Marinduque: The Heart-Shaped Island

**This is an old travel blog post from 2010.

Way back in summer 2008, I attended the Youth for Christ Regional Conference in Marinduque. I've only known Marinduque through history book, and little did I know that the smallest province in Southern Tagalog has a lot to offer. :)

There is one interesting story behind Marinduque's name and shape. From Wikipedia: "Legend has it that the island of Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair between two people: Marina and Garduke. Marina's father, a local chieftain, did not approve of this affair and ordered the beheading of Garduke. Before this could be done, the couple sailed out to sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called Marinduque." They're like the Pinoy version of Romeo and Juliet. :)

Via [1] Montenegro Lines from Lucena City, we reached the Balacanan Port in Mogpog, where we were greeted by this huge [2] grotto of Mama Mary and the [3] statues depicting the biggest festival in the island during observance of Holy Week, which is the Moriones Festival.

We were welcomed and honored by the these hospitable Marinduqueños by their custom called [4] Putong. Usually, the visitors are crowned with flowers (in my crown's case, it was made of some sort of branch, accented with feathers and a small Morion) while local women dance and sing for them. :)

One famous landmark in Marinduque is the Boac Cathedral. This pilot church of the province is located at Brgy. Mataas na Bayan (literally speaking). Too bad, I wasn't able to take a photo of the church itself, but I have a photo of this [5] huge bell that I believe was part of the original structure of Boac Cathedral.

My trip will not be complete without hitting the beach! And I was surprised that Marinduque actually has a [6][7] White Beach! It is a [8] long stretch of white sand & corals, surrounded by crystal clear waters and abundant aquatic life.

There are a lot more to explore in Marinduque, that is why I'll definetely come back here. :)