Spark Samar!

Samar province is located in Samar island in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) which is composed of three provinces namely: Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Sometimes, it is called Western Samar but a law states that it shall onlyt be called Samar. Its capital is Catbalogan City and is represented by two representatives in Congress.

Samar is home to one of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Philippines. It is home to several endemic species that can only be found in the forests of the province. It is also my home having been born in Catbalogan.

The province is blessed with natural resources that are for the books. Part of the Samar Natural Park is in Samar. The said park encompasses the three Samar provinces and is very much protected.

The Sohoton Natural Park in Basey and the Lulugayan Falls in Calbiga are must-see places when you visit the province. Bills are in place in the House of Representatives to also protect these natural tourism areas.

Aside from the sea water that abound, there are also inland rivers and rapids which is enticing to extreme sports lovers. So far, these areas are well-maintained and the crystal clear water can attest to the good maintenance made by the local government units.

Education is very important to the people of the Samar. Several educational institutions cater to the youth. Samar State University has several campuses in the province. Other government schools are also in the other cities and municipalities of Samar as well as private schools such as Samar College.

Samar can be reached through the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City or through the Calbayog City Airport. Most of its people take the bus from Metro Manila. With the Spark Samar campaign initiated by the provincial government, other tourists from the different provinces take the bus from nearby Mindanao and other Visayas provinces. There are also ferries that ply the Calbayog-Cebu route.

For years, Samar has struggled to be a major player in the country's tourism industry. In a few years, Samar will be in the mainstream of tourist attractions that the Philippines can offer. As a Samarnon, I just hope that tourism will not spoil our beloved province. It's time for Samar to SPARK!

The Rise and Fall and Rise of Tacloban City

Tacloban City is a first class highly urbanized city located in the province of Leyte in Region 8. It serves as the regional center of the six provinces in Eastern Visayas. It is the busiest port in the Waray-speaking region.

Just like any other city in the Philippines, Tacloban City is a hotbed of the catholic faith. Being one of the places where the Spaniards first set foot, the people are fiercely religious.

The city has been reeling from development. Despite the changes in administration, Tacloban City was on its road to greater heights when one fateful day in November 2012 changed everything including its landscape.

Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated not only the city but most of the Region 8 as well. Many died and those who were left behind were rendered homeless. The national leaders that time had the gall to politicize the catastrophe instead of going to the grassroots and help the victims.

Thanks to well-meaning organizations and the new dispensation, the people of Tacloban City are back on their feet again. Although Yolanda is a nightmare that cannot be easily be forgotten, the Waray spirit brought out the best of everyone.

After several years and from the help of individuals, corporations and other nations, Tacloban City is, once again, bustling with business and commerce. The resiliency of its people have been tried and tested and tried and tested anew. Tacloban City is back in business.

Aside from San Juanico Bridge, other places to visit are the Sto. Nino Shrine built during the Marcos administration and the Tacloban City Astrodome where concerts and other big events are held. It should be noted that the astrodome served as an evacuation center during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Hotels have started to be built again for tourism purposes.

The Daniel Z. Romualdez airport is, once again, bustling with flights to and from Manila and Cebu via Philippine Airlilnes, Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia. It has been renovated to accommodate more passengers coming to the city and the whole region.

Despite of the devastation wrought by the natural calamity, Tacloban City has its arms wide open to those who wish to visit the city. It has risen, fell and risen again and is willing to show the world that it is a city that will continue the path of development come what may.