In terms of the status of Giporlos, Eastern Samar, it is a fifth-class municipality in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. It has a total land area of 95.77 square kilometers and is composed of 14 barangays (villages). The town is known for its natural attractions such as beaches, waterfalls, and caves, as well as its cultural heritage sites such as old churches and ancestral houses. It is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Samar, facing the Pacific Ocean.

The town has a population of around 14,000 people, based on the latest census data. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with coconut, rice, and corn being the major crops grown in the area. Fishing is also an important industry, as Giporlos has a long coastline with abundant marine resources.

Giporlos is known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions, such as the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge National Park, which are popular tourist destinations in the area. The town also celebrates its annual fiesta every May in honor of its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

Overall, Giporlos is a small but charming town that offers visitors a glimpse of the laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty of the Eastern Visayas region.

Giporlos History

Giporlos is a municipality located in the eastern part of the island of Samar in the Philippines. The town’s history can be traced back to the early 1800s when it was still part of the town of Balangiga. It was not until 1869 that Giporlos was officially established as a separate town.

During the Spanish colonial period, Giporlos was an important center for trade and commerce. The town was a hub for merchants who traded goods such as abaca, copra, and other agricultural products. The Spanish also established a church in Giporlos, which was completed in 1876.

In 1901, Giporlos became one of the targets of the Balangiga massacre, a tragic event in which Filipino insurgents attacked and killed 48 American soldiers stationed in Balangiga. As a result of the massacre, the Americans retaliated and destroyed much of Giporlos and its surrounding towns.

In the years that followed, Giporlos slowly recovered from the destruction caused by the massacre and continued to develop as a town. During World War II, Giporlos was occupied by the Japanese, and many of its residents suffered under their rule. After the war, the town once again began to rebuild and recover.

Today, Giporlos is known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions, including its beaches and waterfalls. The town continues to be an important center for agriculture and commerce in the region, with a growing tourism industry.

What are the Native Delicacies Giporlos?

Some of the popular native delicacies in Giporlos include:

1. Binagol – a sweet treat made from grated taro root mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until it becomes soft and creamy.
2. Pintos – a snack made from glutinous rice flour mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorings like ube (purple yam), langka (jackfruit), or pandan.
3. Sinakol – a savory dish made from fish cooked in coconut milk and flavored with garlic, ginger, and onions.
4. Tinagak – a type of rice cake made from glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and sugar, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until cooked.
5. Tupig – a sweet and chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice mixed with sugar and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal until cooked.

Ways To Get There

To travel to Giporlos, Eastern Samar, you can follow these steps:

1. Fly to Tacloban Airport: The nearest airport to Giporlos is the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (also known as Tacloban Airport). You can book a flight from Manila or Cebu to Tacloban.
2. Take a van or bus to Giporlos: From Tacloban, you can take a van or bus to Giporlos. You can find vans and buses at the Tacloban City Bus Terminal. The travel time is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.
3. Hire a tricycle or habal-habal: Once you arrive in Giporlos, you can hire a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you to your final destination. Make sure to negotiate the price beforehand.