Gamay, Northern Samar, is a 7-hour ride from my hometown Ormoc. Here are 10 reasons why it’s worth a visit based on our 5-day stay:
1. You’ll pass by a lot of breath-taking views.
2. Samar is historic and rich in Culture
(See more evidences in no. 4)
3. Internet Signal is prehistoric too, you’ll be forced to get in touch with the (real) world.
Which is a good thing not most people realize nowadays.
Upon arrival, we decided to introduce ourselves to the town by roaming around. This tarpaulin is the first I noticed, posted outside what I presumed to be the venue of this event.
4. Everything is “Instagrammable”
Forget about the usual malls and typical urban life, scenarios here are more worth taking pictures with.
You can literally just go around the entire town. You’ll see structures that are mixed old and new, residential and commercial. Some with windows meant to opened upwards (not like a particular door that embarrassed us).
5. You’ll have chances to embrace simple and modest living
Their biggest shopping center doesn’t even sell Cornetto or Kitkat. But who cares, there are more this town can offer than our usual cravings.
Their town hall is located just in front of Town Chief’s Hotel where we were warmly accommodated.
6. You can’t get sick with their hospitality.
We felt that not only with the locals when we roamed around, but also with the town officials when we visited them.
Congratulations for your hard work that made Gamay the only municipality in Northern Samar to have received the 2018 Seal of Good Local Governance, despite being considered a Geographically Isolated and Depressed Area.
7. Dogs here are hospitable too.
Joke. Of course that’s not the number 7 reason. HAHA
7. It’s a child-friendly town.
They have a National Children Development Center most cities in the region don’t even have. And we found these kids playing around there.
Our last stop for the day is The Gift Beach Resort located 20-minute ride somewhere.
…and a youth-friendly town.
They have several events organized by the youth, for the youth. One of which is the “Mas Pinasikat Talent Search: Season 5” organized by the Gamay Youth Leaders and participated by youth groups from neighboring municipalities
After the event, I made sure to meet the organizing team to commend them for the success of the event and discuss to them areas for improvement in terms of event organizing and production management. I did that even if they made me dance Kuracha without prior notice. :3
The State of the Municipal Address of Mayor Timeteo Capoquian where, in his speech, he acknowledged our attendance and thanked the City Government of Ormoc for extending help to their children and youth development programs.
Locals meet at the agri-fair to trade local products.
8. Their beaches are virgin.
This ain’t your overused and crowded beach but it’s getting attention. Celebrity Erwan Heussaff was seen surfboarding here. Celebrity Jenny Marx was spotted taking vain selfies too!
We are about to leave when from afar I saw this:
I just can’t get enough of kids you know. So I came closer and snap shots. Hehe
9. Their Lubi Festival is lit.
I particularly love how they can have festive dance performances without the aid of modern music files but only the traditional drums and bugles. The musicality is way too good to hear.
So this is really the reason for my invitation: them seeking assistance for the formulation of their Local Youth Development Plan. EZ.
10. It’s a perfect place to celebrate friendship and gluttony.
Although we were soup-deprived (HAHA), we were spoiled with good food. Special mention: Sea food. I kennat forget the gigantic lobsters and the Kinilaw the Mayor served us. Food is the best way to bond with your most [autistic] artistic friends.
We had so many firsts in this town. Gamay is said to be a fourth class municipality but the experience here is first class.
Jhayography 
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