Total Adventure in Marinduque

Overview

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Marinduque is the smallest island of the Southern Tagalog Region of the Philippines, whose shape is like that of a human heart. It is a quiet province best known for its religious traditions that lures foreign and local tourists every Holy Week, known as the Moriones Festival. The festival gives credence to the Roman Centurion Longinus, linking him to the life of Christ.During this Festival, the townspeople portrays the last few days of the life of Christ. It also focuses on the role of Longinus, who was converted after he stuck his spear at Jesus heart. For the locals, it is a great honor to play Longinus. The other men (and some women) would go around town wearing Roman soldi...Read More

Marinduque is the smallest island of the Southern Tagalog Region of the Philippines, whose shape is like that of a human heart.

It is a quiet province best known for its religious traditions that lures foreign and local tourists every Holy Week, known as the Moriones Festival. The festival gives credence to the Roman Centurion Longinus, linking him to the life of Christ.

During this Festival, the townspeople portrays the last few days of the life of Christ. It also focuses on the role of Longinus, who was converted after he stuck his spear at Jesus heart. For the locals, it is a great honor to play Longinus. The other men (and some women) would go around town wearing Roman soldier costumes. Much to the delight of tourists.

Marinduque is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Surrounded by the Sibuyan Sea, it is blessed with white beaches and crystalline waters. There are also caves adventurists can explore.

One can actually drive around the island in one day. Most of the road is paved already. A trip around the place would provide a panoramic view of the sea and a trip through the hill sides.

Quick Tips:

The people of Marinduque are known for their hospitality. They even celebrate a Putongan (more on a journal entry) to make their guests feel welcome to their place.

The tourism offices of the municipalities are more than willing to assist visitors to the place. They offer brochures that list activities around the island, as well as phone numbers you can contact for lodging and inquiries.

For a full Marinduque experience, it is best to go there during the Holy Week. The streets are flooded with men dressed in Roman soldier costumes. This is their "panata" or pledge, a form of sacrifice to show their penance, as well as love for God.

Make sure you have your sunblock and comfortable shoes or flip-flops. For the devotee, you can follow the procession around the town to witness the Senakulo or Passion Play of the people, as well as the beheading of Longinus, which is the highlight of the Holy Week Celebration. The sunblock would also come in handy should you choose to take a dip in any of the wonderful beaches of Marinduque.

You can take a look at the official website of the Marinduque government here

Best Way To Get Around:

Going around the towns, the tricycle is the best form of transportation. It can take you anywhere around town for a fee of P6 to P7. From going from one town to another, you can take a bus or jeep. These transportation have set time going from one place to another, so make sure you ask around for the schedules at the tourism office.

There are regular bus trips from Marinduque to Manila everyday. The bus will ride a ferry or "roro" to Quezon, and from Quezon the bus will proceed to Manila. The trip would take from 8 to 11 hours depending on the speed of the ferry. Read Less

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Putongan in Boac

Attraction

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Putong means "to place on the head". Boac and several other municipalities in Marinduque are known for their warm welcome of visitors. Any home receiving guests would hire people in the neighborhood to welcome them with folk songs and dance. While they sing, they would place make-shift crowns on the head of the visitors. The town even has a general Putongan for any visitor who comes during the Holy Week. Since one of my companions was from Marinduque and had several relatives there, we had our own special Putongan from her family.We were honestly quite surprised by the gesture. And indeed felt very very welcome and wanted. As the last song was about to end, the owner of the house threw...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 28, 2025

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Gaspar Island

Attraction

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Off the coast of the Gasan municipality are the Tres Reyes Islands, Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar, named after the Three Wise Men of the Nativity. The more popular and the biggest among the islands is Gaspar.There are boatmen who wait by the beach for tourists especially during Holy Week. Standard rates for the boat is P2,500 for an entire day. Payments are centralized and given to a tourist officer.From the Gasan beach, the trip would take ten minutes to Gaspar. But we asked our boatman to give us a complete tour of the island before we settle at the resort in Gaspar.Most of Gaspar are rocky cliffs, with strong waves crashing against it thus constantly shaping and reshaping po...Read More

Off the coast of the Gasan municipality are the Tres Reyes Islands, Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar, named after the Three Wise Men of the Nativity. The more popular and the biggest among the islands is Gaspar.

There are boatmen who wait by the beach for tourists especially during Holy Week. Standard rates for the boat is P2,500 for an entire day. Payments are centralized and given to a tourist officer.

From the Gasan beach, the trip would take ten minutes to Gaspar. But we asked our boatman to give us a complete tour of the island before we settle at the resort in Gaspar.

Most of Gaspar are rocky cliffs, with strong waves crashing against it thus constantly shaping and reshaping portions of the island.

At the back portion of the island, there is a small cove with white sand beaches. The water, crystal clear but a little turbulent. It was a perfect place for picture taking. Thus we stopped to explore the area and have some photo ops. It seemed like the beach area was only visible during low tides, thus it is not really advisable to stay long in the area. In a span of 15 minutes there was already an increase of water level.

We proceeded to the East face of the island. There were no more beaches, but the water was calmer. Even if the water was 15-20 feet deep, we could see from our boat different colored corals and fishes. At the most calm part of the East face, we once again asked our boatman to stop so we can snorkel.

It was spectacular. I wouldn't be able to name the fishes, but there were a lot of big ones, and school of small ones. I did spot a clown fish (thanks to Finding Nemo, I know that's what they are!). There were purple and green and orange corals which housed these sea creatures. Definitely a different world, possible not often visited by divers.

Finally, we reached the resort where there were several huts people can stay in. There were a few boats parked by the beach. Many of the huts were full. Probably in anticipation of the beach party the next day.

The beach was peppered with small white rocks. First step into the water already reaches up the waist of an adult. But it is cool and relaxing to dip in, especially it the sweltering heat of the sun.

At the end of the beach is a sandbar where the waves from opposite sides crash against each other. The waves were so strong that my bikini top got loosened. Haha! But nothing embarrassing as I caught it on time. My slippers were not as fortunate, and were transported a few meters away from me. Thankfully, my friend was able to catch it before the sea can bring it to its inner bowels.

All in all, it was a total beach adventure in Gaspar Island. And definitely a great place for photos! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 30, 2025

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Senakulo

Attraction

Quote:

Marinduque is quite popular during Holy Week for its many religious activities, one of which is the Senakulo or Cenacle. The Senakulo is a play that depicts last few days of the life of Jesus, from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion. It is in the town plaza where the Senakulo is held for several nights, and is open to the public. Spectators may range from devotees to the merely curious. For some, it is the time to reflect on the life of Jesus, while others take it as a chance to spend time with family and friends.When we were watching the Senakulo it seemed that there were a cast of at least 50, with most of the people acting as the town’s people. For many men it is an honor to be part of ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 10, 2025

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Total Adventure in Marinduque