This was revealed by Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone who said that the rehabilitation of the said airport would pave the way for the economic development of the province as well as its tourism industry.

Evardone said that the fund to be released by the DOTC would be used to rehabilitate the airport’s facilities which include concreting of its apron at P14.4 million and taxi way; P8 million for the construction of the terminal building;P 5million for the perimeter fence; and P3 million for the concreting of access road.

The bidding for the rehabilitation of the Borongan airport will be held next month, he added.

The Borongan airport, which has a runway of 1.2 kilometers and is located in Barangay Punta Maria, was constructed during the administration of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino but did not become totally operational. Sometime in 2008, it had a brief operation with the Manila-Borongan route serviced by the South East Asia Star (SEAIR).

However, due to poor number of passengers, the SEAIR stopped its commercial flights.

Evardone said that once the bidding is done, construction of the needed facilities would immediately commence.

“(And) my target for the full operation of the Borongan airport is within this year,” he said.

The solon said that major airline companies have signified their intentions to open a route in Eastern Samar.

At present, passengers from the province use the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban in going either to Manila or Cebu.

Evardone said that he is optimistic that the operation of the Borongan airport will pave the way for the economic development of Eastern Samar and boost its thriving tourism industry.

“It will definitely help accelerate development of Eastern Samar,” Evardone said.

If the Borongan airport will become operational, it will be the second airport in the entire province to operate.

Earlier, the airport in Guiuan was opened with the opening of the Guiuan-Cebu flight. It is being served by the Cebu-based Mid-Sea Express.

By Joey A. Gabieta
Staff Writer

Source:

http://leytesamardaily.net

CEBU-based airline Mid-Sea Express received delivery of its new British Aerospace Jetstream 32, a 21-seater standing cabin-type aircraft. It is the first of its kind to be used commercially in the Philippines.

The Jetstream 32 has a speed similar to turbofan jets, which allows it to achieve good on-time performance and reliability, the airline said in a press statement. The interior seats have more leg room and are leather-upholstered. It also has plenty of room for baggage within its compartments and an on-board lavatory.

The newly-arrived aircraft will boost MSE’s operations and develop new routes so as to support the company’s slogan of “Bridging the Islands.”

For future online booking and details, you could check this website at

www.midseaexpress.com.

www.esamar.ning.com

TACLOBAN CITY – The 7th Odyssey Waves National Surfing Competition at the Calicoan island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Oct. 6-9, 2011 has brought together the country’s best surfers today.

Around 150 surfers from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; San Juan, La Union; Baler, Aurora; Siargao island, Surigao del Norte; Manila; Tanauan, Leyte and Borongan and Guiuan, both in Eastern Samar, among others, joined the 4-day surfing event.

Paolo Soler of the Philippine Surfing Academy said on the opening day that the organizers had made sure that they invited the best surfers in the country today.

He revealed that Calicoan is one of his favorite surfing areas because of its good waves and its good natured people.

Calicoan boasts of a 3-km white beach and good swells. Surfing months in Calicoan are from April to November, with the summer months ideal for learners because the waves are gentle.

Kinna Kwan, secretary of the Guiuan Surf Club, says many foreigners had wanted to join the surfing competition but they rejected them because the competition was only “national.”

She says that aside from the surfing competition, they also had other activities like a party with a reggae band, a surf clinic, a bikini open and a poi dancing lesson.

Association of Barangay Chairmen federation president and Eastern Samar Board Member Paul Gonzales says that “in the past we were afraid of these big waves, fearing that these will harm us. But today, these same waves are making the town of Guiuan famous.”

Gonzales, who delivered the welcome message on the first day, hoped that participants would enjoy in their stay in Guiuan.

Aurora Delos Reyes, Guiuan tourism officer, said the surfers from Siargao dominated three of the five categories of the competition.

Delos Reyes said the winners of the surfing competition were:

Editho Alcala of Siargao (1st), Rommel Rojo of Baler (2nd) Philman Alipajo of Siargao (3rd) and Carlito Nogalo of Siargao (4th) in the Men’s Open Short Board category;

Nilvie Blancada of Siargao (1st), Daisy Valdez of La Union (2nd), Cindy Balbuena of Guiuan (3rd) and Marie Aquino of La Union (4th) in the Wahine Short Board category;

Peter Paul Alipayo of Siargao (1st), JM Tokong of Siargao (2nd), PJ Alipayo of Siargao (3rd), and Miko Mendoza of Baler (4th) in the Junior Short Board category;

Marion Abat of La Union (1st), Anthony Luebben of La Union (2nd), Anthony Valdez of La Union (3rd), and Mike Oida of Pagudpud (4th) in the Men’s Open Long Board; and

Daisy Valdez of La Union (1st), Nilvie Blancada of Siargao (2nd), Marie Aquino of La Union (3rd) and Lorraine Lapus of Manila (4th) in the Wahine Long Board category.

The 7th Odessey Waves National Surfing Competition was organized by the Guiuan Surf Club and the local government unit of Guiuan in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the provincial government of Eastern Samar.

Delos Reyes says Guiuan Mayor Analiza Kwan has been very active in promoting Guiuan as a tourist spot, not only because of the surfing in Calicoan but also on Guiuan’s rich history.

Guiuan, composed of 60 barangays, is 157 kilometers away from Tacloban City. Calicoan, on the other hand, is just a 20-minute drive from Guiuan town proper.

Aside for its surfing area, Calicoan also boasts of “six lagoons ringed by forest,” and of wildlife like monkeys and iguanas.
The town of Guiuan was also the place where Magellan and his men first set foot in 1521, at Homonhin island, an event which became known as the “discovery of the Philippines.”.

The town also boasts of a 15th-century Catholic church and as the site where the Americans set up the biggest naval and air base during World War II. They built, among others, the biggest airport in the country then. The airport could still be used until now.

After the war, in 1949, about 6,000 White Russians, escaping communism in China, stayed at the refugee camp in Tubabao island until 1951.

Today, Guiuan is growing into one of the top destinations in Eastern Samar.

BY VEN LABRO

http://leytesamardaily.net/

A report of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the expo, with the theme “Leisure Enhances the Quality of Life,” began on September 17 and will end on November 18.

The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai held an exhibit, dubbed “Mirth of the Islands,” featuring photos taken during festivals in the two provinces.

“Taken in Samar and Leyte, two of the 7,107 islands of the country, and set in the cacophony of a fiesta (festival) and against the quietness of the sea, the series of photographs offered a glimpse of the Filipinos’ joie de vivre – the Filipinos’ love of life and laughter,” the DFA said.

“The photographs portrayed the faces and festivals of the islands, whether on the busy city streets, the quiet seaside towns, or the vast rice fields where the Filipinos’ warmth is easily felt,” the DFA added.

Organizers of the Expo include the World Tourism Organization, World Leisure Organization, United Nations Educational Organization, Scientific and Cultural Organization, General Administration of Sport of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Zhejiang province.

There are three main Expo venues in Hangzhou, including one at Xianghu Lake, Baima Lake and Qiandao Lake.

The Consulate maintains a booth at the Expo focused on Philippine tourism at the White Horse (Baima) Lake Convention and Exhibition Center.

It is the venue for the grand gathering of over 80 cities and 50 leisure enterprises from China and around the world. – VVP, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has declared the island of Samar as one of the 200 Eco-Regions of the world, characterized by its high biodiversity and rate of endemism which are vital to the preservation of the Earth’s biological diversity. Samar ranks second among all islands of the Philippines for having the largest remaining forest cover, which is dominate…d highly by the lowland tropical evergreen rainforest. However, most of the lowland forests of Samar have already been subjected to resource exploitation and anthropological pressures on biodiversity continued.

The rich natural resources of Samar demands a collective management and shared responsibility among its stakeholders by promoting the participation of local communities, LGUs, civil society groups and other government agencies through the development of conservation-compatible livelihood options. By that means, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) was established by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 442 and considered to be the largest Protected Area in the country in terms of terrestrial ecosystem. SINP does not live in isolation but microcosm within a larger regional perspective. Therefore, the responsibility of stakeholders must go beyond the Park’s boundaries. In order to protect the environment and to appreciate the balance between terrestrial ecosystem and marine ecosystem, education and awareness-raising are essential elements towards sustainable development.

On 3-5 November 2011, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through Samar Island Biodiversity Project (SIBP)/Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Army 8ID (PA8ID), Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, City Government of Borongan, Municipal Governments of Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, and in partnership with Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Samar Island Biodiversity Foundation (SIBF), Borongan Awareness on Nature and Outdoor Group (BANOG), Nature Unlimited, Leyte Outdoor Club (NULOC), Bukid Outdoor, Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), and Globe Telecommunication Company, will be hosting “The Gathering: 1st Eastern Visayas Outdoor Festival (EVOF)” with the Theme: “Community-Based Ecotourism: A Tool for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Socio-economic Growth”.

The tactical objectives of this gathering are: (1) To consolidate the different outdoor organizations in Eastern Visayas; (2) to promote Samar Island as the ultimate eco-adventure destination; (3) to institutionalize Eastern Visayas Outdoor Festival through local legislations, and (4) to enhance community awareness on the importance of preserving the environment.

The EVOF has four major events: Mountain Trekking, Mountain Biking, Surfing and Base Camp Activities. We have invited experts as resource speakers for each event and environmental media personalities to popularize the eco-adventure festival and spread the concept of environmental protection through ecotourism.

COME AND JOIN THE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL ! see you…….

Basic Outdoor and Recreation Course
SINP Biodiversity Conservation Lecture
Video presentation on SINP
Trekking to SINP view deck
1 day Kayaking with life-vest
1 Torpedo ride with life-vest
Unlimited tubing with life-vest
1 nights Airconditioned Room @ Ecolodge
Transportation (VAN)
Meals and snacks for 2 days
Training materials with certificates
SINP accredited Tour Guide

PACKAGE RATES:

Php 3,000/pax minimum of 15pax

Php 2,800/pax minimum of 20pax

Php 2,500/pax minimum of 30pax

Rates are subject to availability, pls. book  1month before your scheduled trip.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Validity: January 2011- December 2011

Rates for more than 30 pax are available upon request.

TRAVEL TIP:

Bring also your own hiking shoes and sandals/slippers, swimming attire and personal first aid kit, this is for your own safety.

BOOKING/RESERVATION GUIDELINES:

To confirm your booking, we require 50% deposit & 50% full payment in cash at least five (5) working days before the trip.

Payment can be deposited to any DBP and China Bank account;
Account Name & Number:

i.(China Bank) Borongan Awareness   on Nature and Outdoor Group, Inc.

Current Account No. 372-000971-5

ii.(DBP) Borongan Awareness on Nature and Outdoor Group, Inc.

Savings Account No. 5-07862-720-5

Scan & email the deposit slip at:           banogecotours@yahoo.com

ALL RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

For your questions or you require additional information -text or call

+63 906-784-8586 – Benjie

+63 905-782-0322 – Floyd

for more info please visit our website BANOG

Now on its third year, on June 10-13, the organizers of this event shall try what has never been done before. To create a new criterion in the Guinness World Records and set a worldwide record for — THE MOST PEOPLE TO SUMMIT DIFFERENT PEAKS within a 24-hr period.

Aside from nurturing national unity, the event aims to promote environmental awareness, conservation, preservation and protection; to campaign advocacies for responsible sportsmanship, synergism among individuals and groups, and to unite the mountaineering community to achieve greater good.

RECORDS WILL BE SET,
TREES WILL BE PLANTED,
TOURISM WILL BE PROMOTED,
HEROES WILL BE HONORED,

THE FILIPINO MOUNTAINEERS WILL TRIUMPH!

Moreover, an official “Adjudicator” and representative of Guinness World Records will be coming over to our country from the United Kingdom to announce and authenticate our historic feat. Rest assured that your group may receive certification and special recognition coming from the organizers and Guinness World Records.

Mabaroca Beach Resort

Located at Brgy. Cabong Eastern Samar.
Facilities:
Cottages
Room for Rent
Family KTV
Pool
Skim boarding
B-day Party Venue
Restaurant

Eastern Samar Surf info

Samar surf season:

1. AMIHAN (NE WIND) Rainy Season  November to April

This season is usually onshore on most exposed spots like outer reef or surf spot that are facing to the East. But it is offshore in some areas like inside bays which are mainly beach break and some reef breaks. Most days are wind swell making this season more consistent.

2.  HABAGAT (SW MONSOON) Summer Season May to October

This is the Typhoon season in the Philippines. Winds are usually offshore, and summer here in Samar Island. Waves are inconsistent this time of year, but when swell arrives, the condition is perfect; glassy, sunny days. Most of the waves are typhoon generated, can reach up to 12 feet. Outer reefs or islands is the place to be during this season.

Carlos Aga (Photo by: Angel S. Cillo Jr)

Surf spots during amihan:

1.  PAROLA Left hallow reef break breaking besides a cliff into a cliff into a big bay. Good for Advance/Expert surfers.

2.  BATO Beach break offers many peaks, usually right handers. This spot is where the Samar locals crowd level: 10-15 surfers on a 1km. beach

3. BOULEVARD Beach break/rivermouth. Good to surf early in the morning or late in the evening as the wind slows down. Fast right hand rivermouth with tube section. This is the nearest surfs-spot in town.

4.  Fish Port Left hander rivermouth reeling for 200 meters, peebles/sand bottom. Works on a big swells or strong NE wind.

5.  PURO Left hander reefbreak, hallow drop with tube section. Works on high tide, when its lowtide good to explore around the island.

Myrel Santos (Photo by: Angel S. Cillo Jr)

6.  ANAHAW Left hander reefbreak accessible only by boat.

7.  BONG’s pt. A  Frame reefbreak, breaking besides the island.

Surfing spot during habagat (SW WIND)

1.  ABCD Left and right reef break, breaking towards the channel in the middle of the bay.

Making this spot suitable for all level of surfers.

Left hander is good on a NE swell, Right hander is perfect on a East or Southeast swell.

2.  TALISAY Left hander, breaking from deep to shallow reef making this spot very hallow. Can hold up to 12 feet for advance to expert surfers only.

3.  BRIDGE You can check this spot from the bridge before paddling out. Right hander reef break on a shallow reef. Works during low tide.

Calicon Island, Eastern Samar (Photo by: Angel S. Cillo Jr)

4.  SHITTY Beach Left hallow river mouth, sand bottom, reeling for 150 meters.

5.  STICHES Island, right hander reef break, drop tube and a rip able to the shoulder. Good in high or low tide.

6.  MAMENG’s Right hander reef break up to 150 meters long. Smoot drop, tube in the inside, long bowl. Good for all levels of surfer.

OTHER DESTINATION / ACTIVITIES:

1.  Mt.Apoy Climbing / Trekking  (3days / 2   nights)

Highest peak in Eastern Samar , situated West of Borongan, 2 hrs. boatride along the scenic suribao river. Home to big trees like mangkono, red lawa-an, and other hardwoods. Also good for bird watching.

2.  PangiFalls River Trek/Climbing (Overnight)

A 40 meter high water fall, 3 hrs. trek from brgy. Sn Gabriel just west of Borongan. Camp site at the top of the falls.

3.  SohotanCave (1 Day)

40 minutes drive west of Borongan, this cave has a underground river, with many chambers.

4. Wall Climbing/Bouldering Some selected areas around Eastern Samar

Contact: samarsurf@gmail.com

Photos by: Angel S. Cillo Jr.

KANTICAN ISLAND (PEARL ISLAND)
Location: Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Description: It is a pearl culture farm; haven of rich marine life such as lobsters, shells, fishes, abalones, corals; clear blue waters and immaculately white coral beach; perfect site for scuba diving, fishing and swimming.

Photo cridets: Kiwie/Myoho