Tara na sa Samar! Discover Samar with #SparkSamar and #SummerSaSamar!

Spark Samar tourism campaign is an initiative of the Provincial Government of Samar headed by Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan and by the Department of Tourism Region 8 headed by Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes. The campaign started off with a grand launching of the Spark Samar and Summer sa Samar 2015 campaigns as a kick off event to position Samar as a prime tourist destination in the country.

Even if it means I will be spending my birthday away from home, I instantly said "yes" when I was invited to be part of the Spark Samar and Summer sa Samar 2015 grand launch and a familiarization tour to the tourist destinations in the province. Region 8 is one of my most favorite regions in the Philippines, how could I say no? I have always believed that this region has a lot to offer in terms of tourism but is easily being neglected by tourists. With this, I would like to help the province of Samar and the rest of region 8 in booting its tourism potentials even in my own simple ways.

Spark Samar and Summer Sa Samar 2015

The grand launch started with a motorcade around Catbalogan City and a thanksgiving mass inside the Samar Provincial Capitol Building.

Cultural Presentation

It was then followed by a cultural presentation showcasing Samar's rich cultural heritage with an entertaining presentation of its songs and dances by groups from the different municipalities and cities of Samar. The performers are mostly students and teachers who patiently prepared and enthusiastically performed to the delight of the guests and spectators at the event.

Samar Delicacies

It was followed by a hearty feast of delicious dishes and Samar's local delicacy. I got to try Samar's version of lechon which is also quite good! It's so crispy and flavorful! You have to taste it when you visit Samar. I bet, you'll also love it!

Of course, my favorite Charito's Delights "Traditional Samar Delicacy," was also present in the event. Never leave Samar without Charito's Delights as pasalubong to your family and friends.

Spark Samar and Summer sa Samar 2015 Grand Launch

Then the grand launch started with messages from the local officials encouraging their fellow Samarnons and Warays to work hand in hand in promoting the province as a top tourist destination amidst the negative issues of poverty, insurgency and as a disaster stricken province.

Samar's Tandaya Trail

The new tourism billboards were also unveiled that night featuring the destinations along the Tandaya Trail that the province is pushing for more tourists to explore and experience.

Unveiling of Samar 's new tourism billboards featuring the Tandaya Trail.Tandaya is the pre-Spanish name of the Island of Samar and the trail invites travelers looking for adventure to explore the unspoiled wonders hidden in the province of Samar. It covers the municipalities of Paranas, Basey and Marabut where caves, rivers, historical sites, island and islets are just waiting to be discovered.

Posted by Pinoy AdvenTurista on Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Tandaya is the pre-Spanish name of the Island of Samar and the trail invites travelers looking for adventure to explore the unspoiled wonders hidden in the province of Samar. It covers the municipalities of Paranas, Basey and Marabut where caves, rivers, historical sites, island and islets are just waiting to be discovered.

Tourism Video

The new tourism video was also launch to encourage more people to visit the province. I love how catchy and trendy it is! Lakas maka-LSS. Hahaha!

Tayo na, oh, oh.. Sama na sa #Samar! I love the very catchy #SparkSamar jingle! Nakaka-LSS! ❤️ #SummerSaSamar #SummerSamar

A video posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) (@pinoyadventurista) on Apr 18, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

Fireworks Display and Neon Street Party

The Spark Samar launch and Summer sa Samar 2015 kick off were concluded with a grand fireworks display and a neon street party with Manila DJs Tom Taus and Kevin Ruiz and some local talents pumping up the party.

Happening now: Spark Samar Summer sa Samar Neon Street Party! Woohoo!!! #SummerSamar #SparkSamar #SummerSaSamar #Samar

A video posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) (@pinoyadventurista) on Apr 18, 2015 at 10:42am PDT

It was indeed a successful launch! Thank you Province of Samar and DOT Region 8 for inviting me to be part of the Spark Samar and Summer sa Samar 2015 grand launch.

Tandaya Trail Tour

Members of the media, travel agencies and tourism stakeholders were treated to experience the Tandaya trail with a 3-day familiarization tour. I will tell you more of these destinations in my future posts.

Enjoying the cool water in one of the many natural pools at Deni's point along Ulot River in Paranas, Samar. Super enjoy! 😊😊😊at my back is a #waterfall! Woohoo! ❤️❤️❤️ Tara, sama na sa #Samar! 👍👍 #SummerSaSamar #SummerSamar #makesummerhappy #summer2015 #SparkSamar #Adventures #Summer

A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) (@pinoyadventurista) on Apr 19, 2015 at 6:08pm PDT

If you're tired of the usual destinations and seeking a different kind of adventure, discover and explore Samar's destinations like no other. What are you waiting for? Tara, sama na sa Samar!

For more information you may contact:

DOT Region 8
Email: dotreg8@yahoo.com
Contact Numbers: +63 53 321-2046 / +63 53 832-0901 / +63 998-888-9715

Province of Samar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SparkSamar
Twitter and Instgram: @SparkSamar
Website: www.sparksamar.com

Some photos taken with Nikon Coolpix AW 120