CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

M. TOURISM

The City is blessed with several natural attractions which when fully developed and
supported with all the amenities will make the visitors short stay in the city more pleasurable.
The most notable of these potential attractions are the City’s clean and wide beaches, unexplored
caves, waterfalls and hot spring.

In addition, a number of cultural and historical places that can be of interest to visitors
are also found in the city such as the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the old city hall building and
the Samar Archeological Museum.

Interesting Historical Spots and Oddities in Calbayog City

Calbayog is not wanting in jewels – nature’s jewels. Some are at the Calbayognon’s
fingertips, others are gem that lie hidden in the accessible by 1 or 2 hours ride, “baloto” or foot
journey through carabao trails. Of the three (3) districts, Tinambacan and Oquendo vie each in
interesting and scenic wonders. Some of them are the following:

MAWACAT SLIDE

An hour boat ride form Oquendo Poblacion to Barangay Mawacat and Twenty (20)
minutes walk from the village will bring you to natural rock formation, inclining Forty Five (45)
degrees and more than Fifty (50) feet long. Water flows through this giant cistern. From the top
you slide through this mossy lane to the cool inviting pool below.

MAPASO SPRING

As the name suggests, it is a hot spring with the consistency of newly boiling water
situated in Barangay Rizal II (Oquendo). Nature has given it life in the form of fresh crustaceans
(pokot) tainted pink – red which, ordinally is already the tint of a dead scalded shrimp.

CALBAYOG ZIPLINE AND THE MALAJOG RIDGE NATURE PARK

The Calbayog City Zip were from a mountain in Malajog Beach down to the nearby island,
it is with a jacket like carrier attached to a roller with the steel cable and tourist being towed by
a rope from above the highest elevation and then down to the island were you will take a boatride
going back to the coastline in Malajog Beach. Malajog Ridge Nature Park were famous among
Calbayognon since it is the source of the old church that were made from stones or rocks, the St.
Peter and Paul Basilica of Calbayog.

Page 1
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

DANAO CAVE

Located in Danao, some 14 km toward the western coast of Calbayog City. Made up of
seven chambers inhabited by various species of snakes and bats, as evidenced by a good deposit
of guano. The cave serves as an initiating place for those who want to acquire a talisman.

GINOGO – AN CAVE

Situated at the fringes of Two (2) Barangay Longsob (Oquendo), it gives an eerie trip
through nature – made, dark tunnels; some with high ceiling, others touch your head. The
entrance has the size of a cathedral door.

LO – OK BEACH

White sand, blue waters, swaying palm trees, towering rocks and a lone, balconied
cottage give this spot of a South Sea island touch. This is the beach that makes Malajog famous.
Movie stars, foreign ambassadors, other metropolitan VIPs stayed here for a night or two hasted
by Mons. Basiling Rosales. In anticipation of the Phil – Japanese Highways passing through the
vicinity of Lo – ok Beach, the well – known D & E restaurant has already built a second cottage
for people who like to savor the beauty of Malajog and its sunset.

BAGACAY BEACH

“If we can’t go to Lo – ok, we may as well shoot to Bagacay” often heard among picnic
planners, the unanimous opinion suggests that this beach, lo – ok’s twin sister, can match
Malajog beauty spot scenery for scenery, enjoyment for enjoyment. This friendly uncrowded,
pearl – white strop of coastline and the sunfilled beach are great lands for “beachcombers” young
and old.

BINALIW ISLE

Located in Brgy. Manguino-o, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, it is separated from the
mainland by the Silangan Channel. A potential deep diving spot, about 40 to 50 meters from the
water surface and measuring less than a hectare in area. The islet is surrounded with aquifers
equally and uniformly spread at the peripheral limits of the islet with white sand and pebbles.
Beneath the deep waters are sea corals of multifarious varieties, rare white pebbles spread all
over the floors, 20 types of shells, and ornamental types of aquamarine species – which can all
be explored by the diver for as long as in his underwater gear.

Page 2
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

PAN – AS FALLS

More than a beauty spot, this falls is now a source of water supply off and on for Oquendo
and Calbayog. If trapped well it will serve Tinambacan too which altogether will constitute
100,646 people using its water supply.

Soon from afar, it’s like a long boat constructed by the mountainsides; a close – up, it’s a
series of a long drop to another. At places where the cataract is so high, the water falling into the
pool below becomes a more mists.

TABOKNOFALLS

Located in Barangay Cagbayang, Oquendo District, an hour drive from Calbayog City and
40 minute walk from the villages. A beautiful and scenic waterfall. This wonderful creation of
nature is a favorite picnic site of local residents and their source of potable water.

TON – OK FALLS

Hidden in lush tropical vegetation, the boulders rise (and water falls) in a series of
cataracts – like steps to the top. Natured has placed it out of easy reach to compensate for its
beauty.

CALBAYOG CATHEDRAL

Putting its vast face forward through recent renovation, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
which is considered to be the biggest church in all parishes in the Province, seems to have lots its
Spanish touch but the tell tale doom, the spire and the thick well reveal the blending of two
architecture can hardly be suppressed, multi – colored walls, niches, doomed ceiling, black and
tiles are footprints of Spanish culture.

LOLOGAYAN FALLS

An hour plunge into the interior of San Joaquin, a traveler is confronted with a series of
towering altars of ragged stones where between its depressions flows ribbon like cool water that
cleanses the hair of a legendary lady. San Joaquin folks call it Lologayan falls, which supplies water
to San Joaquin.

NIJAGA PARK

The largest park in the City, it is named after the local hero Benedicto Nijaga. It is located
beside the Calbayog River which separates Downtown and Brgy. Obrero which leads to the
northern parts of the city. The park also has an artificial replica of Bangon-Bugtong Falls. Nijaga
is a local hero in Calbayog. The largest park in the city is named after him. A monument of Jose
P. Rizal y Mercado y Navarro can located here.

Page 3
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

SACRED HEART (Julio Cardinal Rosales) PLAZA

Located across the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the City Hall. A conspicuous plaza
with the image of the Sacred Heart where socio – civic and religious activities are held; its bright
light and relaxing ambiance attracts strollers. Ever since November 2013, the plaza has been
renovated and gated to include fountain, various amenities and a more relaxing atmosphere.

MALAJOG BEACH

A 40-minute drive from Calbayog City. Grayish sand, blue waters, swaying palm trees,
towering rocks, and a three balconied cottages give this spot a South Sea island appeal.
Magnificent view of sunset behind nearby island. Made famous by the visits of VIPs, movie stars,
and diplomats.

OQUENDO’s SACRED HEART

It is Christ on the hill. The status of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is actually on the top of a
hall overlooking the whole district of Oquendo.

CHRIST THE KING MUSEUM

The first and only Museum in the province of three Samar. But the artifacts came from all
corners of the province thus enabling the Samareño to know partly the past lives of his ancestors.
Inside it are ancient coffins, coins, jars, chinawares, bracelets and beads which date earlier than
the 14th century.

BANGON-BUGTONG FALLS

Located in Brgy. San Joaquin of Calbayog City, an hour – and – 15 – minute ride to
Barangay Tinaplacan plus 45-minute walk to the vicinity of the falls. Among the family of
waterfalls of Calbayog City, Bangon, Bugtong Falls is one of the most majestic and spectacular
spots that is worth visiting. As one ascends the stream, he will be amazed to see a circular pond
about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving. The
cascading water seems to come from streams flowing endlessly, resulting from the pressure of
its disgorge, which becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable as the time of the day
passes. Bugtong Falls is not only a tourist spot but also a potential source of power for Calbayog
City and its neighboring localities.

Page 4
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

CALBAYOG CITY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Falls:
1. Bangon Falls
2. Tarangban Falls
3. Larik Falls
4. Busay Falls
5. Pan – as Falls
6. Ton – ok Falls
7. Lologayan Falls
8. Tabokno Falls

Beach:
Malajog Beach
Naga Beach
Bagacay Beach
Marcelina Beach
Mondejares Beach

Dive Sites:
1. Kinawan Reef
2. Muro Puro Reef
3. Daraga Islet
4. Isla Pawikan
5. Biatungan Reef

Hot Spring:
1. Mapaso Hot Spring

River:
1. Bolongto River
2. Hibatang River

Heritage:
1. Japanese Apology Marker
2. Julio Cardinal Plaza
3. Spanish Building
4. Gavabldon Building
5. Nijaga Park
6. Centennial Marker

Museum:
1. Fr. Cantius Kobak Archaeological Museum
2. Diocesan Museum

Page 5
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

Man-Made Attractions:
1. Calbayog Zipline and Malajog Ridge Nature Park
2. Antonio’s Butterfly Sanctuary

Pilgrimage:
1. Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
2. St. Claire Monastery
3. Consolatrix Monastery
4. Marian Place for Reflection and Meditation
5. St. Vincent Ferre (PATAMAK)
6. Veneremus Tinambacan
7. Christ The King Chapel

Source: CTIO

Page 6
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

1. Accommodation Facilities

The city has several facilities that serve the needs of visitors. Several accommodation
facilities which serve as venue for different seminars, trainings or any special occasions and to
stay for night in the City as well. The said facilities include Bagacay Beach Resort, City Lodge,
Calbayog Inn, Centennial Pastoral Center, La Vista Pensione, Marju Krisel Hostel and Recreation
Center, Ciriaco Hotel, Imelda’s Lodge, Sigma Lodge, 3 Gem’s Pensione House, TTMIST Hostel, St.
Camillus Social Center, GSP Building, CKC Auditorium, Handumanan Conference Hall, Blessed
Enrico Rebuschini Formation Center, Calabrian Conference Hall, I’s Plant, Mondejares Puertes
Beach Resort, Assumption Province Gymnatorium, ANM Pensione, C. Apartelle, Prudence Bed
and Breakfast, Rayhakan, Samar Sea Beach Resort, Calbayog City Convention Center, Marcial’s
Grille, Sophia Dianne Hotel & Restaurant, S.O., D Venue, Calbayog Sports Center, F & A Suites,
Almira’s Garden and S & R Bed and Breakfast.

2. Fastfood and Restaurant

The city has various fast food and restaurant now serving the city’s populace, which are
the Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Carlo’s N’ Carmelo’s, Central Kitchenette, , Hoh Chow, JC
Food Spot, Kabayan Eatery, Kamayan sa Karayman, Linda’s Inn, Mila’s Kaon-kaonan, Tony’s Fast
Food & Restaurant, Saraf’s Driver’s Place, 22.11 Fastfood, Emeliana’s Restaurant, Island Coffee,
Solo Island, Lola Patic’s Fast Food, Manuwel’s Music Lounge, New Rebelitos, Pardz BB
Music Lounge, Marcial’s Grille, Demetrius, Bernardo’s Refreshment Parlor, Betsy”s Carenderia,
S.O., Marcial’s Grille, Sophia Dianne, Ciriaco, Jondel, Miguelitos and Vilma’s Kitchen.

3. Tourist Spots

Calbayog City has identified numerous tourist sites which are potential for tourist
destination. There are big waterfalls and several mini-falls; two (2) caves, a spoon-like rock
formation slide; a hot spring; two (2) hanging bridges; beautiful beaches and two (2) parks.
Religious edifices include the biggest cathedral in Samar Island, a seminary on a hilltop and a
statue of Christ the King also on a hilltop at Oquendo Poblacion. There is also the Samar
Archeological Museum and research Center, the first in the island of Samar and a Baluarte. These
tourist potentials could help boost the economic growth of the city, being one of the viable
industries. Bangon, the largest of the five (5) waterfalls is capable of generating additional source
of power if fully developed during night time and as a tourist destination during day time.

4. Cuisine

Native delicacies like “puto-bongbong” rice-cake popularly known as “bibingka”,

“calamay iluko”, etc. are produced in Brgy. Matobato, just 3 kilometers away from the city
proper. The popular succulent smoked fish known as “Tinapa” is now nationally reputed for
Calbayog City and could be exported. Pili nut and jackfruit candies are produced in Brgy. Nijaga
and Brgy Rawis respectively and considered as “pasalubong” by visitors and tourists as well. The

Page 7
 CALBAYOG CITY PROFILE 2017

other native food which are readily prepared in restaurants and fastfood centers are crabs,
prawns, lapu-lapu, tahong and other first class fish and other marine products that are hauled by
fishing boats and harvested from nearby fishponds and from mariculture zone as well.

Page 8