22/08/2026
Deeply grateful and warmly welcomed in the historic town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar! 🌊🏛️
Together with my fellow Naga City Councilors—Councilors Jude Altamarino Diokno, Omar Buenafe, and Frank Mendoza—along with our dear friends, we had the distinct privilege of visiting Guiuan. Words cannot fully capture the incredible hospitality extended to us by Mayor Anna Liza Gonzales, who graciously opened her home and hosted us for two consecutive sumptuous lunches on August 20 and 21, 2026.
Beyond the overflowing spread of delicious food, heartfelt fellowship, and thoughtful pabaon souvenirs and local delicacies, the visit was a deeply enriching learning experience.
Mayor Anna Liza shared an inspiring and informative talk on Guiuan’s monumental place in world history:
The Cradle of Philippine-European Contact: It was in Homonhon Island—part of the municipality of Guiuan—where Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition first landed on March 16, 1521. This historic landfall marked the first recorded arrival of Europeans in the Philippine archipelago.
A Vital Anchorage: According to chronicler Antonio Pigafetta, the island offered a safe, welcoming haven ("Watering Place of Good Signs" or Acquada da li buoni signi) where the weary voyagers replenished their supplies of fresh water, fish, and tropical fruits after crossing the vast Pacific.
Living Heritage & Resilience: Mayor Anna Liza also gave us a wonderful glimpse into Guiuan's current situation—showcasing how this coastal treasure beautifully balances its unmatched historical legacy with vibrant modern progress, thriving community initiatives, and remarkable post-disaster resilience.
Thank you once again, Mayor Anna Liza, for your generosity, your brilliant insights into local heritage and governance, and above all, for making us feel right at home in Guiuan. Maraming salamat po!
