1965: Year that Eastern Samar became an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221.

23: Number of municipalities in Eastern Samar.

250,000+: Number of registered voters in Eastern Samar as of March 2009.

405,000+: Population of Eastern Samar as of 2007

4,470+: Land area in square kilometers of Eastern Samar.

500+: Estimated number of revolutionaries from Balangiga and its nearby villages of Lawaan, Giporlos and Quinapondan who attacked American troops on Sept. 28, 1901, in what became known in Philippine history as the ?Balangiga Massacre?

1521: Year that Ferdinand Magellan landed in the country. The Portuguese explorer landed in Homonhon Island in the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar on March 16, 1521.

P400: Average cost of surfing lessons in Eastern Samar per hour (P1,500 per day/five hours). Lessons include surfboards and surf instructors.

Compiled by Schatzi Quodala, INQUIRER Research
Sources: easternsamar.gov.ph, National Statistical Coordination Board, National Statistics Office, Dept. of Tourism, www.samarsurf.com, Inquirer Archives