Calbayog City, Philippines

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Calbayog City, Philippines

Region: Samar


Geographic Coordinates: 12.066700, 124.600000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 186960
Language: Filipino

Calbayog City is a bustling city located in the province of Samar, Philippines. It is situated on the western coast of Samar Island, Facing the Visayan Sea. With a population of over 180, 000 people, Calbayog City is one of the largest cities in Eastern Visayas. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was known as Kabayan. During Spanish colonization, It became an important trading center and was renamed Calbayog. The city played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain and later against American occupation.

Today, Calbayog City is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It boasts numerous beaches with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. One such beach is Mawacat Slide Rock Formation which offers visitors an opportunity to slide down natural rock formations into cool waters below. For those interested in history and culture, Calbayog City has several landmarks worth visiting. The Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral is one such landmark; it was built during Spanish colonial rule and features stunning architecture that blends both European and Filipino styles.

Another notable attraction is Bangon-Bugtong Falls which cascades down from 25 meters high surrounded by lush greenery making it an ideal spot for nature lovers to unwind amidst serene surroundings. In addition to its natural attractions, Calbayog City also offers a variety of delicious local cuisine that reflects its diverse cultural influences.

Some must-try dishes include tinola (chicken soup), Kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar), Adobo (meat cooked with soy sauce) among others Overall, Calbayog City offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature & adventure making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something different from their typical tourist destinations around Philippines!



Important Landmarks

  1. St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church is a historic church that was built in 1606 and is known for its unique architecture and religious significance.
  2. Bangon Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Barangay Tinaplacan, famous for its clear waters and natural beauty.
  3. Tarangban Falls is another popular waterfall located in Barangay Tinaplacan, renowned for its picturesque scenery and refreshing pool.
  4. Malajog Ridge Nature Park is a scenic park that offers panoramic views of Calbayog City and the surrounding mountains.
  5. Samar Island Natural Park covers over 333,000 hectares of land, home to various wildlife species and natural attractions such as caves, waterfalls, and beaches making it a protected area.
  6. Buri Island Beach Resort is a secluded beach resort situated on an island off the coast of Calbayog City that provides pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling activities.
  7. Sohoton Caves National Park features limestone caves with underground rivers along with beautiful rock formations making it an ideal national park destination to visit.
  8. Mawacat Slide Rock Formation showcases an impressive rock formation created by centuries of erosion from river currents which are worth seeing during your trip to Calbayog City.
  9. Calbayog Eco-Tourism Adventure Park (CETAP) – An adventure park featuring various activities such as zip-lining, wall climbing, rappelling among others makes it an ideal place to visit if you are looking for some adventure-filled experiences on your trip to Calbayog City.
  10. Calbayog City Plaza – A public square which serves as venue for concerts during festivals like Sinulog Festival or Christmas celebrations can be visited by tourists who wish to experience local culture while enjoying their stay at Calbayog city.

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture – The city is known for its vast agricultural lands and produces crops such as rice, corn, coconut, and bananas.
  2. Fishing – Being a coastal city, fishing is also a major industry in Calbayog.
  3. Tourism – The city has several natural attractions such as waterfalls, beaches, and caves that attract tourists.
  4. Education – There are several universities and colleges in the city that provide education to students from different parts of the country.
  5. Retail – There are numerous small businesses in the city that cater to the needs of residents such as groceries stores and markets.
  6. Manufacturing – The manufacturing industry is also growing with companies producing products such as processed food items, furniture, and handicrafts.
  7. Service sector – Services like healthcare facilities including hospitals & clinics; banking & financial services; transportation services like jeepneys & tricycles; communication services like internet cafes & phone providers are some of the other sectors contributing to the economy of Calbayog City.

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Calbayog – This battle occurred in 1900 during the Philippine-American War. General Vicente Lukban led Filipino forces against American troops.
  2. The birthplace of Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center – Established in 1945, this hospital is named after Dr. Jose R. Reyes, a native of Calbayog who became a prominent physician in Manila.
  3. The hometown of Francisco Dagohoy – Dagohoy was a rebel leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule in Bohol from 1744 to 1829.
  4. The birthplace of Blas Fajardo Ople – Ople was a journalist, writer, and politician who served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs under President Corazon Aquino.
  5. The site where General Douglas MacArthur landed during World War II – In October 1944, MacArthur arrived on the shores of Calbayog City as part of the Allied liberation campaign against Japan.
  6. The location where the first Catholic Mass was celebrated on Samar Island – In March 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan held Mass on Limasawa Island near Calbayog City, marking the first recorded Catholic Mass on Samar Island.
  7. A center for coconut production and processing – Known for its abundant coconut plantations, Calbayog City has several coconut processing facilities that produce oil, milk, flour and other products derived from coconuts.

Museums and Things To See

  1. St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church is a historic church constructed in the 18th century, renowned for its Baroque-style design and intricate carvings.
  2. The Calbayog City Museum displays the cultural heritage of Calbayog through exhibits of artifacts, documents, and photographs.
  3. Tarangban Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Barangay Tinaplacan that nature lovers and adventure seekers will enjoy.
  4. Bangon-Bugtong Falls is another stunning waterfall situated in Barangay Tinaplacan that can be reached by trekking through lush forests.
  5. Buri Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area that houses various species of birds and other wildlife, perfect for birdwatching and nature photography enthusiasts.
  6. Samar Island Natural Park covers over 333,000 hectares of land and includes mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls – it’s a vast protected area worth exploring!
  7. The Waray-Waray Heroes Memorial Park is a monument dedicated to the brave soldiers who fought during World War II in Samar province.
  8. Imelda Park & Children’s Playground is an excellent public park with playground facilities suitable for families with children to have fun together.
  9. Calbayog City Plaza is an open public plaza where one can find food stalls selling local delicacies – perfect for those who want to try out new foods!
  10. Samar Archaeological Museum showcases archaeological finds from around Samar Island – it’s an interesting museum worth visiting!


Sports Teams

  1. Calbayog City is a hub for basketball enthusiasts with various tournaments held throughout the year.
  2. The Mayor’s Cup Basketball Tournament is particularly popular, drawing teams from neighboring towns and cities.
  3. In addition to basketball, the city also has vibrant volleyball and football communities.
  4. Local leagues cater to different age groups and skill levels.
  5. As of now, there are no professional sports teams based in Calbayog City.
  6. Nonetheless, some athletes from the city have represented their regions or provinces in national competitions like the Palarong Pambansa (National Games).


Cultural Events

  1. Banigan-Kawayan Festival is an annual event that occurs in March, highlighting the city’s bamboo industry through cultural dances, street parades, and trade fairs.
  2. The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is a religious celebration held on June 29th with processions, novenas, and a grand fiesta.
  3. Calbayog City Charter Day is celebrated every October 16th to commemorate the city’s founding anniversary with various activities such as beauty pageants, sports competitions, cultural shows, and fireworks display.
  4. Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a joint festival between Tacloban City and neighboring towns in Samar province held during the third week of June featuring colorful street dancing highlighting the region’s rich culture through body tattoos or pintados.
  5. Karisyohan Festival honors the Holy Family every December 28th to January 1st with various activities like beauty pageants and cultural shows showcasing local talents in music and dance performances.
  6. Sinulog sa Calbayog is a religious festival held on January 15th that features a procession of devotees carrying an image of Sto.Nino accompanied by colorful dance performances along major streets in the city.
  7. Summerfest Celebration takes place during summer months (April-May), featuring beach parties showcasing local bands playing live music while people enjoy swimming at nearby beaches like Malajog Beach Resort or Danao Lake Park Resort & Adventure Park.

Cuisine

  1. Kinilaw – a dish made of raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, lime juice, and spices. Some popular kinilaw restaurants in Calbayog City are Kinilaw ni Lola, Kinilaw Express, and Kinilaw sa Plaza.
  2. Lechon Manok – roasted chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some popular lechon manok restaurants in Calbayog City are Andoks Chicken, Chooks to Go, and Baliwag Lechon Manok.
  3. Seafood – as a coastal city, Calbayog offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes such as grilled squid, shrimp sinigang (sour soup), and fish tinola (stew). Some popular seafood restaurants in Calbayog City are Seafood Island Grill & Restaurant, Jireh’s Restaurant & Catering Services Inc., and La Playa Beach Resort.
  4. Pancit Palabok – a noodle dish topped with shrimp sauce or palabok sauce made from ground pork or tinapa (smoked fish), crushed chicharon (pork rinds), boiled eggs, green onions, and calamansi juice. Some popular pancit palabok restaurants in Calbayog City are Palabukan ni Lolo Boyet’s Kitchenette & Resto Bar and Panciteria ni Tatay.
  5. Kakanin – traditional Filipino rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour mixed with coconut milk or sugar syrup topped with grated coconut or latik (caramelized coconut cream). Some popular kakanin stores in Calbayog City are Bibingka de Pasarubong Center at Barangay Dagum Proper near the public market area 1-2 kilometers away from the city proper; Puto Maya at Barangay Cagutsan also near the public market area 1-2 kilometers away from the city proper.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Tarangban Falls is a well-known waterfall and swimming destination.
  2. Bangon-Bugtong Falls is another waterfall and popular spot for swimming.
  3. Calbayog City Plaza is a public park featuring benches, walking paths, and a playground for children to enjoy.
  4. Malajog Beach boasts crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing while taking in the beautiful scenery around you.
  5. Tinago Cave provides an exciting underground cave system that’s ideal for spelunking enthusiasts or those looking to explore something new.
  6. Mount Huraw offers stunning views of the cityscape making it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area.
  7. Danao Lake is a serene lake where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating or just relax while enjoying nature’s beauty.
  8. San Francisco Park has beautiful gardens, fountains, and an amphitheater perfect for events making it another great public park located in the city center.
  9. Calbayog River Cruise offers scenic views of the city’s landscape as you cruise along Calbayog River; however due to COVID-19 restrictions some activities may be temporarily closed or have limited access at this time so it’s best to check before visiting any of these places to ensure safety protocols are being followed by local authorities as well as visitors alike.

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