Region VIII

Region VIII Eastern Visayas

Eastern Visayas

The region consists of six provinces :

• Biliran
• Eastern Samar
• Leyte
• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Southern Leyte

The cities of Baybay, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc and Tacloban.

• Majority of the locals here are Waray and speak Waray-Waray.
• Warays are descendants of Austronesian migrants who settled in the Philippines in the Iron Age.
• In 1521, they became the first Filipinos encountered by Europeans, care of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
• They subsequently became one of the first local groups to convert to Christianity.
• Notable Warays include Former First Lady Imelda Marcos and statesman Norberto Romuáldez.

The region remains relatively under-the-radar compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines, but this is slowly changing.

More and more people troop here in pursuit of rugged coasts and landscapes, secret caves and waterfalls, and fascinating histories — as well as the company of people content with the simple life, happy to enjoy the bounty of nature.

Top Destinations

Biliran

The province holds a multitude of photogenic waterfalls, whose features range from impressive drops to inviting swimming spots.

The Tomalistis Falls are most notable for its water’s peculiar sweet taste — the sweetest in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Tinago Falls make for a good photo-op, steadily plummeting down to an enclave surrounded by verdant rocks.

Get up-close to the majestic Ulan Ulan Falls (ulan is the Filipino word for rain) to hear and feel the thunderous sound of a heavy downpour.

Take a boat to Sambawan Island and snorkel among its coral gardens, or tie up a hammock and nap on the thin strip of Dalutan Island.

Higatangan Island’s shifting 200-meter sandbar stretches beautifully toward the sea, and its shores feature attractive natural rock formations and exotic seashells. Former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos reportedly took refuge on this island during World War II, prompting its highest point to be named “Marcos Hill.”

The sprinkling of natural attractions throughout Biliran continues. Tingkasan Bat Cave is a good spelunking and spear-fishing site. Locals believe its distinctive rectangular entrance was created by Japanese forces during World War II.

The Mainit Hot Springs deliver flowing water in varying degrees of heat, good for soothing sore muscles. And if you can’t make it to the northern province of Ifugao, the Iyusan Rice Terraces make for a cool miniature alternative.

Eastern Samar

It’s a very significant place as the entry point of two great figures in Philippine history—Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and American General Douglas MacArthur.

Find your own small tropical haven, whether it’s the creamy sands and azure waters of Suluan Island or the marine life sanctuary of Kantican Island, which also houses an experimental pearl farm.

Amandaraga is the name of Lawaan’s waterfalls which resembles a maiden’s hair. Favorite island hopping destinations are the twin islands of Ando and Divinuvo in Borongan City. For camping and trekking, explore the Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest.

The ultimate crowd-drawer, however, is the rising star that is Calicoan Island. Despite the allure of its inland lagoons and wild virgin forests, both locals and foreigners head here for one thing: surfing. The ABCD Beach, the shoreline of choice if you’re staying at The Surf Camp or the Calicoan Villas, offers waves suitable for both beginner or advanced surfers. The local surf season runs from April to November.

Eastern Samar is sprinkled with locations that have hosted some of the country’s most interesting historical events.

Homonhon Island was where Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in 1521. Tubabao Island sheltered thousands of Russian refugees in the 1950s; the refugees were survivors of the Bolshevik Russian Revolution and Russian Civil War. And the modest town of Balangiga was the site of a noteworthy chapter in Philippine history — a powerful story involving resistance, revenge and church bells.

The province also hosts the Padul-ong Festival every September, an energetic and grand socio-cultural celebration filled with colourful parades and street dancing.

NorthernSamar

For starters, beaches are plentiful here. Stay at one of the local resorts to enjoy a stretch of sand to yourself and savor cold drinks and good conversation under the moonlight.

Pick from the honey-colored shores of Onay Beach in Laoang and or the sparkling white sands in San Antonio Island, Dalupiri Island, or Spice of Life.

For somewhere off the beaten path, explore the Naranjo group of islands such as Sila Island with its pinkish sand and Panganoron Island with white sand.

Located close to the National Highway is the municipality of Victoria that serves as the jump-off point to San Antonio Island. The 280-meter steel bridge passing through Mawo River serves as its landmark. The coast here is lined with beautiful beaches have mountains as their back drop. Caves, springs, waterfalls and rivers are accessible too.

Allen is the municipality that connects Luzon to Northern Samar via the RORO (roll on – roll off) boats. In here you’ll find Felixville Resort, Wayang-Wayang Beach Resort, and Paradise Beach which are all budget-friendly and definitely good for big groups.

Capul Island also has its share of white beaches and snorkelling spots. It gets its name from Acapulco in Mexico, owing to its former life as a guidepost for galleons sailing trade routes between Acapulco and Manila.

Go beyond the beach and explore the island’s historical structures, which date back to the late 1800s: the Capul Island Lighthouse, Capul Church and Fortress, and the Batag Island Lighthouse.

For bird watching, the Lalaguna Mangrove Forest in Lavezares hosts different migratory birds. It’s best if you ride a paddle boat here to get closer to nature.

It’s Biri Island, however, that really amps up Northern Samar’s wow factor. Forget food and drinks, what you absolutely shouldn’t forget to pack is your camera. Stunning rock formations — monstrous cliffs, boulders and crags naturally carved by the ocean waves and winds — make for views that will bring out the photographer in anyone.

Samar

On the western side of Samar island, nature-lovers will find unusual landscapes — and a whole lot of spelunking sites. They don’t call Samar the “Caving Center of the Philippines” for nothing!

If you fancy yourself an explorer, you’ll go giddy at the thought of Samar’s numerous cave systems. Among its most famous are the Sohoton Caves, a two-hour trip from the town of Basey.

This 840-hectare park features limestone walls, a natural rock bridge, underground rivers, lush forests and caves with stunning and expansive interiors. There’s also Langun-Gobingub Cave in Calbiga, one of the largest karst caves in Southeast Asia.

Swimming spots also abound. Your biggest problem will be picking where to go first. Lo-ok Beach in Calbayog City boast icy blue waters facing the Samar Sea and natural rock formations that present a more rugged beach-going experience.

Don’t forget to pick up a ticog mat for your seaside picnics; ticog is made with a local weed that, when woven, makes for smooth and supple mats, tote bags, and even home and office decors.

Take an exciting river ride in a dug-out boat without outriggers at the Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop in Paranas. Be thrilled as expert boatmen manoeuvre the torpedo boat between rocks up and downstream the Ulot River. And dare to plunge into the waters by leaping from a huge boulder.

Those in the mood for something with more kick should check out Samar’s waterfalls. The Bangon-Bugtong Falls cascade elegantly into a large circular pool, while the fun Mawacat Slide lets you zoom down a mossy passageway into the waters below. The Lulugayan Falls and Rapids feature a strong and thundering current that feeds into the Calbiga River and makes for enjoyable white water rafting.

And while you’re here, make sure not to bypass the quiet town of Marabut and Daram. Marabut rewards its visitors with islets fit for snorkelling and diving, as well as gargantuan rock islands that artfully jut out from the sea. Have a close encounter with colourful fishes and rare giant clams while snorkelling at Agutay Island in Daram.

Leyte

Leyte is home to two of the most famous events in Philippine history. First, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of World War II. It took place from 23-26 October 1944 between combined US and Australian forces and the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Second, a promise that involves Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Red Beach in Palo – a site known more for its history than its shoreline. Allied Forces led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned here on 20 October 1944 to aid the Philippines against the Japanese invasion, fulfilling his oft-quoted promise, “I shall return.” That moment is commemorated by the Leyte Landing Memorial that stands at Red Beach today.

Apart from its historical sites, Leyte is also a good jump-off point to find some isolated isles that look straight out of the pages of a travel magazine. Kalanggaman Island in Palompon is the quintessential tropical island, where gradient blue waters lap peacefully at fine sugary sand.

Cuatro Islas (“Four Islands”) in Inopacan and Hindang are another pretty bunch. Of these islands, Digyo is a standout: palm trees, clear waters, and barely any other tourists in sight. Snorkel in its shimmering waters to swim amongst corals and fish.

Another great place for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking—and yes, camping—can be found in Canigao Island off the municipality of Matalom. Its assets: beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters.

Prefer sports to solitude? Head to Tanauan, the birthplace of skimboarding in the Philippines and host to annual national skimboarding competitions.

The Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park may also pique your interest. Here you can trek and picnic surrounded by lush foliage, visit hot springs, take a boat ride across a lake, or trek to volcanic craters.

In the course of your sightseeing, don’t forget to sample some local specialties. Two of the most popular are binagol, a mix of talyan (a local root crop), coconut milk, and sugar steamed inside coconut shells; and moron, glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and flavored with cocoa.

Other favorite native delicacies are the pastillas de leche, made from pure cow’s milk and roscas, a traditional rusk bread especially baked by the women of Barugo. It is made from egg yolk, wheat flour, milk, shortening, and flavored with anise seeds.

The Eastern Visayas region is a diamond in the rough. Sure, you won’t find luxe hotels or glitzy party scenes around here. But you will find raw natural attractions that speak for themselves, waiting to be discovered.

Group VII

Maupay nga kulop!

Damo nga salamat!

Popular Curses and Bad Words:

Common questions:

Makain ka? -Where are you going?

Hin-o ka? - Who are you?

San-o.. - When..

Kay-ano? - Why?

Diin..- Where..

Inaano ka? - What is wrong with you?

Nagiinano ka? - What are you doing?

Tagpira? - How much?

Hain iton nga lugar? - Where is that place?

Aanhon ko pagkadto? - How do I get there?

Puydi mo ako buligan? - Can you help me?

Im iroy - Ina mo/Your mother (hahaha)

Yawa ka/ Panulay ka- You're the devil

Puta ka han im iroy - Tangina mo

Piste ka - You're a pest

Manunulay ka - You're a tempter/temptress (from the root word sulay w/c means test/tempt/move or challenge one away from the right path)

Birat ka - never really figured this one but it is used similar to piste ka.

Sisikaran ko tim nawong - I will kick your face

Tataplungon ta ikaw - I will slap you

Waray ka gud kamamatay - (sort of:) Why don't you die.

Malipong tim ulo/ Kulang-kulang ka! - You're crazy!

Uwatatits! - (meaning: you cannot fool me); sometimes it is Uwatatits, butiti ka! (You cannot fool me, you are a puffer fish!)

Piyos ka - supot ka/ you're a loser (?)

Im mata! - Your eyes! (used when you think the idea or the act of the other person is stupid.)

Common Words and Expressions:

Waray - wala/I don't have

Bangin - baka/maybe

Puydi - pwede/can be (?)

Ambot la- Ewan ko lang

Ayaw (stress on the last syllable)- huwag/don't

Sigi - sige/okay

Maraksot- ugly

Mahusay - pretty

Maupay - good/nice

Maraot - bad/ugly

tiksas - bubblegum

Sparkul- Sparkle (seriously, when you want to

buy the drink you have to say it like this, otherwise, the mana will not understand you)

anay - hintay/waitsi-a! - yuck!

Agi! - Aray!/ Ouch!

Ayaw gad - Wag naman/ No, please (?)

Hira - Sila/Them

Kita -Tayo/Us

Kamo - Kayo/

Palihog/palihoga -please

Ambot ha imo! - Ewan ko sayo!

Pasaylu-a ako. - Forgive me.

Ginhihigugma ko ikaw - I love you

Maul-ol ha ulo! - Sakit sa ulo!

Karuyag ko ikaw - I want/like you

Makaaringit ka - You piss me off

Makatarawa ka - You are funny

Hubog ka na - You are drunk

Oo- oo/yes

Diri - hindi/no

Money Matters:

piso, dos, tres, kuwatro, singko, sais, syete, otso, nuybi, dyes...

shin - one hundred

doshintos- two hundred

mil - one thousand

dos mil- two thousand

kinimil-kimil- limpak-limpak/lots of money

waray kwarta/salapi - no money

ibani gad - bawasan mo naman; give me a discount

dugangi pa - dagdagan mo pa;

Other favorite native delicacies are the pastillas de leche, made from pure cow’s milk and roscas, a traditional rusk bread especially baked by the women of Barugo. It is made from egg yolk, wheat flour, milk, shortening, and flavored with anise seeds.

Person:

Basic greetings:

Tacloban City is its regional center. The local climate varies between wet and wetter — the region’s perpetually lush landscapes reveal the absence of a real dry season.

Mano- Sir; old man

Mana- Ma'am; old woman

Utoy - younger male

Uday/Iday -younger female

Idaps/ Padi - Pare/ Dude (?)

Sangkay -Friend

Public Places and Transpo, and Tourist Destinations:

Maupay nga aga - good morning

Maupay nga udto - good noon

Maupay nga kulop - good afternoon

Maupay nga gab-i - good evening

Salamat hin damo - thanks a lot

Maupay! Papalita daw. - Tao po, pabili nga/ Anyone there? I'd like to buy please.

Kana, pangaon kita - Tara, kain tayo/ Come, let's eat!

Bulig hit sarayaw! - Sali ka sa sayawan!/Come, join the dancing!

Merkado - market place

Sawang- town proper

Campo Santo -cemetery

Surpingan - Surfing Area (haha but i'm not kidding)

Pot-pot - pedicab

Honda - tricycle

Baluto - small boat

Karaunan- eatery

Kagugub-an - forest \

Lungib - cave