Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MORIONES FESTIVAL
The
Moriones festival
celebrates the life of Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Christ's
side during the Crucifixion. Blood from the wound spattered Longinus's blind eye, which was
immediately healed. Converted on the spot, he later attested to the Resurrection and, refusing
to recant, was executed. The Marinduqueyo version of this tale is colourful and bizarre, involving
fanciful masked figures dressed as centurions chasing Longinus around town and through
nearby fields. Several Moriones pageants are staged in Marinduque during
Holy Week
, with
extra events added in recent years for the benefit of tourists (see
W
marinduque.gov.ph for more
information). Although the festival originated in Mogpog, and other towns including Santa Cruz
have their own versions, these days the major Moriones celebrations are in
Boac
.
seabed by Gaspar Island, as well as early musical instruments used during special
events and celebrations. There is also a collection of Moriones masks, along with
descriptive captions tracing the festival's roots.
Marinduque's west coast
he
west coast
from Boac south to
Gasan
and a little beyond boasts a number of
resorts
. The beaches are pebbly but they do offer fine views of the sunset and across the
sea towards Mindoro in the distance. The resorts are often full for the Moriones festival
(see box above) and at Christmas, but at any other time you might find that you are
the only guest. South of Gasan lies the sleepy town of
Buenavista
, where jeepneys
usually terminate - so you'll have to wait here for onward transport.
4
Gasan and around
It's much better to stay in the nearby resorts than in
GASAN
itself, though the modern
St Joseph Catholic Church
is worth a look for its views, and the town has a few small
souvenir shops selling Moriones-themed products and tasty arrowroot biscuits (which,
along with
bibingka
rice cakes, are a Marinduque speciality).
St Joseph Catholic Church
Perched on a hillside,
St Joseph Catholic Church
offers wonderful
bay views
from the
leafy back terrace, especially at sunset. Built in the first decade of the new millennium,
it features a beautiful thick wooden door carved by a renowned Mogpog sculptor. The
intricate ceiling was designed to resemble a palm leaf, while the inner sidewalls are lined
with coconut shell dividers. At the back are the remnants of the old church, from 1609.
Tres Reyes Islands
Boat from Sitio Castillo, Gasan P40 (15min); or arrange a private island hopping trip with your resort (P1500)
The beautiful
Tres Reyes Islands
- popularly known as
Baltazar
,
Melchor
and
Gaspar
after the biblical Three Kings - lie a few kilometres off shore. There is some good
scuba diving
here, which can be arranged from various outlets (see p.204) or at one of
the resorts. On the far side of Gaspar Island there's a white beach with good coral for
snorkelling
; a small fishing community is located on the eastern tip of the island, but
there's no formal accommodation.
Marinduque hot springs
Sitio Mainit, Brgy Malbog, Km3 • Daily 8am-10pm • Day rate P50, night rate (from 5pm) P70 •
T
0917 382 9416 • Tricycle from
Buenavista P40 (10min)
Located in an eight-hectare lot, the inviting
Marinduque hot spring
pools are a pleasant
spot to while away a few hours. There are a couple of large pools, as well as three
smaller pools that can be rented out privately (P1000/5hr - call in advance). There are
picnic huts, too.
