The town is famous for Sevilla’s Sweets and it is almost criminal to pass by this town and not buy some to bring home. I bought a box of pastillas and other delicacies from the last of the three Sevilla’s outlets, and the bill came to only P190 I even wondered if there was a mistake, but I was assured there was none.

The day I went there was probably leading to the town fiesta, and there were tiendas at the poblacion, near the church. I walked around this section of town and saw a couple of beautiful old homes.

Other than Sevilla’s, the town is also home to the Biak na Bato National Park. (photos to be posted when I edit tomorrow)

It is a forest park under the supervision of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources. I paid the P30 entrance fee and engaged the services of a local guide to explore the forest. At the gate, all visitors are briefed about the park attractions – - – the many caves and the picnic areas around the river where most visitors bathe. It is made clear that guests would do well to engage the services of the local guides or they may not find their way thru the forest park. The fee for the guide is P100 per cave, or P600 on a normal tour covering a little over 4 hours. I figured that the park makes good money from these tour guide services. As it turns out, the park does not earn a cent from this, and all the fees go to the guides themselves. Hmmm.

After sweating it out on the up-and-down trails and changing my dripping shirt, we made way for the exit. I got myself a glass of P20 halo-halo on he stalls on the roadside.

Tired but refreshed, we headed to the parking area to head home to Metro Manila. The parking attendant was insistent that our Volvo SUV was a van, not a car, and was charged P50 instead of P40 for cars. Apparently, they classify all SUVs as vans. Oh well. I asked for a receipt and was issued one that was not registered with the Bureau of Internal revenue. Rather, they are the type available in public markets. No record of fees collected as the “receipt” doesn’t even have duplicate copies. Concerned that the government/DENR/Biak na Bato National Park was being cheated of revenues, I went down and reported the matter to the person manning the entrance gate. And he nonchalantly said that the parking area was not controlled by them, and was private property. Hmmmmmmmm. Clear signs indicating “Parking Area” when anyone goes to the park, and fees collected by a barangay tanod who is a government employee, receiving stipends from his barangay, and the parking area is private? How lucky can this landowner get. Or is it really private? Or public land with revenues going to private coffers? Just asking.

In the end, I figured that  visitors from Manila who would go to Biak na Bato, unaware of its state of neglect, will be thoroughly disappointed. As I was. And even more disappointed thinking that either the park is so mismanaged that they have not thought about deriving revenue from the tour guide services and the parking fees, or that corruption has seeped in and that some officials might be the ones deriving good money from a government asset. Either way, there will be no funds to improve the condition of the park. And only the most serious trekkers will enjoy going deep into the woods. It is said that one will need to stay for 2 weeks, camping where night finds them, to fully explore this forest. And spend a king’s ransom for local guide fees.

HOW TO GET THERE:

On a private car, take NLEX and exit at Sta Rita. Follow the road to Baliwag, and on to San Miguel, passing maybe 6 or so towns.  Many provincial buses service this route, too.

On this trip, I sat outside, on the terrace, and ordered steamed fish, rice, and lemonade with citrus and herbs. The steamed fish was very good, wrapped in banana leaves, with herbs and spices that made it so different from the steamed fish we make at home. The lemonade was so refreshing I ordered another glass. The bill came to only P455.00.

mouth-watering steamed fish in herbs and spices

steamed rice came in a cone of banana leaves

the most refreshing lemonade : slices of lemon, oranges, dashed with mint, basil, and cucumber

I call this restaurant The Best not because of any freebies. I paid for everything I ordered. Everytime. In fact, I still say this is the best in spite of the rather less-than-friendly owner.

I sat al fresco so I can smoke after lunch, after I asked the staff if I can smoke later, and was told that I could. After lunch, a lady passed, whom I didn’t recognize to be  the owner – - – the staff told me so when I asked who she was – - – and I asked for an ash tray. She said they don’t give out ash trays because “smoking is not allowed”. Holy smoke ! I had to sit outside instead of the comforts of airconditioning inside, only to be told I couldn’t smoke – - – after I was earlier told I could.  I didn’t argue, and just  considered that pronouncement to be the rule. But this also made me wonder why Laguna Garden Cafe allowed us to smoke on their tables by the terrace after lunch when I went to Cebu for the Sinulog last January, the staff even providing us ash trays. Oh well, maybe the rules have changed.

So, yes, even with this bad experience, I still say Lemon Grass Restaurant has the best cuisine. . And maybe I should find another spot where I can smoke, after another lunch or dinner in this favorite restaurant.

next time I would sit in airconditioned comfort

not even Cebu’s famous halo halo will be more refreshing

The concoction is made up of slices of lemon, oranges, mint, cucumber and basil. Maybe next time I will order a pitcherful  of this most refreshing drink.

I had to order another one !

The white sands of Maniwaya

I first went to this island in 1986, when it was practically uninhabited. My friends from General Luna, a coastal town in the Bondoc Peninsula, suggested we take a boat to a virgin island where, according to the old folks, then President Manuel Quezon would bring guests to sample paradise. We had a whole day of fun, but the boat ride back to General Luna then was something most of us would not forget. The afternoon waves were so bad we thought of turning around to stay overnight instead in Maniwaya. Thinking about it now, sayang.

On the boat to paradise

Today, Maniwaya is developing as a resort destination. There is Palo Maria, a mom & pop operation, with a few bedrooms to rent. There are 2 resorts that are “tourist” class. On my last trip I saw a jet ski. A town mayor is building an 8-room low-rise hotel on a beach front. A top Marinduque politician has built the foundation for what looks like another resort.

the pioneer resort on the island

a new resort

But camping is still popular. The island, in my book, can still be described as undiscovered, and charming. I have not met anyone who has actually been to the island. Even the Marinduquenos themselves.

I would still rather pitch a tent

Best to go there now, before the horde descends on this beautiful island. But do not spread the word irresponsibly. Choose to tell only your friends who are responsible. Those who will not damage the island. I would not want to see Maniwaya decay into another Boracay.

HOW TO GET THERE.

My car ready to board the roro from Lucena to Balanacan, Marinduque

You have to go to the main island of Marinduque.  JAC Liner takes passengers from its Quezon City terminal straight to Marinduque, via a roro ferry from Lucena. There are several trips everyday, sailing from Lucena to the 3 ports in Marinduque – - – Cawit, Balanacan, and Buyabod. Buyabod is the nearest to Maniwaya, but there are less frequent trips to Buyabod. The most number of trips are to Cawit, in Boac, the capital of Marinduque. My favorite “port of entry” is Balanacan. Approaching the pier, passengers are treated to the sight of many islets before the ferry docks in Balanacan.

Approaching Balanacan

From Cawit or Balanacan, passengers can take jeepneys to Sta Cruz. The boat ride from Sta Cruz to Maniwaya is less than an hour.

Travel time from Nichols to Lucena is approximately 3 hours. The ferry ride is another 3 hours. I paid P2,700 to get my car on the roro. If taking your car, make sure you get a full tank before crossing over to the island where petrol is much more expensive.

Maniuaya Island, off Sta Cruz, Marinduque

I just recently visited Marinduque, for the third time in 12 months. And once again, Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos became my haven for several days. And the island of Maniuaya, off the town of Sta Cruz, which I hope will not develop into another Boracay.

A good friend read about my travels to Marinduque and shared with me a story that won her second prize on a travel story competition. And as you might have guessed, she is also a fan of beautiful Marinduque. With her permission, I am posting her story for everyone to enjoy.

A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENED ON OUR WAY TO THE BEACH
(The Philippine Star) Updated July 13, 2001

Around a little bonfire, we take turns to check on the fish which we are now grilling. The aroma is whetting our appetite for a late pica-pica. As soon as it is cooked, we swap stories with the two men. We learn that they are father and son. The fish (or what is left of it) is their family’s breakfast the next day. If the sun shines nicely tomorrow, the young man says the other fish would be dried. It’s a pity, the father says, that they don’t have tuba (coconut wine) with them. It goes best with inihaw.Later, we walk with them back to the barrio where we are staying. Fortunately, they live nearby. We only have a flashlight with us. It wouldn’t beat the torch they made. It is made of uyo(dried receptacle from which the buds grow) with some dry coconut husk inside.This is a facet of Marinduque not too many people know. A heart-shaped island south of Manila, Marinduque houses some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. The naivete of the people here is a blessing for they have preserved the virginity of its seas while its nearby neighbors scamper to make resorts after resorts of its beaches, thus opening it up to pollution and abuse. Although some of the landed families here have started to offer their once private refuge to tourists, there are still others who have kept their beachfronts pristine and untouched. It is on one of these beaches, close to my parental homes, where we experience not only cool, clean waters but a life (even for just three days) so rich, it is destination itself.

Daily Delights

Everyday the sun’s glorious rays wake us up. The singing of the birds, our alarm clock. Mostly we eat fish in the morning; freshly caught fish simmered in hugas bigas (the water from which rice is washed) with some slices of tomatoes or kamias, whichever is available. They call the dish sinabaw or sinaing sa kamatis. It goes without saying that the steaming hot rice is harvested from the nearby fields where we usually go after the morning meal.

The trip to the rice paddies is short. We just cross the asphalted road and climb over some rusty barbed wire. Immediately, the smell of palay pervades the air. Over us birds try to hover. The palay leaves sway with the summer breeze. Because it is the dry season, crossing the paddies is easier. The path is more solid and there are no leeches to watch out for. It’s a pity though that we cannot harvest some snails (kuhol) which abound in the fields when it rains.

As we get closer to the foot of the mountain, we are called by a neighbor who is harvesting some watermelons. As we step on the clearing, our feet almost get caught in the many twists and turns of the watermelon vines. Our neighbor opens up some and offers us the reddest of all. With no spoon or fork, we attack the juicy slices. Never mind the juices dripping down the sides of our mouth. The watermelons are sweet and cool, the perfect reward for sweaty bodies.

We decide to go up the little mountain farther up. The kids in the barrio often talk to us about the rows and rows of guava trees there. The birds, they say, were the ones who planted them. Talk about pollination the easy way. We are not disappointed. The guavas flail from the ends of the branches as if saying, “take me, take me now.” Of course, we take everything that would fit into the big of our shirt. We find out that eating guavas under the coconut trees can really be this enjoyable. The only problem is we forgot to bring drinking water. It is now time to search for some water. An artesian well in the mountain is out of the question. We look up for the answer. Buko juice or coconut milk.

Just around the bend a group of men are removing the husks of coconut. Beside them is a pit with pile upon pile of coconut meat inside. On top of it lay banana and coconut leaves. In a while, the whole mound is being smoked. The men are making copra, the province’s top source of livelihood. It’s just natural as every inch of land here is dotted with coconut trees.

The men, finding out that we are thirsty from exploring the mountains, offer us cool sabaw ng buko. First, they chop off a small side of the young coconut just to make a hole from which to drink from. Once we’ve finished the juice, we are given a spoon made from the young husk of the coconut. This we use to spoon out the young meat. As a bonus, we get to bring home tubo. It’s sugar cane, succulent and fibrous and prized among kids.

Before we know it, it’s time for lunch.

Tongue Adventure

To talk about the hospitality of our hosts would be a cliche’.  Vacating the master bedroom for the guests is somehow expected. Bringing out the Canon bedsheets and pillow cases bought through installment is also not surprising.

But somehow the true measure of being the best hosts is serving the place’s trademark dishes. Their biggest challenge: to make guest finish up a meal so new to them it is like an initiation. This lunch is no exception. Although it is no feast, the table looks full with all the food. There is chicken, vegetables and of course fish.

The chicken – salted and skewered -  has been cooked inside a large Baguio Oil can with hot coals around it. A hole on top has been left for the stick to be turned around so all sides of the chicken will be done evenly. It cooks the way the turbo roaster does in modern kitchens.

The fish is not your ordinary market fish. It is called ganutan or porcupine fish. Usually grilled, the fish is also cooked in coconut milk with dilaw (ginger family which is orange in color) and tender buko strips. You can say it is very close to curry in taste and consistency. The thing is you need a lot of ganutan to be able to make a dish for people. Care in cooking is also observed as its spleen when not handled properly tends to burst and can make the dish bitter and fatal.

The vegetables look ornamental. They are after all from the fern family or pako, as they call it. The tender tips of the fern is picked. It is then boiled in coconut milk. Usually, snails are added for a more exotic taste. This time, however, smoked tinapa has been put in for flavoring.

It does not take long for all the food to disappear. Everybody eats heartily. Maybe it is the food, maybe it is the company. But we can say that the meal like this in a Filipino theme restaurant in the city can run into thousands of pesos. Here, it costs as little as appreciation and some smiles.

After a good siesta, food greets us again. This time it’s for merienda. It seems that while we are sleeping, our hosts are cooking non-stop. “Nais sya, paminsan-minsan lamang kami nakapaghanda ay,” (Never mind, it is not often we get to have a feast) one of the older women says. How can we refuse? The food not only smells good, it looks particularly interesting, too.

There is sinalab. It is like a paper-thin pancake consisting of overripe saba or latundan mixed with flour and some buko slices sandwiched between two banana leaves. It is then placed in a big carajay and turned over from time to time until both sides of the leaves are brown and wrinkled. It is a sign that the sinalab is cooked.

Another one is the niyubak (or nilupak in some Southern Tagalog provinces). Boiled green sabas are pounded with a lusong (pestle) together with grated coconut and sugar. For a sticky consistency’s signal of a good niyubak, the bananas are pounded one by one while the coconut is gradually mixed with them. Brown, not white, sugar is best because it provides a thicker, more molasses-like taste to it.

It goes without saying that we all enjoy the food. Downed with buko juice or gulaman (they always give us options), the merienda proves to be heavenly.

Tall Tales Under Tall Trees

With nothing much to do that afternoon, we decide to hang around with our hosts.

Talking to people, they say, is the best way to know them. And as bonus, you get to learn about their culture, too. Besides the beautiful beaches, Marinduque offers its own peculiar lifestyle.

Sitting under the tall mango tree, we exchange stories about life. As barrio folks, they are particularly interested about the city. And because we’ve stayed in the city for a long time, we wonder how life in the countryside goes. They marvel at the traffic, the buildings, the planes, the elevators, the restaurants in Manila. Stories about people who win lotteries fascinate them. Kababayans who make good there and come back aloof and snobbish annoy them. But tell them about the stressful city life and they are quick to realize how much more calm and simple their lives are.

Ay na, pakiramdam nami’y anong daming pera sa Maynila. Kaya pag may nagpunta dining tagaroon ay agatingnan ka talaga!” (We feel that the people who come from the city have a lot of money. That’s why when they come here, they get stared at.)

We really don’t mind being stared at but we prefer that they tell us more about their province, we say. We add that although the city folks like us seem to believe only science, we miss out on the mystical, mysterious side of things. And that’s how the stories begin to tumble one after the other.

Maigi’t hindi kayo naengkanto noong uwi nang anong gabi na.” (You were lucky no one put a spell on you when you went home late.)Our female host is referring to the night we came home late with the fisherman. She continues to say that many of their neighbors have lost their way back home. Surprising because that’s the road they take everyday to work and back. What happens is that while you feel that you have been walking to your destination, you’re just going around the circles. Lucky if somebody sees you. But the only other option you’ve got is to wear your clothes inside out.

Home Is The Beach

It is our last day and we cannot leave without going to the beach.

The beach is quiet. The waves as if matching the mood are like ringlets – rolling but not rumbling. They create a glockenspiel-like accompaniment to the sea breeze that happilly blows this day. The sky is a friendly cool blue.

What we love so much about the beaches in Marinduque is that shells abound by the shore anytime of the day. We have monopoly of them now, especially the moon-like ones which move when you put them in a dish with vinegar. The pebbles are now out, round and smooth so that walking on them feels like a massage. The sand is equally friendly to the feet. It may not be the whitest but it is so far the cleanest we have seen.

The water is another treasure. It is cool; cooling may be the right word. It seems not to absorb the hot rays of the sun when it is at its peak. It is like there is a separate underground source for the water.

It is very clear too, not the white-clear color of some beaches. It is cool green. To the right of the beach when we face the sun, we see the outline of the reef. So blessed are we that we don’t have to go far to enjoy the marine life in the reef. We can just walk to it. We even sit on top of the gigantic corals there. And we feel a little bold, we skinnydip. The schools of fish act like shields from the ticklish feel of the weeds. It is here where we also wait for divers for their catch. More often than not, we get rewarded. The fish abound.

Lunch is brought to us. We eat with our hands. Food is laid out on two layers of coconut leaves. Like a luau, it offers us a chance to eat slowly while breathing in the breeze.

Towards the afternoon, we stay in the waters until our skins are wrinkled. We hie off to the nearest artesian well and rinse off the salt from our bodies. The nearest hut becomes our lodging; we doze off and awake refreshed.

It is nearing sunset. The colors in the horizon are now in chaos. Purple, red, orange, gold and yellow all at once mixing with the skies. The glimmer of gold lines the sea. The waves are beginning to rumble, screaming for attention before dark sets in.

We are misty-eyed. We start out only wanting to embrace the beach for ourselves. But we leave embracing a life that is now a part of us. - Wilgrace P. Maglalang (Second Prize, Travel Now Contest)

the infinity pool at the Main Clubhouse

Its long name is Peninsula de Punta Fuego (point of fire). The property sits on 88 hectares, with a six kilometer coastline, and 12 secluded coves.

The weekend beach homes inside Punta Fuego are not one’s idea of a tropical getaway. They are not bamboo homes with thatched roofs around swaying coconut trees. Rather, they are huge homes, some may actually be called mansions. Imagine Wuthering Heights.

the beach near the Lower Clubhouse. Homes can be seen up the hill.

The Club has a marina, restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, and a mini-golf.

There are restaurant choices and several types of casitas and suites at Punta Fuego.

refresh, or dine at San Diego, Main Clubhouse

Stay overnight in one of the casitas, or pamper yourself in a sunset suite or a seaview loft.

there are 33 casitas at Peninsula de Punta Fuego

Casitas can be rented on weekdays for P3,400 per day (off peak rate)  among members, and P6,500 for their guests. Weekend rates are P5,900 and P8,800, respectively.

For a full appreciation of the beauty of Punta Fuego, visit their website. Rooms and suites can be viewed, as well as beauty shots of the property. Website : http://www.clubpuntafuego.com.ph/cpfi/

Punta Fuego may be reached at phone numbers (043) 7810385 and (632) 5844405.

The Picnic Grove  is probably the most visited spot in Tagaytay, or maybe neck and neck with the other popular destination nearby, the Palace in the Sky which is now known as People’s Park.

This park is open to the public and tables, pavilions, picnic huts may be rented.

This pavilion rents out for P500 a day

The viewdeck is where visitors can take beautiful photos of the Taal Volcano and lake below, of the Palace in the Sky, and the zipline start point.

Viewdeck

Palace in the Sky, now called People's Park, as seen from the viewdeck

the zipline station, below the viewdeck

zipline thrill, as photographed from a poster inside Picnic Grove

if you don't feel like Superman, you can take the cable car ride instead

Or you can take a walk thru an eco-trail

walk down the eco-trail

There is a hostel with swimming pool inside the park.

Hostel

The park is huge, with ample parking, several picnic areas and family sheds.

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is managed by the city government. All fees are paid at the Payment Center inside the park, beside the Administration office.

Fees :

Entrance fee : P50.00 per head – - – 4 years old and above

Parking Fee :

Car P50.00, Van/coaster/jeep P50.00, bus P100.00

Cottage Rentals :

Table P100.00, Picnic Huts P150.00, Family Sheds P300.00, Pavilions P500.00.

The viewdeck can be rented for functions, P2,500.00

For more information, Tagaytay Picnic Grove can be contacted by telefax: (046) 4830346

Hardin ng Postema is beautiful and clean. The business model is simple – -  pay entrance fees per person and you can use any picnic table you want, use the bathroom and shower facilities, and any of the 5 swimming pools within the complex.  2 huge “landscaped” pools, 2 kiddie pools beside the big pools, and an Olympic-sized pool.

the deep end at 6 ft

one of many pavilions with lots of picnic

Olympics !

this area can even be booked for exclusive, catered functions

FOR THE KIDS :

There are playgrounds on two locations so that moms and nannies will not have trouble keeping kids busy and entertained.

one of two playgrounds

the second

ACCOMMODATIONS:  Guests wanting to stay overnight or longer can book themselves one of the many air-conditioned  rooms, basic and de luxe, all with clean bathrooms, TV, and ref.

one of the room clusters, at P1,600 for overnight (12 hours), good for up to 6 persons per room

spacious room with TV and ref, clean bathroom, aircon

all rooms have verandas

this regular room has a queen-sized bed and a trundle. Extra beds and mattresses can be arranged at minimal costs

in another building, a de luxe room for P2,000 (12 hours stay)

the veranda of the de luxe room

House Rules as photographed :

they also sell drinks at the store, by the way

videoke rental

FEES:

Entrance fee

Day Rate 7am-3pm

Adult – Php 100.00
Child – 50.00

Night Rate 3pm onwards

Adult – Php 150.00
Child – 80.00

CONTACT DETAILS :

(046)686-3129
suncell- 0923 2064022
0933 3880986
PLDT 046-6863129
PLDT Manila line: 5420186

FACEBOOK :

https://www.facebook.com/people/Hardin-Ng-Postema/100000310896541#!/people/Hardin-Ng-Postema/100000310896541?sk=wall

HOW TO GET THERE:

By private car: Take Coastal Road , onwards to the new tollway CAVITEX (P58 toll fee). Drive onwards to the direction of the Cavite Economoc Zone (when lost, ask for EPZA). Go past the intersection and this should bring you to Tanza. To your right will be several beach resorts. When you reach Barangay Sahud Ulan, turn right. Thsi corner is easy to spot, there are signages of both Villa Excellance and Hardin ng Postema.

By bus : Take any bus or mini bus to Tanza or Naic, from Baclaran or Zapote. When you get off at the corner with the Hardin ng Postema signages, it is an easy walk to the resort.

The house is like no other old house I have visited. Not for its grandeur, but for its intriguing design. It is obvious that a military tactician lived there. So many escape routes, so many concealed doors. The general can go in and out of his bedroom unnoticed by guests he would not want to entertain, or even hide behind a space inside a faux clothes cabinet. A tower on the seventh level allows his men to see any advancing enemies. A trap door under a dining table leads to a tunnel that goes all the way to the church compound. There is also an escape route to the river and on to the sea. Marvelous.

The guide, Mr. Bolivar, peppered my tour with interesting details, and trivia, allowing me to “live those years”.

Here now are photos taken within this majestic mansion. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so here’s a million for you.

This is a photo of how the house looked before

Now. The grand staircase.

old beds and furnitur

The rooms are properly labeled, and the guide, Mr Bolivar, provides color to the stories.

Mr Bolivar says Gen Aguinaldo was most likely the first victim of medical malpractice

a daughter's bedroom

The balcony where "sins" were committed

the balcony

original furniture

imported lavatory, a rarity in those days

bed and friar's chair

Manila on the horizon

the stairs leading to the tower

the famous "Independence Day" balconyand when was independence proclaimed?

the living room, from the foyer leading to the library

the huge reception hall

the general's bedroom

faux cabinet doors

a grand bathroom in those days

his bed

false cabinet door

his safe

details

details

a house for many guests

state functions

the Philippine flag on a post

the family dining room, with an escape route from under the table to the church

the oven

back door

Veterans Hall

the hall

a small swimming pool

the "washing machine"

the general's car

his tomb at the back of the mansion

How to get there:

The Aguinaldo Shrine is in Kawit, Cavite. From Manila, take the CAVITEX from Coastal Road. The Shrine is a few meters before reaching the church in Kawit.

By public transportation, take a jeepney or bus bound for Cavite, Rosario, or Noveleta, making sure it passes thru the town of Kawit (and not via SM Bacoor).

Our guide: Mr. Bolivar

Many thanks to you!

My two recent explorations of the whole province convinced me that the province is so under-rated, and has so many things to offer to tourists, both local and foreign.

Traveling to an island is always exciting. And Marinduque will more than excite you with its so many islands, white sand beaches, waterfalls,  caves, and historical sites. And access is actually easy – - – it lies at the very center of the Philippine archipelago. You can call it the heart of the Philippines.

I made two one-week visits recently, with only 5 days of stay in Manila in between. And I think I will be coming back for more. Here’s why.

Marinduque has zero crime rate. The only other province that has zero crime rate is my other favorite, Batanes. You can walk around Marinduque and not fear for your life or your belongings.

Marinduque is beautiful. Not your five-star resort destination, but perfect for a getaway on an idyllic town. I toured all six towns (Boac, Gasan, Buenavista, Torrijos, Sta. Cruz and Mogpog) in one day on a hired van (P3,500) on my first day to case the joint, and planned the rest of my stay based on what I saw on my island tour. For this post, I will only write about the capital town. I shall be covering the other towns in separate blog posts. Else this blog entry will be very long and there may not be enough chance to appreciate the beauty of the other towns in one long reading.

BOAC is the capital town and the seat of the provincial government.

The streets are paved with old houses made of wood, giving the town a period look. It is easy to walk around Boac, the streets are parallel to each other and finding your way back is not a problem. For culture vultures, a visit to the old library and the cathedral would be mandatory.

EATING OUT

Restaurants and cafes dot the streets surrounding the town plaza.

Boac is the nerve center of the province. Banks and ATMs are available nearby. The airport is 11 kms away from the town center. The busiest port, Cawit, is near the airport. It is also in Boac where visitors take off for the other towns, on the jeepney terminal just off one of the main roads, close to the public market.

WHERE TO STAY IN BOAC

Boac Hotel is The Address in Boac. It is a beautiful old hotel in the quiet end of town, right next to the Boac Church. I like the way the interiors were done, evoking a 60s – 70′s feel. The cafeteria is lined with old vinyl records of Victor Wood and other singers of his era. Old photographs line the walls, as well as ladies bags that were in fashion during those years.

There are regular rooms, airconditioned or fanned.

The best rooms are on the third floor, reached via narrow stairs. These are the suites – - slightly bigger rooms and the only difference from the de luxe rooms are that these rooms have hot and cold showers.

Rates start at P1,000 for fan rooms, P1,200 for de luxe airconditioned rooms, P1,800 for suites (they are not big rooms !), and P2,000 for family rooms.

BOAC HOTEL may be contacted at 0915 486 7337. Room rates include fetch from the airport or pier, and breakfast for 2.

EASTPOINT HOTEL is a beach hotel at the far end of Boac. No, you wouldn’t stay here if you have business to attend to within the town center. It is more like a beach holiday hotel.

Eastpoint rates start at P750.00 for a standard double bed. . There are family rooms for 4 persons at P1,600, and cottages for 5 persons at P1,800.00. Contact them at telephone number (042) 332 2229, 0920 900 6892, 0916 744 9529, and 0920 271 8681. Email them at eastpointhotel@gmail.com.  Website is www.eastpointhotle.com

ABBY’s PLACE  is right in front of the wet market.

Rooms start at P700.00. Contact them at telephone number (042) 3322643 xxx

If you are looking for budget accommodations, there are several pension houses in Boac. One such is HAPPY BUNNY, where room rates start at P300, without television, and no airconditioning. A room with a queen size bed for 2, with TV goes for a mere P650. . Electric fans cool the un-screened rooms. A portable airconditioner can be brought into your room at an additional cost.

Contact the owner, Mrs. Cristy del Mundo at telephone number (042)3322040 or mobile number 09195248440

A preview of the other towns, to be covered separately in my blog:

GASAN  is the next town. This town is lined with beach resorts. Clean even while the sand is black, and with some pebbles. The resorts become better as you go further and nearer the next town of Buenavista.

BUENAVISTA is famous for the Bellaroca Resort on Elephant Island. It is too pricey though, and I had to content myself with viewing it from a distance.

TORRIJOS  is my favorite in all of Marinduque. This town is most blessed with the province’s whitest white sand beach. In fact I was told that the white sand in Bellaroca came from the shores of Torrijos, barged to Bellaroca.

STA CRUZ is the largest town, and the jump off point to the small island of Maniwaya. This small island has white sand, a rustic feel, and looks like Boracay before the throng of tourists came in. 

Completing the island tour, just before returning to Boac, is the town of MOGPOG.

HOW TO GET TO MARINDUQUE.

Take a bus to Lucena City. Most buses go all the way to the Dalahican Port. Otherwise, take a tricycle to take you to Dalahican.

By private vehicle, take SLEX and drive on to Lucena. After Tayabas, take the diversion road to skip the city traffic, following the SM Lucena signages. When you hit SM, the side road takes you to Dalahican.

Marinduque is serviced by at least three shipping companies, taking passengers to 3 differetnt ports within Marinduque. The most popular is Montenegro Shipping that leaves Lucena early morning, at midday, and at 4pm. Travel time to Cawit, a barangay in Boac, is 3 hours. Fare is P340. You can load your car on a ro-ro at P1,300 per light vehicle.

On my second trip, I took the 2:30 pm ro-ro from Lucena to Balanacan, in the town of Mogpog, via StarHorse Shipping. This is my recommended route for first timers to Marinduque. Approaching the port, one will be amazed at the several islands passed on the way to the sheltered pier. The other port is Buyabod,  in the town of Sta Cruz, but I have not traveled this route yet.