A HEART SHAPED ISLAND
July 8th 2008 01:30
In their own website, they claim it is a heart shaped island. I have to admit, I am not one to claim expertise on anything (much more on human organs), but I checked it out on Google Earth, and I noticed, somehow, they have a basis for their claim. Or, am I just somebody who cannot recognize shapes?
But you can judge the shape of that island for yourself.
The reason I am writing about this island is because of what its residents do during Holy Week. It is called: The Moriones Festival. It is a re-enactment of a story of a Roman centurion Longinus who is said to have pierced the side of the crucified Christ in Bible times.
Moriones is a week-long festival that turns practically the whole island (composed of 6 municipalities) into one massive stage. It starts on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday.
If nothing more, the Moriones Festival placed the island province of Marinduque in the world map as one of the Philippine’s tourist destinations. It is so popular locally, that the mere mention of “Marinduque” immediately evokes images of the Moriones Festival and vice-versa.
This island province is located right in the center of the Philippine archipelago. They have their own version of white sand beaches, mountain crests and a very rich culture that dates back centuries ago. One of the traditions they still practice to this day is “Putong” which simply means “crowning,” an act to honor visitors (best described in this link Really Long Link).
Lucena City, about 137 kilometers south of Manila, is the jump-off point to Marinduque. If you choose to travel by bus, you’ll have to make sure that you select the one with a “Dalahican” sign-board in front. Dalahican is where you can find the ferry boats that will bring you to your chosen destination in Marinduque. If your plan is to hit their capital town, Boac, make sure you take the boat headed to Balacan Port.
Sailing time varies, depending on destination and which boat you have chosen to ride in. One and a half to two hours is not a bad expectation.
As usual, a plane ride will be faster and more convenient. But that one will bring you to Gasan, a town just a few kilometers away from Boac. Don’t worry too much about getting in the wrong town though, as the Province of Marinduque is so small you can drive around it (using the circumferential road) in less than half a day.
Well, of course, that would mean having your own vehicle. Passenger jeeps ply the routes but it will take you a bit more time to get to your destination.
Hotel accommodations are available but booking needs to be done well in advance if you plan to go there during the Lenten season.
But you can judge the shape of that island for yourself.
The reason I am writing about this island is because of what its residents do during Holy Week. It is called: The Moriones Festival. It is a re-enactment of a story of a Roman centurion Longinus who is said to have pierced the side of the crucified Christ in Bible times.
Moriones Festival pic pinched from www.dot.gov.ph
Moriones is a week-long festival that turns practically the whole island (composed of 6 municipalities) into one massive stage. It starts on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday.
If nothing more, the Moriones Festival placed the island province of Marinduque in the world map as one of the Philippine’s tourist destinations. It is so popular locally, that the mere mention of “Marinduque” immediately evokes images of the Moriones Festival and vice-versa.
This island province is located right in the center of the Philippine archipelago. They have their own version of white sand beaches, mountain crests and a very rich culture that dates back centuries ago. One of the traditions they still practice to this day is “Putong” which simply means “crowning,” an act to honor visitors (best described in this link Really Long Link).
Lucena City, about 137 kilometers south of Manila, is the jump-off point to Marinduque. If you choose to travel by bus, you’ll have to make sure that you select the one with a “Dalahican” sign-board in front. Dalahican is where you can find the ferry boats that will bring you to your chosen destination in Marinduque. If your plan is to hit their capital town, Boac, make sure you take the boat headed to Balacan Port.
Sailing time varies, depending on destination and which boat you have chosen to ride in. One and a half to two hours is not a bad expectation.
As usual, a plane ride will be faster and more convenient. But that one will bring you to Gasan, a town just a few kilometers away from Boac. Don’t worry too much about getting in the wrong town though, as the Province of Marinduque is so small you can drive around it (using the circumferential road) in less than half a day.
Well, of course, that would mean having your own vehicle. Passenger jeeps ply the routes but it will take you a bit more time to get to your destination.
Hotel accommodations are available but booking needs to be done well in advance if you plan to go there during the Lenten season.
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Comment by Patricia
Travel Stripe
Comment by Market Newbie
Stock Market Punk
But I see, you have even more fascinating stories to tell and, I presume, a lot of other captivating places already visited.
Comment by Fobzy
Fobz
But you deserve it little chappie and Patricia summed it up very well.
Comment by Market Newbie
Stock Market Punk
But hey, thanks for the vote of confidence. Somehow, that makes up for the conitnuing absence of Adsense.