Marinduque:Land of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines,
Related website: www.marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com
Planning to Visit the Philippines Soon?
There are hundreds of tourists attractions in the Philippines. But as a lover of the Island of Marinduque (Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines), I am indeed partial to its beauty, charm and its friendly and hospitable residents. Therefore, help me achieve my dream of seeing this island becomes a world tourist destination, by telling all your friends and relatives about this site. Welcome, to you all, new readers and faithful followers of this site! The photo above is Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos, Marinduque with beautiful and majestic Mt Malindig in the background. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing your copyrights.
My son when he was still working for a US consulting company stayed in this hotel for one night. He can not believe what he saw and this was an experience he will never forget in his life. Luckily the hotel bill was paid by the company. Today, he is working for the Federal government and will never had a chance to repeat that experience. The closest experience he will have will probably be a vacation at Bellarocca Resort and Spa in Marindique-a six star hotel.
Anyway, If I win the lottery, I may be tempted to stay for one night just to say, I was there. Here's a video, describing the amenities of the hotel.
Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a vast "mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium. The architect Tom Wright said "The client wanted a building that would become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its Opera House, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country."
The architect and engineering consultant for the project was Atkins, the United Kingdom's largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts.
In its relatively short tenure on the Dubai coastline this legendary and symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire – Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive. Wikipedia however rated this hotel as a 5 star hotel. So, is it a 7 star or a 5 star hotel?
Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos with Mt. Malindig in the Background
The following article was printed under the Marinduque Travel Guide dated August 17, 2010(www.localphilippines.com).It is a good summary of what to do and see in Marinduque. I found the article very informative specially for first timers.
"A heart-shaped island in the Southern Tagalog Region is a certified tourism magnet come the Lenten Season. The province has been making waves in the travel sector behind a colorful event (odd for some) called the Moriones Festival. Aside from this religious occasion, the island is known as an alternative destination to Boracay and Palawan, as it is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, enchanting caves, unspoiled diving sites, and rejuvenating hotsprings. The place, which is commonly included in the list of recommended vacation getaways in most Philippine travel guides, is called Marinduque.
Marinduque is located at the geographical center of the Philippines. Covering an area of 952.6 square kilometers, the province is situated south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro, and north of Romblon. It is home to around 230,000 people as of 2007, with the majority of the populace earning a living by farming and fishing.
The Marinduquenos are known to be hospitable and friendly. First-time tourists are usually welcomed with a big smile and a heart-warming putong, a traditional song-and-dance ritual performed by local folks. Putong, or tubong, in some parts of the island, also means the crowning of a guest or an honorary with flowers or gaily-decorated crowns. This practice adds to the appeal of Marinduque to both local and foreign holidaymakers.
Short video of Rob Trent plane ride via Zest Air.
The Manila to Marinduque trip via Air is only about 45 minutes versus the land and ferry ride of around 10 hours or more depending on the traffic and delay in Dalahican Port in Lucena, Quezon or San Juan, Batangas
Getting to Marinduque is not as problematic compared to other travel destinations in the archipelago. Some local airlines offer direct flights from Manila to Marinduque several times a week. As a travel tip, make reservations in advance to avoid any inconvenience. For tourists who are afraid of flying, there are buses and ships bound for the province.
The best time to go to Marinduque is during the Holy Week, when the province is all systems go for the Moriones Festival. The event is highlighted by a parade participated in by people, usually God-fearing men, wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. The main attraction in the festival is a show reenacting the event when, Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and the blood droplets from the wound enables him to regain his sight. Isolated Cove in Tres Reyes Island-Plenty of Privacy if you are into Sun Bathing
Marinduque is also an ideal place for beach bummers. The island is dotted with unspoiled white-sand beaches and tranquil islets that are perfect for swimming and other water recreation activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. Boac, the provincial capital, is famous for the white sand of the Poctoy Beach. Not to be outdone are the beaches in Maniwaya Island in the town of Sta. Cruz.
Correction: Poctoy White Beach is in Torrijos about 50 minutes drive from Boac.
Accommodations(http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com) vary from the very simple to the extravagant. One of the famous vacation rentals in Marinduque is the Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa, which is located on an excluded island several minutes away from the mainland. Its location makes the resort an ideal place for travelers looking to escape the hassles of the city life.
With the growing interest in nature, Marinduque has joined the bandwagon for promoting the “green” thing. The province is being promoted as a premier ecotourism destination in the Philippines. The must-see sanctuaries and protected areas in the island include the Balagbag Mountain Range, Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary, and Malindig Volcano. The chance of tourists getting bored in Marinduque is very unlikely. Spelunking enthusiasts can explore Bathala Caves in Sta. Cruz and Tarug Caves in Mogpog while travelers looking to get their body recharged with new energy can soak in the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista.
With so many things to do and see in Marinduque, it is no wonder, then, that the province is close to the heart of travelers".
The other day, I posted a short article that Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai is the only 7-Star hotel in the world. However, Wikipedia noted that it is only a 5 Star hotel. Today, I am asking if someone in the Philippines knows if there are other 6-Star resorts in the Philippines beside Bellarocca in Marinduque. I heard there is beach resort(Pearl Farm)in Samal Island, Davao, but it could only be rated as a 5-Star because it is old. I also heard there is a new hotel in Boracay (Shangri-La) that could be rated either as a 5 or 6 star. Any one would care to comment. How about in Cebu or Palawan?
For those of you who are not familiar with Bellarocca Resort, here is the write up of Gerald Gene R. Querubin posted on the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 6/23/2010. He titled it as Marinduque Luxury Isle.
MARINDUQUE, A heart-shaped island-province south of Manila, is home to the world-renowned Moriones Festival, but on a small mountain-islet on its southwestern coast also sits a luxurious Mediterranean-style resort.
Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa on Elefante Island features elegant accommodations, with balconies and verandas that offer breathtaking views of the Sibuyan Sea and the majestic Mt. Malindig. It was formally opened on Feb. 14.
Bellarocca (“beautiful rock” in Italian) is part of Buenavista (good view), the smallest and poorest (fourth-class) of the province’s six municipalities. Pristine and picturesque, Buenavista also boasts of the Bagtingon mountain ranges where butterflies abound.
The resort islet has rolling terrain and immaculate white structures perched atop cliffs, reflecting sunlight and contrasting with the lush green surroundings and blue seas below. Its corporate owner compares its landscape with the quaint island of Santorini in Greece.
Asked what makes it different from other resorts, Jan Michel Gautier, a former general manager, said in an interview: “Service beyond customer expectation.”
“We create demand, we create potentials and we see to it that our customers will have a memorable experience with their stay with us,” he said.
The resort is owned by Gold Barrel Social Club Resort Capital Inc. and is managed by Genesis Resorts and Hotels Corp.
Villas, terrazas
It features 50 exclusive and stunningly appointed rooms—21 deluxe, nine suites, 10 “terrazas” and 10 villas—designed to highlight a lavish ambiance and intimate stay. Each villa has its own eternity pool, Jacuzzi and pocket garden, and features fully furnished rooms with minimalist interior design and high ceilings.
Room and villa rates range from $420 (about P19,000) to $1,320 (about P61,000) per night. An overnight stay at the presidential villa is pegged at P250,000.
The prices are undoubtedly beyond the reach of most of the 230,000 Marinduqueños, whose average monthly income is estimated at P11,000. Poverty incidence in the province was placed at 50.6 percent, according to a 2006 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board.
Guests are shuttled to their accommodations from the marina, where they are first welcomed in the traditional “putong” (crowning) rite. Employees dance to the chanting and toss petals to the air before presenting kalachuchi leis to them.
An eternity pool, natural hot spring pool and a pavilion restaurant are found near the beach. In between the marina and the pavilion area is the aqua sports center, which offers snorkeling, kayaking, hobiecat sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, sunset cruising and island hopping.
Ramil Lagroso, the food and beverage manager, said the hotel restaurant serves mostly Asian and Western cuisine.
The resort also has a par-36, 9-hole golf course at the foothills of Malindig, a fully equipped air-conditioned gym, cigar, karaoke and piano lounges, library, entertainment center, garden and a meditation sanctuary.
Tours are available around the mainland and to various destinations, such as century-old churches, beaches, museum, Bathala cave and butterfly farms.
Commitment
Bellarocca is committed to help in the province’s social progress by being a part of social developments, Gautier said. During lean periods, the resort’s doctor conducts medical missions in the communities.
“We are helping the locals through employment,” he said. Of the 167 resort employees, 124 are from Marinduque.
“We buy seafood products used in our restaurants, also, directly from local fishermen,” Gautier said.
Fishing is the next main source of income of the locals. Marinduque is primarily agricultural, with 55,810 hectares of its total land area of 95,924 ha devoted to coconuts and other crops.
The municipal government of Buenavista expects that its revenues would increase from business permit fees and taxes that the resort will remit and from the taxes of local businesses tied up with the resort’s operation, such as restaurants and “pasalubong” stores.
Bellarocca is now the banner site of the province for local and international tourism, according to provincial tourism officer Gerry Jamilla. Marinduque, he said, “is becoming the next potential international tourism destination.”
“If the local products and support services such as restaurants will be developed fully, the benefits for Marinduque will be bigger,” trade provincial director Carlito Fabalena said". Here's a short video for your information.
Lady Gaga's Alejandro music video was the most popular and most visited posting in my blogs.
Today is the second anniversary of my blogging activities(I started in September, 2008). I have nine blogs both personal, business (Beach Resort) and about Marinduque-My Island Paradise. I have also one blog about amazing, funny, weird, sexy and unusual stories and images from the web.
I signed up for Google ADSENSE at the start, not with the hope of making a big income to support me, but just for curiosity. Will google AdSense really give me an income as advertised by a few professional bloggers?
I blog because I love to write and not to earn. But if my blogs make money from Adsense, it is like icing in the cake and of course it will be welcome. Earning money through Adsense is just a dream, right now!
Here are the statistical data from my nine blogs after two years:
Title of Blog Page Impressions Income($)
1. Marinduque Awaits You 13,813 8.40 2. Marinduque My Island Paradise 7,189 7.15 3. Planning to Visit Marinduque 2,436 4.03 4. Life in US and the Philippines 5,198 3.55 5. Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort 4,269 3.23 6. Why Retire to the Philippines 2,744 2.28 7. The Intellectual Migrant 6,342 1.02 8. Amazing, Unusual and Sexy Images 4,327 0.79 9. I Left My Heart in Marinduque 2,257 0.51
The total earnings from Adsense in the last two years is $30.96
The total page impressions is about 46,000.
On June this year, Google AdSense was disabled from my blog # 8. I do not know the reason why. But I suspect the robot has detected a bad word in one of the articles in the site. Googles should have at least warned me before it disable AdSense in that site.
I have written more than 1000 articles in the nine blogs for the last 2 years. I have also written three news article for Huliq.com and three for Live in the Philippines internet magazine.
The top ten articles based on the Number of Visits (Page Views)are as follows: Title of Article,(date posted), Page Views ( Subject ) 1. Time for Lady Gaga's Alejandro(6/11/10) 718 ( music video) 2. Chapter 4: My College Years ( 5/09/09) 246 ( The Oblation Run) 3. PI Bench Underwear Fashion Show( 7/03/10) 162 ( Underwear Fashions) 4. Fruit Trees in the Gardens of CDM( 6/27/10) 148 ( fruit trees and gardens) 5. I Love Sunsets! How About You?( 9/06/09) 135 ( photography) 6. Cloyne Court, Episode 10 (9/02/09) 120 ( coed bathrooms UC Berkeley) 7. Lady Gaga has a Penis (6/20/10) 118 ( music video) 8. One Curios Boy, Four Horny Animals(6/20/09) 112 (pictorials) 9. The Vagina and Penis Trees( 10/11/09) 100 ( pictorials) 10. Hundred Island National Park (9/10/09) 100 ( travel)
The above data tells me that Lady Gaga is one lady that attracts blog readers all over the world. The above video has already been viewed by 13 million viewers in You Tube.
Dancing with the Stars ABC TV show is one of my favorite reality show. To me,it is not only a dancing show but also a comedy show. ABC announce the pairings the other day as follows. Do you have a Favorite? I will be cheering for Brandy and Maksim as well as for Rick Fox and Cheryl Burke. The new season starts this September 20, Monday at 8PM. I am looking forward for Season 11 to begin!
Here are the ladies:
- Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough - Margaret Cho and Louis Van Amstel - Florence Henderson and Corky Ballas - Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas - Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Audrina Patridge and Tony Dovolani
And here are the men:
- Rick Fox and Cheryl Burke - Michael Bolton and Chelsie Hightower - Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Karina Smirnoff - David Hasselhoff and Kym Johnson - Kurt Warner and Anna Trebunskaya - Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer
In the meantime while waiting for September 20, enjoy the following video of dances from the Movies from You Tube.
A Butterfly at our Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration in the Hands of Elaine King-my granddaughter from California.
Do you know that Marinduque is the butterfly capital of the Philippines? Gasan one of the six towns in Marinduque is considered as the butterfly capital of the Philippines, contributing 85% of the country’s butterfly and pupa exports. More than three-fourths of the butterfly breeders nationwide are based largely in this town and neighboring villages. Butterfly farming started only recently but is fast becoming an international growth industry with estimates of 100 million pesos worth of exports. Here's a little more information about Gasan, sometimes known also as the cultural center of Marinduque.
Gasan is practically one of those overlooked towns in the country, unless you go out of your way and spend time to venture into this quaint little town. In fact its 11,830 hectares of land area is considered to be one of the cleanest municipalities in the country today. It is one of the six municipalities of the province of Marinduque.
Legend attributes the name to “Gasang-Gasang, the local term for coral stones, that once abounds near the mouth of the Matandang Gasan River. The bank of this old river is widely believed to be the site of the earliest settlements in the island. In time, the said coral stones would be used by the natives as fortification to the walls surrounding the church and convent built on a hill. These walls, fragments of which exists to this very day eventually formed into a baluarte where a church and convent was formed to create the town known today as Gasan. Here's one of Marinduque's tourist impression during her tour to one of the Butterfly Farms in Gasan.
"We went to a cooperative butterfly farm, called Marinduque Lepidoptera Farms (gardenfairybutterfly@yahoo.com) in Barangay Uno Gasan where we found the butterflies so friendly. Mrs. Emer Sevilla, the person in charge of the butterfly cooperative, each gave us one live butterfly in a triangular envelope and said that based on a local legend, If I wanted to make a wish come true, I should whisper this wish to the butterfly before setting it free. The butterfly is supposed to take my wish to the heavens where it will then be granted. Be as it may, I made the ritual and instantly, gave me that feeling of hope". Here's a music video that reminds me about Marinduque as the Butterfly Capital of the Philippines. I hope you enjoy this music video.
Getting Interested on Butterflies? Here's a short video on how to create a butterfly garden in your own yard.
Do not forget to view the related videos in this set also.
