By Ricky J. Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY — Samar’s provincial government unveiled three new tourism circuits on Tuesday (April 16) at Binongtuan, Basey, Samar offering immersive experiences that showcase the province’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. The Tandaya Trail 1, Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour, and Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise – all promise unforgettable adventures for travelers.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan-Delos Reyes invited Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, alongside DOT officials in Eastern Visayas, to lead the ceremonial unveiling of the newest tour packages.
Joining Secretary Frasco at the launch were Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, DOT Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOLE Undersecretary Felipe Egargo Jr., Rep. Michael Tan, and other Samar officials, police, military leaders, and stakeholders.
Also present during the occasion were Vice Governor Arnold Tan, Cong. Michael Reynolds Tan of the 2nd District of Samar, Basey Mayor Luz Ponferrada, Sta. Rita Mayor Jade Kae Tiu-Magallanes, Marabut Mayor Percival Ortillo, Jr.; and other Samar officials, police, military leaders, and stakeholders.
In her keynote address, Sec. Frasco emphasized the collaborative efforts of local communities and stakeholders in shaping Samar’s tourism landscape. She highlighted the importance of showcasing the Filipino identity through culture, heritage, and traditions, aligning with the National Tourism Development Plan approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
After the unveiling, guests were toured to the sites of the three adventure destinations. Dubbed as “Spark Adventure,” a new initiative under the “Spark Samar” tourism campaign, these new offerings aim to captivate travelers and celebrate the beauty of Samar in unforgettable ways.
Governor Tan said the “Spark Samar” campaign is committed to sustainable tourism, placing the community at the forefront of Samar’s tourism development, featuring the province’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit
Tandaya Trail package offers an extraordinary journey through the municipalities of Sta. Rita, Marabut, and Basey. Guests will experience a spectacular adventure along this trail, where they’ll discover the awe-inspiring Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge, showcasing nature’s wonders, and immerse in Basey’s centuries-old tradition of mat weaving, a testament to the town’s rich culture and craftsmanship.
In Marabut, guests will enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience overlooking lush farm landscapes and stunning rock formations, feasting on fresh, locally sourced ingredients while taking in Samar’s natural beauty.
In Sta. Rita, guests will savor sumptuous seafood dishes at San Juan by the Bay, set against the backdrop of the majestic San Juanico Bridge, making it a feast for the senses.
Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise
This river cruise package offers a cultural voyage and river cruise along the Cadac-an River, known as the Golden River.
Guests will immerse in an interactive journey, experiencing the vibrant culture of Samar’s Mamanwa Tribe in Rawis, learning the Kuracha dance in Burgos, sampling tuba (local wine), and uncovering the rich history of Suguijon and Bungasakit in Magallanes.
Samar’s Secret Kitchen
Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour — This tour unveils Samar’s culinary heritage, showcasing old recipes kept by elders and introducing guests to Samar’s authentic cuisine.
Visitors will witness cooking demonstrations, meet the Kitchen Heroes behind Samar’s cuisine, and indulge in flavors passed down through generations.
Meanwhile, the occasion also saw the launching of The Secret Kitchens of Samar, a five-volume Coffee table book funded by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the DOT. Authored by Clang Garcia, the book showcases the stories and recipes of Samar’s gastronomy treasures.
Secretary Frasco also took the opportunity to invite the province to join the UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Conference in June.
“I am very pleased to announce that as a manifestation of the commitment of our country as indicated in the National Tourism Development Plan to prioritize gastronomy tourism and the diversification of our national tourism portfolio, the Philippines is hosting, in June of this year, the very first United Nations Tourism Regional Gastronomy Conference,” Frasco said.
Frasco said the eyes of the world will be on Filipino food. “I extend this invitation to the province of Samar to share to the world the successes that you have had in gastronomy apart from all the other successes that you’ve had in eco-tourism,” the Tourism chief added.
In a separate statement, Governor Tan said she is optimistic that with the launching of these tour offerings, the province’s tourism industry as well as the livelihood of the community folks will rapidly improve.
“With these new tourism circuits, Samar invites travelers to ignite their sense of adventure and discover the wonders that await in this vibrant province,” Tan said.
