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This rustic town in Northern Samar is the gateway of the province. It serves as the center of commerce, education, and governance. With an active runway cutting through the town, it gives tourists a preview of how landings and crossings start and end a laidback day in this town. This is Catarman. A town that transcends time and history.  Catching the views of Catarman. Located on the northern side of the island of Samar, Catarman was a pre-Spanish settlement that had its roots on the mouth of the Catarman River. The settlement, also known as Calatman or Cataruman, was part of Ibabao, one the three divisions established by the Spaniards in the region. Fast forward to the present, the town now serves as the capital and gateway to the province. The town may not compare to other tourist destinations in the province but, with a closer look, you will be surprised with the old town charm of Catarman. Catarman Airport Located at the heart of the town, the Catarman National Airport serves as the gateway to Northern Samar. The 1,600-meter runway can only accommodate turbo-prop aircrafts. It remains active connecting Catarman with Manila and Cebu for domestic travel. Changes in terminal assignments in Manila, though, will now connect the town only to Cebu.  The Catarman Airport is a runway in the morning and a pedestrian lane in the afternoon. Interestingly, this airport divides the town of Catarman in the middle. I found it interesting that mornings were for planes landing on the airport while afternoons, and when the airport is not in use, it functions as a pedestrian lane for locals moving from one side of the town to other other side. You will be treated with a full view of the runway while crossing it. I have only seen 2 runways with the same mechanism - Loakan Airport in Baguio City and Catarman National Airport. But to date, only this airport remain open for commercial flights. Dalakit Boulevard and Beach Adjacent to the runway of the Catarman National Airport is the Dalakit Boulevard and Beach. The beach is the most accessible beach spot in Catarman. It is just a short tricycle ride from town or, if you are up for a quick morning or afternoon walk from the town center, the beach spot is a good spot to head to. It is a fave spot of locals who head off to the beach strip for a quick dose of sun, sand, and sea.
The gray sand shores was a great day starter when I was in Catarman. The clear skies gave me a clear view of Mount Bulusan and Mount Mayon on the other island. Locals were enjoying a dose of its salty waters. There were small stores that line the boulevard where you can get a snack. The beach was also a good stop for your morning plane-spotting. It gives you a great view of planes making its approach to the Cataraman National Airport. Northern Samar Provincial Capitol Just a few meters away from the airport is the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol. This is the center of governance of the province where most provincial government offices are located. It was only in 1965 that the town was declared the capital of Northern Samar after RA 4221 divided the old Samar Province into Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar.  Catarman is the center of governance in the Northern Samar. The imposing two-story building stands in elegance on the northern side of the town. It is the first to greet you as you leave the airport. A statue of Northern Samar local hero, Agustin Sumuroy, stands at the front of the capitol building. Sumuroy started an uprising in Palapag against Spanish forces. Known as the Sumuroy Revolt, the sentiment quickly spread through the province and neighboring islands. Catarman Freedom Park The Catarman Freedom Park is a sprawling park on the south side of Catarman. The open-space park is public space that fuses a touch of nature and community engagement. It is the host of community activities in Catarman.  The Catarman Freedom Park is an open park that fosters community interactions. The park is leisure space at the heart of the town which is a favorite spot of locals to watch the day pass. The huge open spaces are regular venues for students practicing school work routines. The auditorium serves as venues for community events. You can just take a seat in one of the park benches and watch a typical day in Catarman. Our Lady of the Annunciation and Sacred Heart Plaza The Our Lady of the Anunciation Cathedral Parish is the seat of the Diocese of Catarman. The church was first established in 1596 in Palapag. It was in 1974 that the Catarman Cathedral was built after it became the diocese that oversees the Catholic churches in Northern Samar.  The Our Lady of the Annunciation Cathedral Parish is the heart of the Catholic faith in Northern Samar. The church stands in its grand baroque design at the heart of the town. Its four-story belfry towers on the right side of the church. The interior is simple with its beautiful three-level retablo as its main centerpiece. It glows elegantly with its gold and turquoise motif. The retablo is adorned with different saints with the image of the Our Lady of the Annuciation occupying the top niche.
In front of the Catarman Cathedral is the Sacred Heart Plaza. This open-space park is adorned with images of saints and an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as its park centerpiece. I think the park is used for bigger church events that draws larger crowds. On a usual day, locals enjoy the park for their exercise and runs or to just spend a lazy afternoon watching the afternoon pass by. Catarman River The Catarman River played a pivotal role in building the present-day Catarman. The mouth of the river was host to the first settlement in the area. The river is fed by 5 tributary creeks - Paticua, Hibulwangan, Mahangna, Tura, and Danao. It is a major provincial river that separates the east and west sides of the town.  A view of the Catarman River from its esplanade. A river esplanade is now being developed along its river coast. I was able to get a full view the river’s mouth from a small “park” just beside the old Catarman bridge. A fisherman and his boat slowly sliced through the murky waters of the river as I took in the view. Catarman River remains to be a crucial part on the daily lives of locals. POST TRAVEL NOTES Catarman’s small town vibe is its main tourist draw. It may not have the breathtaking landscape that the province is known for but its rustic vibe makes it stand out. This is a town that either lets you warm up before a Northern Samar exploration or slows you down after a rugged adventure or both. In my case, it slowed me down and it let me experience the slow rural vibe before letting me head back to my urban busy life.  Get ready for another Cebu adventure. Local destinations have different flavors and vibe that makes it unique. Filipinos often associate great destinations with white sand beach spots, amazing sunrise or sunsets, and heartstopping views but not all destinations are blessed with such. Other destinations take pride with breathtaking views and simple attractions that makes us appreciate the simple things in Filipino living. These simple things make the experience extraordinary. Getting there: There are direct PAL flights to Catarman via Cebu. Alternatively, one can take a flight to Tacloban from Manila. You can then take a van to Catarman from the city proper. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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