RIVERA, MYLENE MAE J.

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BSBA - 2 NOVEMBER 14, 2022

PARANAS, SAMAR CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR

Paranas’ language is actually almost the
same as Catbalogan’s, but there are also terms
that differ from other places like the term “frog”
in Catbalogan is “palaka” but in Paranas, it’s
“pakla”. A rice delicacy in Gandara, Samar is
called “lumpak” but in Paranas, it’s called
“latik”.
In Paranas, family members of the deceased
are not allowed to grill anything. Anyone is not
allowed to sing or dance if a family member has
died because they believe that the soul of the
deceased will disturb you. If a woman is
pregnant, she has to get under the coffin by the
time the deceased is brought outside before
funeral.
Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar,
celebrates fiesta with its Manaragat Festival, a
tribute for the fisherfolks of Catbalogan. During
fiestas and Christmas season, big stalls and
tents are set along the road which they call
“baratillo”. More or less 15 years ago until now,
Catbaloganons start their Christmas vibes at the
annual opening of lights at Imelda Park.
Language in Catbalogan seems to differ in
some places like in Paranas and Gandara. An
example is Catbaloganons call a root rop “gabi”
– in Paranas, they call it “gawani” while in
Gandara, they call it “butig”.

GANDARA, SAMAR
There are a lot of Christians in Gandara.
There are also Rizalistas in the Old Gandara,
now known as Bangahon. Bangahon Church
Ruins is the known landmark there. It was
noted for its bell or lingganay. The bell of
Bangahon Church is believed or rumored to be
one of the Balangiga bells.
In a barangay named Gerali, residents
believed that a giant lived near the falls located
there. The falls had a footprint of the said giant.
Also, the “Biringan Story”. It was believed that
there is a “portal” in Barangay Minda, as
residents have heard a big ship docking.