MARINDUQUE: The Literal Center of Attention

Moriones Festival (source)

To be able to function, a human and an animal need to have a heart amongst everything important in the body. Perhaps it is the most vital. Lo and behold, even the Philippines has a heart!

Proclaimed as the Heart of the Philippines because of its literal heart-shape, Marinduque is also the geographical center of the Philippine Archipelago! Marinduque is best known for the Moriones Festival (image above) done every Holy Week. This age-old tradition goes to show the deep devotion of the believers of the Catholic faith by re-enacting what was done to Jesus Christ by whipping their backs, arms, and legs as an act to receive forgiveness for their sins.

Putong: “The Crowning” (source)

This is just one of the reasons to visit Marinduque. There’s also the beautiful natural attractions and beaches, native craftsmanship, scrumptious delicacies, and of course the warm Filipino hospitality magnified here is known as putong: a traditional welcome ritual, steeped in color and mirth, performed through song and dance; it is only found in Marinduque!

ROMBLON: More Than Marble

Marble Statues in Romblon (source)

Most famous for their marble sculptures, Romblon is steadily becoming one of the favorite provinces that tourists, be it local or international, choose to go. They owe their marble-making industry to 1950’s Italians and up until now it has made their province unique. But that’s not all there is to it.

Bonbon Beach, Romblon (source)

The beaches in Romblon are everything Boracay was before: with powdery white sand, pristine surroundings, and the feeling of having the entire place to yourself, you will feel like you have traveled to the past. With nearly zero crime rates, legendary hospitable people, and undiscovered and unspoiled natural attractions, Romblon is the place to be away from the stress of the city.