Revisiting Tacloban and Palo (Leyte), Basey and Marabut (Samar) and Balangiga (Eastern Samar) few months after Typhoon Yolanda

Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) has always been one of my favorite regions. I've been here several times and it doesn't fail to amaze me every time. Last March 27, 2014 I was fortunate to be invited as one of the vounteer-tourists for "The Do Good Project". It an initiative spearheaded by Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 8, Bangon Tours and some kind-hearted sponsors. The project aims to bring people together to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda in any way possible.

Voluntourism: "The Do Good Project" for ST Haiyan (Yolanda) Survivors

With our busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. But it only takes few days off your work to do some good deeds to Yolanda affected places in Eastern Visayas. Why not join The Do Good Project? It's an initiative spearheaded by Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 8, Bangon Tours and some kind-hearted sponsors. The project aims to invite guests and tourists seeking for a way on how to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. It fosters "voluntourism" by bringing people together to help in any way possible to prove that the power of working together in a fun and social environment will make a difference.

TRAVEL GUIDE : Catbalogan, Samar - Things To Do, Itinerary, How To Get There, Accommodations, Getting Around, Expenses and Contact Details

THINGS TO DO

Calbayog City Tour
Visit the different interesting sites in the city. You can go to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary grotto located on the shores of Malajog Beach, then proceed to Mondejares Beach Resort in Brgy. Saljag, St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Brgy. San Policarpo known for its "veneration of saints", then to the St. Vincent de Paul Seminary at Dagum Hills. Go to the city center and visit Samar's biggest church, the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral and visit the tourism office at the Handumanan Building. To read more, click here.

Eastern Samar - Balangiga Massacre, Town Church and the Lost Bells

After exploring Catbalogan City and failing to swim at Kinabut-an spring, I went back to the pension house to freshen-up and had my dinner. I slept early so I could get up at 4:00 AM to catch the first trip to Tacloban City. Nope, I'm not exploring Tacloban City again, I just need to get a transportation to Guiuan, Eastern Samar bacause my destination today is the town of Balangiga, also in Eastern Samar.