(Note: Arnie Mepico is a resident of San Remegio, Island Garden City of Samal. His example of integrity and honesty is one that Samalenos are proud of. Mabuhay ka, Arnie!!! God bless...)

First posted 01:28:45 (Mla time) April 26, 2008
Dennis Jay Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SunStar-Davao, Saturday, May 03, 2008
By Grace L. Plata

THE longtime goal of connecting Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) through a bridge is finally going to be realized.

An international funding and development agency has expressed interest in financing the construction of a bridge that would connect Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) and in investing in various businesses in the island.

          "The staging of Caracoles Samal 2008 has been acclaimed by spectators as a resounding success”. This according Cleto B. Gales Jr., IGaCoS City Administrator.

          Gales, in a statement sent to SunStar Davao, also lauds the preparations, including the venue, Penaplata Central Elementary School.

          “The venue was perfect and the production was world class. It had drawn in a mammoth crowd and everyone enjoyed”, he said in a statement. Gales also said that "business was brisk for vendors, as the crowd kept wanting for more food and drinks." Several stalls were conveniently located around the perimeter of the stage.

Caracoles fever has not waned and the heat is on for Kabasan Festival 2008. The summer celebration for the Island Garden City of Samal indeed has unflagging energy. If Caracoles is the Spanish word for “seashells”, Kabasan is its lumad (native) counterpart. No wonder both festivals have some similarities.