Province of Marinduque via Cebu Pacific

 

Marinduque is an island province in MIMAROPA which lies between the Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea. The island is situated at the center part of our country on the map and its island looks heart-shape from above. In fact, Luzon Datum 1911 in Mogpog, Marinduque is the Geodetic Center of the Philippines and the province is dubbed as "The Heart of the Philippines". Formerly, the land and sea travel going to the island from Manila usually takes around 8 to 10 hours but not anymore! Starting April 1, 2019, Cebu Pacific Air will offer direct flights between Marinduque and Manila, three times a week namely Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Among the numerous beautiful places the province has to offer, here is the whirlind events from the maiden flight that happened during that week that was able to squeezed in the schedule:

Marinduque Airport

The maiden flight of arrival in Marinduque was reveived with a very warm welcome from the vlocals. In fact, it felt like a Moriones Festival celebration with bands playing in the background, locals dressed in Filipinianas or Moriones costumes, and little souvenirs being passed on that are originally from Marinduque such as fan's with art paintings, arrowroot, and the like.

Amana also known as Marinduque's Little Secret

After our arrival we then went to the place dubbed as Marinduque's Little Secret which is a rustic hotel with the luxury ambiance and has a pretty beach front view. We arrived at around 6pm, so we literally chased the setting sun as soon as we set foot in Amana. And it was totally worth it.

Casa de Don Emilio

Our first night's dinner is at Casa de Don Emilio which is located at the capital municipality, Boac. The restaurant does not only serve various authentic Marinduque cuisines but it is also housed in a Spanish-inspired and elegant wooden architechture which adds to the wonderful atmosphere when dining.

10-yr-old Cafe

Newest cafe in Boac is right beside our hotel, Balar Hotel and Spa, is a homegrown brand from Marinduque. Their interior is a contemporary design matched by old and homey details that adds vibrance to the place's mood. Plus, super affordable prices on their different bevarage. They do serve various dishes like pasta, sandwiches and the like.

Putong or Tubong Experience

Right after our quick tea/coffee break, we moved to the hall beside our cafe where we experienced Putong for the very first time. Putong, sometimes referred as "tubong," is a ceremony ocassionally performed in the province of Marinduque in which guests are welcomed and honored. The ceremony takes the form of an eponymous song which is a call for "thanksgiving, hope and prayer for a long and blessed life." Towards the end, and probably my favorite part, is the crowning done by the performers to their visitors which made us feel like kings and queens. Plus, a shower of candies and coins as well just like how it is during New Year's eve!

Balar Hotel and Spa

The newest hotel in Boac is Balar Hotel and Spa that just opened a few months ago. Upon entering their lobby, you would be greeted with the modern architecture and design that is pleasing to one's eyes. And the rooms are expansive and minimalist-designed which exudes comfort from bed to bathroom. It has complete homey feel with refrigerator, tea/coffee set, bath essentials, hair dryer, among others. And last but not the least, is their pamper massage sessions that truly are worth waiitng in queue for. In fact, slept immediately like a baby after my massage!

Butterfly Farm

Second day in the province of Marinduque, we started off this cute little house that is just a facade of the wonderful creatures they have in the backyard. We started off from their stire where they have different souvenirs from clocks, wall displays, clothes that are butterfly-insipired. Until you reach the garden which is a haven of various species of butterflies. Some of their pupae are even exported locally and internationally.

Freedom Park and Bridge

We then head off to the Freedom Park perfect for family and kids and the nearby distinct yellow bridge that serves the gap for students that wishes to cross everyday for school. From afar, one can see the popular Tres Reyes Islands from this area.

St Joseph Church in Gasan

In the small town of Gasan, stands the expansive St Joseph Church. I was already in awe of the 180-degree view that their vantage point offers. But more so with the architecture and details of it has to offer. In fact, some of it are very unique like their altar walls comprised of cocounut shells.

Malbog's Sulfuric Hot Spring

Further south in Malbog, is the picture-perfect sulfur hot spring they've created pools perfect for family and friends looking for summer getaways. The said hot spring, located at the foot of the mountain, which is mainly composed by sulfur maybe quite odorous or "mabaho" but is known to be therapeutic since sunlfur is popularly known for skin care and treatments.

View of Mt Malindig, Marinduque mountain range, Bellaroca and other islands

En route Poctoy, to the left, we passed by the eye-catching views of Mt Malindig ad the rest of Marinduque's mountain range. To the right, are the different islands including that of the formerly popular 5-star hotel that mysteriously closed -- Bellaroca Island Resort. With the flights now being available to Marinduque, rumor has it that some local and international resorts are eyeing to buy and re-open this beautiful island resort.

Poctoy White Beach

Easily the most availble beach get-away near their capital wich boasts an azure blue waters and white beach sand. The lovely beach are both visited and enjoyed by both locals and guests with very affordable huts that provide shade under the scorching heat. We also have the opportunity to have a sumptuous lunch at the soon-to-be-open villa nearby.

Original Arrowroot cookies maker

Arrowroot cookies are the most popular "pasalubong" or souvenir from Marinduque, and are made from theb root crop that grows all over the island. But it does not end there, for they infuse the rootcrop in other variations like pancakes which was a unique experience for me. In other parts of the Philippines, these cookies are known as "uraro."

Sunset in Luzon Datum of 1911 in Mogpog

Probably the highlight of the trip and the most exhausting at the same time! We arrived minutes past 5 pm to catch another sunset in the island, and it didn't come easy for it took 468 steps to reach to the top. Did not quite expect that but totally worth the climb! Luzon Datum of 1911 in Mogpog, locally known as "Mataas na Bundok" or Station Balanacan, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island made even more majestic with the view of the sun setting. Apart from that, the most significant and favorite trivia for me is that it is the Geodetic Center of Philippines. The mere thought of being at the very center of my country, even geodetically speaking, is exciting and amazing at the same time.

Mamita's Cafe

Marinduque is filled with restaurants offering authentic cuisine. And I was not disappointed with what I tasted and found at Mamita's Cafe. Similar rustic feels housed in the same building of Boac's Hotel, they offer a homey and accommdating feel while dining because Mamita herself is there catering and talking with us while dining first-hand. The most unique dish I have tasted for the first time are the delectable baby lobsters which looked like a shrimp but definitely not one.