Adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar

Right after my trip to Kalinga, I had to travel back to Leyte because I had been invited to be the principal celebrant of the Vigil Mass for the fiesta of the Holy Child Parish in Capoocan, Leyte, on June 5. Since I had no commitments the following day, my good friend Mark invited me to join him for a day of adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar. Ronnie, our other friend who was supposed to come along, could no longer make it. Since it would only be Mark and me, I invited two of my former altar servers from Palo to join us. It turned out to be an excellent decision, and the four of us were all set for a memorable road trip.

We left early on Saturday morning for the two-hour drive to the famous Ulot River. Since we had skipped breakfast before leaving, we stopped at one of the roadside eateries at Buray Junction, where the road turns right toward Taft, Eastern Samar. A hearty breakfast was just what we needed before the day's adventure.

From Buray Junction, it was another 16 kilometers to the Ulot River jump-off point. We arrived at around nine in the morning, only to discover that all six torpedo boats operating that day had already departed with earlier groups. There was nothing to do but wait. Almost two hours passed before our turn finally came, but the anticipation only made us more eager to experience what everyone had been talking about.

The Ulot River is the longest river in Samar and flows through the Samar Island Natural Park, one of the country's most important protected forests. It is famous not only for its pristine surroundings but also for the TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure, one of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Eastern Visayas.

The long, narrow torpedo boats are specially designed to cut through the river and navigate its swift currents. Interestingly, TORPEDO is also the name of the local association that manages the adventure. It stands for Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization—quite a lengthy name, but one that reflects the group's commitment to protecting the river while providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community.

Once our boat set off, the long wait was quickly forgotten. For almost two hours, we cruised both downstream and upstream, with dense forests lining both sides of the river. The scenery was serene and largely untouched, broken only by the roar of the engine and the splash of water as our boat sped through the current. Our boatman expertly navigated the twists and turns of the river, giving us just enough speed to make the ride both exciting and safe.

The highlight of the adventure came at Deni's Point, where the river divides into several small waterfalls. Visitors are invited to jump into the rushing water and simply let the current carry them downstream.

Standing on the rock and looking at the rushing water below, I hesitated at first. The current looked strong enough to make anyone think twice. But then I reminded myself that we were all wearing life vests and that countless visitors had done the same before us. With that reassurance, I finally took the plunge.

For the next few moments, I was completely at the mercy of the current. The rushing water swept me downstream as I laughed and tried to keep myself afloat. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. I enjoyed it so much that I climbed back up and did it all over again. Without a doubt, it became the most unforgettable part of the trip.

The TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure costs ₱2,325 per boat for the approximately two-hour ride. Since each boat can accommodate up to five passengers, the cost comes to only about ₱465 per person, making it a surprisingly affordable adventure.

Looking back, the two-hour wait that morning became only a small footnote in what turned out to be a wonderful day. More than the thrilling boat ride, what I treasure most is sharing the experience with my good friend Mark and two young men who had once served at the altar. It was one of those simple road trips that became a collection of laughter, friendship, and memories that will be retold for years to come.

If you ever find yourself in Samar and are looking for something beyond the usual tourist destinations, I highly recommend the Ulot River. It offers not only breathtaking scenery and an adrenaline-filled adventure, but also the chance to create memories with friends that will last long after the river's current has carried you downstream.

In some parts of the river, the water was too shallow for the boat to pass. The boatmen had to lift and maneuver it over the rocks before we could continue our journey.

At Deni's Point where we plunged down the gushing river to float downstream. 

MATUGUINAO AND GANDARA, SAMAR CHURCHES

I was invited by Fr. Jake Yboa, the parish priest, to celebrate the fiesta Mass in Matuguinao, Samar—a town I had long wanted to visit due to its remoteness. In the past, this area was a stronghold of the NPA rebel group, making it difficult to access. With no concrete roads, the primary means of transportation was by boat from the town of Gandara. The journey involved navigating upstream along the river, often requiring passengers to disembark and tow the boat through shallow areas. The trip used to take about five hours.

When I finally visited, I was surprised to find that a concrete road had been built, reducing travel time to less than an hour from Gandara. I had always imagined Matuguinao to be perched on a mountaintop, only to discover that it is an interior town nestled near the mountains, at the heart of Samar, close to the border of Northern Samar.

On the way home, I stopped by the parish church of Gandara.

 

ST. ISIDORE THE FARMER PARISH
Matuguinao, Samar

A group picture with the concelebrants and the fiesta sponsor. The parish priest, Fr. Jake in gold stole. I could not remember why red was used as vestment for the fiesta mass in honor of St. Isidore. 

The parish priest has embarked on building a bigger church. 

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH
Gandara, Samar

CHURCHES IN THE DIOCESE OF CALBAYOG, SAMAR

Calbayog Cathedral

St. Bartholomew Parish, Catbalogan, Samar

St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, San Jorge, Samar

Photo taken: Nov. 8, 2006

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
Pinabacdao, Samar 

Photo taken: April 1, 2019

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Villareal, Samar

Photo taken: April 1, 2019

Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish, Sta. Rita, Samar

Photo taken in 2018

Photo of the altar of Sta. Rita taken in 2004 when I first visited it. 

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Tarangnan, Samar

Photo taken Jan 5, 2005

St. James the Greater Parish, Sta. Margarita, Samar

Photo taken: March 1, 2005

Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Calbiga, Samar

Photo taken: Feb. 28, 2005

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Diocesan Shrine, 

Ubanon, Catbalogan,Samar

Photo taken: Oct. 26, 2013

Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, Paranas, Samar

Photo taken: March 1, 2005

St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Jiabong, Samar

Photo taken: March 1, 2005

Photo taken: December  2011

Immaculate Conception Parish, Motiong, Samar

Photo taken: March 1, 2005

St. Michael Archangel Parish, Gandara, Samar

Photo taken: Dec. 2011