Tubabao was used by the International Refugee Organization (IRO) in 1949 and 1950 to provide a temporary refuge for 6,000 Russian refugees escaping from China. The Russians were survivors of the October Revolution and Russian Civil War, when the Russian monarchy was overthrown by the Bolsheviks.
The Veterans Park in Guiuan is rooted in the municipality’s historical significance and its role in the Philippines’ past. Guiuan is renowned for being the site of Ferdinand Magellan’s first European landing in the Philippines. This historical event, along with the presence of the old Guiuan Church, highlights the area’s importance in the nation’s history. Furthermore, Guiuan is a second-class municipality in Eastern Samar, known for its natural attractions like Dumpao Beach Resort and Linao Cave. The park likely serves as a place to commemorate and reflect on these historical and cultural aspects of Guiuan.
Linao Cave and Lagoon (Calicoan), is one of the popular natural attractions of Guiuan. The name is derived from the local waray-waray word “linao” which means “clear” to describe the clear fresh waters of its lagoon. The lagoon is located inside a cavern with an overhead cave opening where light passes through. One needs to navigate through a small cave, located adjacent to the lagoon, and swim across a smaller pool to get there. Unfortunately, I was informed by the tourism office that the cave was recently closed to allow nature to recover from its tourism activities. They told me that I can try but they cannot give the assurance that I will be able to explore the cave and the lagoon.
