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*Region 8: Eastern Visayas

Eastern Visayas or Region VIII is one of the two regions of the Philippines  having no land border with another region, It is composed of two main islands, Leyte and Samar, connected by the famous San Juanico Bridge. It consists of six provinces and seven cities, namely,Biliran, Eastern Samar,  Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, the cities of Ormoc City, Baybay City, Maasin City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City,Borongan City and the highly-urbanized city of Tacloban, the regional center. These provinces and cities occupy the easternmost islands of Visayas: Samar,Leyte and Biliran.

**Total Area.

Province Capital PopulationArea(km²)

Pop. density(per km²)

Biliran Naval 161,760 555.4 291.2

Eastern Samar Borongan City 428,877 4,339.6 98.8

 Leyte Tacloban City 1,567,984 5,712.8 274.5

 Northern Samar

Catarman 589,013 3,692.9 159.5

Samar Catbalogan City 733,377 5,591.0 131.2

 Southern Leyte  Maasin City 399,137 1,734.8 230.1

*Maps

*History

During the early Spanish era, what is now called Biliran Island was known as Isla de Panamao. The term refers to an ethnic fishing net. The present name, believed to be adopted sometime between the late 17th century and the early 18th century, was, according to many publications, derived from a native grass called boro biliran which once grew abundantly on the island's plains. A contending theory states that the name came from the word bilir, which was defined in an old Visayan dictionary to be the “corner or edge of a boat, vase or anything protruding, like veins, or the furrow made by the plow.” The dictionary also gives biliran as an alternate spelling for bilir.

*Location Brgy. Asug, Caibiran, Biliran; 20 minutes from the town proper.

*The Tomalistis Falls is believed and has been reported to have the "sweetest-tasting" water in the world. Its water's taste has a different kind of peculiarity that makes it exquisite. The falls is known to be a main source of fresh water in the place.

*Tourist Spots 

*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.

*Many names (such as Samal, Ibabao, Tandaya) were given to Samar Island prior to the coming of the Spaniards in 1596. The name Samar was derived from the local dialect samad, meaning "wound" or "cut", aptly describing the rough physical features of the island, rugged and deeply dissected by streams. During the early days of Spanish occupation, Samar was under the jurisdiction of Cebu.

The Surf Camp is an idyllic tropical getaway situated in ‘abcd’ beach, Calicoan Island’s prime surfing area. The eight luxuriously appointed cottages are inspired by Thai, Balinese, Indonesian and Filipino architecture. All are equipped with airconditioning, hot water, satellite tv, minibar, safety deposit box and intercom. The resort features an infinity pool with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean.

*Tourist Spots

*The people of Northern Samar were previously called the "Ibabaonons". Generally, they are members of the "Waray" or "Waray-waray" or "Waraynon", the people of Eastern Visayas or Samar-Leyte region.

*Discovery

*The explorer Ruy López de Villalobos, first came to the island in 1543 and named it Las Islas Felipinas.

* it is the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning a body of seawater. It is considered one of the most beautifully designed bridges in Philippines. The bridge has 43 spans and medium size boats can pass beneath its large main arch the top of which rises 41 meters above the sea. Construction commenced in 1969 over San Juanico Strait from Cabalawan, Tacloban City to the municipality of Santa Rita, Samar, with completion in 1973.

*The Agas-Agas Bridge is situated in Southern Leyte, the highest bridge ever built in the Philippines. The bridge straddles between two mountains involves the construction of a 350 linear meter bridge, with a mix of steel and concrete, supported by two piers from the ground and has a height of 292 feet above ground.

* Events/Celebration:

*Kadayaw Festival

Kadayaw Festival - JanuaryPambujan, Nothern Samar - Thanksgiving for God’s blessings during the first full moon.

*Sinulog sa Malitbog

Sinulog sa Malitbog - January 15

Malitbog, Southern Leyte - Religious streets pageant as homage to the Holy Child Jesus.

*Province/City

* Homonhon Landing - March 16

Homonhon, Eastern Samar- Reenactment of the discovery of the Philippines in 1521 by Ferdinand

Magellan.

* Karayapan Festival - March

Guiuan, Eastern Samar – A colorful festival

depicting how the early Guiuan Townsfolk enjoyed

nature’s bounties, rich marine life, fertile land,

verdant forest. It is also a thanksgiving to their

Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mother.

*Population and Demography

*Turugpo Festival -Holy Week

Barangay Camansi, Carigara, Leyte - Carabao Fight (Pasungay) and horse fight (Paaway) on Black Saturday.

*Sanggutan Festival - Oct 18

Barugo, Leyte - Honoring the age-old process of coconut wine making. a dance of “tuba” lovers.

*Pasaka Festival - August 15

*Tanauan Leyte, Legend has it that Tanauanons witnessed the assumption of Blessed Mother into Heaven. After seeing this great Miracle, they rejoiced and celebrated the event with dances.

*Buyogan Festival - August 19

*Abuyog, Leyte - "Buyog" (bees) dancers, depict the origin of the town's name in a well choreographers dance.

*END