Catbalogan, Philippines
Region: Samar
Geographic Coordinates: 11.783300, 124.883000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall, typhoon season from July to November.
Population: 106440
Language: Waray-Waray
Catbalogan is a charming city located in the province of Samar, Philippines. It is situated on the eastern coast of Samar Island, Facing the Pacific Ocean. The city is known for its rich history and culture, As well as its stunning natural beauty. One of the main attractions in Catbalogan is its beautiful beaches. The most popular beach in the area is called Sabang Beach, Which offers crystal-clear waters and white sands perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Another must-visit beach is Buri Island Beach, Which boasts a picturesque view of nearby islands.
Aside from beaches, Catbalogan also has several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. One such landmark is St. Bartholomew Church, Which was built during Spanish colonial times and features intricate architecture and design. Another notable site to visit is Kanhuraw Hilltop View Deck, Where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Catbalogan City. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year that showcase its unique culture and traditions. One such festival celebrates Catbalogan’s fishing industry with colorful parades and street dances.
For those who love outdoor activities like hiking and trekking, There are plenty of opportunities to explore nature in Catbalogan’s surrounding areas. One popular destination for hikers is Tarangban Falls, A stunning waterfall nestled deep within a forested area near the city. Foodies will also enjoy exploring Catbalogan’s culinary scene with dishes like kinilaw na tuna (raw tuna marinated in vinegar), Tinola (chicken soup with ginger), Adobo (a meat dish cooked in soy sauce), Among others being local favorites.
Overall, Catbalogan offers visitors an authentic taste of Filipino culture along with breathtaking scenery making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves into local life while enjoying some relaxation time at one of its pristine beaches or exploring historical sites around the city.’
- St. Bartholomew Church is the oldest church in Samar and a popular landmark in Catbalogan.
- The Samar Archaeological Museum showcases various artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and weapons from the pre-colonial era.
- Bangon Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Barangay Bangon, Catbalogan City.
- Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park features a natural bridge formation that spans across a river and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Tarangban Falls is another picturesque waterfall located in Catbalogan City.
- Marabut Marine Park is a marine sanctuary that boasts diverse marine life and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling or diving.
- Catbalogan City Plaza is a public park where locals go to relax, exercise or enjoy outdoor activities like kite-flying or picnicking.
- Maqueda Bay is a scenic bay area where visitors can enjoy water sports like boating, kayaking or fishing.
- San Antonio de Padua Shrine is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua which features an impressive statue of the saint overlooking the city.
- Catbalogan River Cruise offers visitors to take relaxing boat ride along Catbalogan River while enjoying breathtaking views of the cityscape and nearby mountains.
- The major industries and businesses in Catbalogan, Philippines are:
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Retail trade
- Services
- The city is known for its:
- Rice production
- Other crops such as coconut, abaca, banana, and corn
- The fishing industry is also a significant contributor to the local economy.
- Tourism has been growing in recent years with the development of:
- Beach resorts
- Ecotourism destinations
- Retail trade is also a thriving sector with numerous small businesses selling various goods ranging from food to clothing.
- Services such as healthcare facilities and educational institutions are also present in the city.
- The founding of Catbalogan as a town in 1596 by Spanish colonizers.
- The Battle of Catubig during the Philippine-American War in 1900, where Filipino revolutionaries fought against American forces.
- The establishment of the first public library in Samar province in Catbalogan in 1914.
- The birthplace of Vicente Sotto, a prominent Filipino politician and writer who authored the Philippine national anthem Lupang Hinirang.
- The hometown of Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center founder Dr. Jose Reyes Sr., who was born and raised in Catbalogan before moving to Manila to pursue his medical career.
- The location where General Douglas MacArthur landed on October 20, 1944 during World War II as part of the Allied Forces’ liberation campaign against Japan.
- A site for cultural festivals such as the annual Manaragat Festival which celebrates the city’s fishing heritage and features street dancing competitions, beauty pageants, and other cultural activities.
- A place where various indigenous communities such as Waray-Waray people have lived for centuries before Spanish colonization began.
- The hometown of former Senator Eddie Ilarde who served from 1967-1972.
- Samar Archaeological Museum is a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Samar Island.
- Catbalogan City Plaza is a public park that has a statue of the city’s founder, Jose Nepomuceno.
- St. Bartholomew Church is a historic church built during the Spanish colonial period.
- Catbalogan Freedom Park is a park dedicated to the heroes and martyrs of Samar Island during World War II.
- Basey Church and Bell Tower are an old church with an adjacent bell tower that offers panoramic views of Basey town.
- Sohoton Caves National Park is a natural wonder featuring limestone caves, underground rivers, and stunning rock formations.
- Bangon Falls are majestic waterfalls located in Barangay Bangon, about 30 minutes from Catbalogan City proper.
- Tarangban Falls are another beautiful waterfall located in Barangay Tarangban, approximately 15 minutes away from downtown Catbalogan.
- Hinabangan River Eco-Park is an eco-park offering kayaking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities along Hinabangan River.
- Buri Baras Bird Sanctuary is where migratory birds like egrets are seen every year between September to November.
Sports in Catbalogan, Philippines
After conducting research online, it appears that there are no notable professional or semi-professional sports teams in Catbalogan, Philippines. The city does have various community-based sports clubs and organizations that cater to different age groups and interests:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Football (soccer)
- Badminton
- Taekwondo
- Boxing
Some of these clubs participate in local tournaments and events but do not have significant achievements or championships on a national or international level.
- Manaragat Festival is a week-long celebration of Catbalogan’s founding anniversary. The festival showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage through street dancing, parades, and various competitions.
- Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a religious festival held every December 8th in honor of the city’s patron saint.
- Sinulog sa Catbalogan is a colorful street parade and dance competition held every January to honor Santo Niño de Cebu.
- Karisyohan Festival celebrates youth and creativity with various competitions such as singing, dancing, and art exhibits.
- Pasalamat Festival is an agricultural thanksgiving festival held every May to give thanks for bountiful harvests while showcasing local products and delicacies.
- Kasadyaan Festival is an annual cultural extravaganza that celebrates Eastern Visayas’ diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, and other performances.
- Sangyaw Festival features illuminated floats showcasing various aspects of Samareño culture followed by fireworks display at night time in a grand procession.
- Balay Ukit – a restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and kinilaw.
- Kusina ni Nanay – a home-style restaurant that offers authentic Filipino dishes like lechon kawali, crispy pata, and pinakbet.
- Casa de Celo – a seafood restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish, shrimp curry, and crab soup.
- Calle Z Cafe – a cafe that serves coffee drinks and light meals like sandwiches and pasta dishes.
- Bistro 19 – a fusion restaurant that offers both Filipino and Western cuisine such as burgers, pasta dishes, and sisig tacos.
- Ponsyon by Breakthrough – a seafood restaurant chain known for its grilled tuna belly and other seafood specialties.
- Ria’s Grill & Resto Bar – a grill house that serves barbecued meats like pork belly skewers (inasal) paired with cold beer or cocktails.
- Tita Nene’s Kitchenette – an eatery serving homemade comfort food like chicken tinola soup (a ginger-based soup with chicken) or pancit palabok (a noodle dish with shrimp sauce).
- D’barbeque Station Restaurant- A barbecue joint famous for its pork barbecue sticks served with rice or bread rolls plus side orders of atchara (pickled papaya) or kamote fries (sweet potato fries).
- Mama Linda’s Eatery- A small-scale eatery serving budget-friendly rice meals featuring local favorites like adobo flakes breakfast platter or beef tapa lunch combo plate served all day long.
- Catbalogan City Plaza: This public park is a great place to relax, with benches, fountains, and a playground for children.
- Samar Island Natural Park: If you’re looking for some adventure in nature, check out this protected area with hiking trails and camping sites.
- Bangon Falls: Trek through the forest to reach this scenic waterfall that’s sure to impress.
- Ulot River Torpedo Boat Adventure: For an adrenaline-pumping experience, ride on wooden boats along the rapids of Ulot River.
- Malajog Beach Park: Enjoy water sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding at this beachfront park with picnic areas and volleyball courts.
- Catbalogan City Sports Complex: This outdoor venue is perfect for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other sports events.
- Tarangban Falls: Hike to the base of this picturesque waterfall for stunning views.
- San Bernardo Island Marine Sanctuary: Snorkel or dive at this protected area to see sea turtles and colorful fish among other marine species.
