven of Fun Beach Resort Dalupiri Island is sometimes referred to as “San Antonio” but it’s really the name of the town on this peaceful little island. There is a nice trail following the coast for 25 kilometers. There is not very much going on but […]

Water District Party

Water District Party

Catbalogan Water District Christmas Party 2008 Here Mayor Tekwa hands out prizes to the raffle winners. The event was held at Tia Anita’s. Not much was left of the lechon baboy, a Filipino favorite! (roast pig) OJT students from Samar College put on an entertaining show! They did a pretty good job considering that they […]

Around Town Catbalogan

Around Town Catbalogan

Catbalogan Samar I plan to be in Catbalogan 4 more months so am going to put up some everyday pictures here and add to them periodically. This is the road coming in to town from the north. The highways in Samar are getting paved this year making travel in Samar a dream. Update: I just […]

Samar

Samar

Introduction to Samar Here’s a quick look at the island of Samar in the Philippines. This island is less developed than some of the others but that gives it a unique flavor. This man is paddling the Blanca Aurora River near San Jorge. Bright blue kingfishers hang around at the waters edge and add a […]

Capul Island Samar

Capul Island Samar

Capul Island Samar Capul is a mellow island to chill and camp out by the lighthouse on the lush green grass. The people are friendly, the pace is slow, and the view is beautiful! On clear days you can see Mount Mayon puffing a little smoke up there in Bicol. The people of Capul have […]