One of the major themes in eighteenth-century Philippine historiography is the pattern and impact of Moro raids from what is now the southern Philippines against the archipelago to the north. Aspects of this theme, most notably the alleged characteristics of Muslim-Christian irreconcilability and the extent of damage inflicted on the settlements under the rule of colonial Spain, preoccupied the imaginations and pens of Spanish Chroniclers. Only recently have contemporary scholars applied social science and modern historical methodology to such basic questions as the internal dynamics or Moro political systems, the socio-economic nature of the raids themselves, and the impact on the regions attacked by these Moros.

by Cesar Torres

I pray to God and to all the Saints that we Samarnons love to venerate and to whom we offer our prayers in our numerous fiestas all over the world that our Samar Governor, her supporters, the provincial officials under her supervision and direction and her 25-year Pharmacist Daughter who was chosen by the Samarnons as their legislator in the House of Representatives can see the light.

I pray that they can provide periodic feedback and updates on what they are doing so that Maqueda Bay, in whom thousands and thousands of our people are depending for their livelihood can be fertile again.

I pray that this Powerful Mother and Daughter can provide periodic feedback and updates on what they are doing so that the terrible Hell Roads of Western Samar can be repaired and fixed.

Now, I have to apologize to Dr. Bart Saucelo, the Guiuananon Doctor of Medicine who married a Caucasian from Indiana. Dr. Bart is a very famous and active Filipino-American; the only Guiuananon who is very popular in the World Wide Web. I have been enticing him to run for Congressman in Eastern Samar. He would have a lot of supporters in the World Wide Web. He begs off. He said he has forgotten a lot of “Klasikal Samarnon Binisaya” words and phrases. The Estehanons might laugh at him.

If you remember, Dr. Saucelo, late last year, we were planning that we should meet in Malatugawi in Catbalogan or somewhere in Samar, probably in Calbayog or Marabut or Calicoan. It did not matter where. We were going to finally fulfill that long-time wish that we Samarnons from all over the world, especially us in Gugma han Samar Cyberspace Movement, should gather together and discuss what we could do about our island and our people. Like the Romblonians of Morgan Benedicto and Doc Fabicon.

About Villareal

Villareal is a coastal town located in the southwestern part of Samar island. It is bounded in the north by Villareal Bay, in the east by Pinabacdao, in the west by Talalora and in the south by Sta. Rita.

History

Of the eighteen settlements in the island when the Jesuits arrived in 1596, Umauas was made one of their first mission stations. Umauas is the original name of Villareal - a name taken from the stream gently "flowing" through the place down into the sea. Umauas became a pueblo in 1768, and in 1863 its name was changed to the hispanic "Villareal".