MARINDUQUE TRAVEL INFORMATION
Where to Stay in Marinduque | Brief History | Marinduque Descriptions
Historical and Cultural Attractions | Natural, Religious and Man-Made Attractions
Festivals and Special Interest Tours
BRIEF HISTORY
The island of Marinduque is known to have been first peopled by the Malays and the Mangyans. They were believed to be governed by the Bonbon settlement in Batangas, which was founded by the Bornean datus, Dumagsil and Balkasusa.
Legendary stories narrate that the original name of the island was “Malandik,” describing the gently slopping terrain of the island’s highest peak, Mt. Malandik. When the Spaniards came, they found it difficult to pronounce the word, so they called the island Marinduc. Through constant usage, Marinduc became Marinduque.
In 1571, Marinduque was appointed an encomienda under Dr. Pedro de Mesa. At about the same time, Christianity was introduced by Fr. Diego de Herrera. In 1590, the island was subsumed under the government of Mindoro. Nine years later, it became a province under the Philippine Republic. However, in 1902, all of Mindoro was annexed to Marinduque, and Marinduque to the province of Quezon. It was in 1920 when the province gained full provincial stature under Repuclic Act. No. 2280.
MARINDUQUE DESCRIPTIONS
 Known as the smallest province in the Southern Tagalog region, Marinduque has the shape of a human heart floating on a clear blue sea.
The island province is characterized by undulating hills, picturesque valleys, sheer seaside cliffs, interspersed with patches of flatland on different parts of the island. The soil is fertile but marked in certain spots by large stony areas, making wide continuous farming difficult. Deposits of iron, copper, and lead are found and mined in the province.
Geography
The heart-shaped island of Marinduque rests on the Sibuyan Sea and is located south of Manila between the Bondoc Peninsula at the southeastern portion of Luzon and Mindoro Island. It is bounded on the north-northeast by Quezon, south by the island of Romblon, west-southwest by Oriental Mindoro, and west by Batangas. The island province has an aggregate land area of 95,920 hectares, including four major islets and eight minor ones.
Political Subdivisions
Marinduque consists of the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, and Torrijos.
Population
The population of the province totals about 217,000, as of the May 1, 2000 National Statistic Survey.
Languages/Dialects
The Marinduqueños speak a unique blend of Tagalog and Visayan dialects, with traces of Bicolano. The working population can read and speak Filipino and English.
Climate
Marinduque has two pronounced seasons: dry form December to May, and wet from June to October. The average monthly rainfall is highest in October, and lowest in April.
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HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Historical Attractions
Battle of Pulang Lupa Marker
The marker stands at the site of the bloodiest battle fought in the island between the Philippine Revolutionary Forces and the Americans. The “Battle of Pulang Lupa” was the first known major battle won by the Filipinos over the Americans. The area is surrounded by dense vegetation making it an ideal place for camping.
Battle of Paye Marker
This is another marker that serves as a reminder of the battle on July 31, 1900 between the Filipinos and the Americans. Despite inferior weapons, the Filipinos defeated the Americans.
Cultural Attractions
Tawak Drinking
This is local wine making and drinking observed every Good Friday in Marinduque. “Tawak” is a concoction made of mint leaves.
Putong
This is Marinduque’s indigenous custom of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The ceremony starts with the procession of the “mamumutong,” a group of men and women, chanting greetings before the visitors whom they regard as deities.
Kalutang
This is a kind of musical instrument found in the province. The “Kalutang” consists of two pieces of wood, graduated in sizes, to produce different note ranges, with which bands of 10 to 12 people make music.
The Legend of “Mara-Undok” Dance Drama
It is equally at this time that the local theater group stages the dance form of the “Legend of Mara-Undok” which narrates the origins of the islands.
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NATURAL, RELIGIOUS AND MAN-MADE TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Natural Attractions
Bathala Cave
The Bathala caves are said to be mystical and a repository of psychic power emanating from various points of the universe. There are believed to be seven caves composing the complex.
Tres Reyes Islands
Serving as favorite haunts, delightful picnic grounds, and dive spots in Marinduque are the islets named Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar, collectively known as Tres Reyes Islands.
White Beach
One of the most frequented beaches in the province is a stretch of white sand beach called “White Beach”. To provide temporary shelter to picnickers, makeshift huts have been built along the seashore.
Molbog Sulfur Spring
At the base of the inactive Mt. Malindig volcano is the therapeutic and natural healing water of Molbog Springs. Two swimming pools with slightly sulfuric waters ofter relaxing respite to visitors.
Paadjao Falls. This is a series of gently cascading falls, culminating in a 10-foot deep pool of crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal place for picnicking or camping.
Religious Attractions
Boac Cathedral
This cathedral is a mere 10-minute walk from Boac town proper. It was built in 1756 in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Biglang Awa (Immediate Succor). It was here where Filipinos and Spaniards took refuge from pirate attacks. The architecture is Filipino-Hispanic Gothic with much of the original structure – the façade the main body, the belfry, and the altar – faithfully preserved. Stained glass windows, though a later addition, adorn the walls and enhance the age-old beauty of the church.
Blessed Biglang-Awa Miraculous Shrine
It houses the patroness of the province.
Man-Made Attractions
Marcopper Mining Corporation Mine Site
The mines of Marcopper Mining Corporation (MMC) used to produce 20 percent of the country’s copper supply. Prior to the temporary suspension of its permit to operate, a guided tour around the mine site was organized by the MMC. It has facilities like swimming pools, bowling lanes, basketball/tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course. This will be re-opened to the public once environmental measures to protect Boac River are in place
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FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL
INTEREST TOURS
Feasts and Festivals
Moriones Festival
Annually, during the observance of Holy Week, a biblical character in the person of the Roman centurion, Longinus, comes alive as the towns of Boac, Mogpog, and Gasan celebrate the Moriones Festival. It is a religious festival, which links the story of Longinus with Christ’s Passion and Death.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The town fiesta of the municipality of Boac falls on the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. During this day, a religious civic-military celebration is observed throughout the town, capped by an evening procession in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Special Interest Tours
Diving
The waters of Marinduque harbor a wealth of underwater riches. Numerous dive spots are scattered around the island’s waters simply waiting to be rediscovered. The more popular ones are found off the coast of the islands of Maniwaya, Natangco, Salomague, and Tres Reyes. There is a dive resort in Boac, Marinduque.
Beaches
There are many choices when it comes to beaches in Marinduque. Try the white beaches of Torrijos and Sta. Cruz islets. Snorkel for butterfly and lion fishes in Amoingon Coast in Boac
Mountain Trekking
Mountain trekking and camping are pursuits to enjoy in Mt. Malindig around Buenavista and Torrijos. Birdwatchers can catch sighting of local wildlife and raptors in flight.
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Where to Stay in Marinduque | Brief History | Marinduque Descriptions
Historical and Cultural Attractions | Natural, Religious and Man-Made Attractions
Festivals and Special Interest Tours
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