Waray is a language spoken in the Philippines, particularly in the Eastern Visayas region.

It
originated from the Austronesian language family, which means it's related to other languages
spoken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The Waray people have been using this
language for generations.

Centuries ago, before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, the ancestors of the Waray people
already spoke a form of Waray. When the Spanish colonizers came, they influenced the language
by introducing Spanish words and phrases. Despite this, Waray has retained its distinctiveness
and continues to be spoken by millions of people today. So remember, when you hear someone
say "Pamati!" it means "Listen!" in Waray. Keep your ears open and embrace the richness of our
language!

Traditional dance forms hold significant cultural importance among the Waray people,
showcasing their history, beliefs, and way of life. These dances often incorporate intricate
movements, vibrant costumes, and rhythmic music, serving as a means of expression and
connection to their heritage.

The Philippine census of 2010 reported a population of 3,660,645 Waray people. They are
primarily concentrated in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, particularly in the
provinces of Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.

The Waray people, were among the earliest indigenous groups in the Philippine archipelago to
embrace Christianity. This conversion occurred during the Spanish colonial period, particularly
through the efforts of Spanish missionaries who arrived in the region in the 16th century.

Today, Christianity remains a predominant religion among the Waray population, with
Catholicism being the most widely practiced denomination.

The Waray-Waray people are often stereotyped as brave warriors, as reflected in the popular
phrase "Basta ang Waray, hindi uurong sa away," which translates to "The Waray would never
back down from a fight." This stereotype highlights their perceived courage, resilience, and
readiness to confront challenges or conflicts. It underscores a cultural trait associated with
strength, determination, and a willingness to defend oneself or one's community when faced with
adversity.

During the Spanish era, the Waray-Waray people were often called lazy by the colonizers. This
perception stemmed from their lifestyle of simplicity, particularly as farmers, and their
contentment with their traditional way of life. Additionally, they were known for making tuba,
also known as palm wine, from coconut nectar. Tuba is a traditional alcoholic beverage
commonly produced in the Philippines by fermenting the sap of various palm trees, including the
coconut palm.
Warays are known for their love of music, particularly the Kuratsa, which is a courtship dance.
The Kuratsa is a traditional dance form in the Philippines, often performed during celebrations
and social gatherings. It is characterized by graceful movements and gestures that symbolize
courtship and flirtation between a man and a woman.

The dance depicts a courtship dance which exemplifies the movements of the rooster and the
hen, which were prized commodities for the indigenous Waray people.

Local artists often create Waray versions of popular songs, such as "An Bahal nga Tuba," which
was based on a Mexican song. This reflects the Waray people's practice of adapting and
incorporating elements from diverse musical traditions into their own cultural expressions.

The University of Eastern Philippines, located in Catarman, Northern Samar, is the largest both
in terms of land area and curricular offerings in the whole region. This university offers a wide
range of academic programs and has extensive facilities to accommodate its students and faculty.

Some curricular offerings at the University of Eastern Philippines may include:

BS in Agriculture, BS in Education, BS in Nursing, BS in Engineering and many more.

"Pasaylo" means "Sorry" in English. It is a term used to express apology or remorse for a
mistake or wrongdoing. When someone says "Pasaylo," they acknowledge their fault or
wrongdoing and express their desire for forgiveness or understanding from the person they have
wronged.
"Gwapa kaayo ka" translates to "You're so beautiful!" in English. It is a compliment often used to
praise someone's physical appearance in the Waray language. and “Gwapo kayo ka” means
“You’re so handsome!”