Marinduque’s natural beauty starts at the Balanacan Port

It was during my elementary education years when I first heard of Marinduque and the famous Moriones Festival. Our history books boast of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival as one of the Philippines’ festivals and Lenten season practices. This summer, a hearing at Boac, Marinduque gave me an opportunity to take the first glimpse of the naturally beautiful island of Marinduque.

Small picturesque islands

Hubby and I were aboard the Montenegro vessel when small islands came into view. These islands are literally virgin islands; the islands are of green color because of the trees planted almost up to the shoreline. The islands are “untouched”. And it’s such a breathtaking sight, and at the same time that giddy feeling as if you’re getting a free island hopping tour while aboard the vessel.

Blue and green colors

Calm waters

Hubby can’t stop taking pictures

I thought these islands only exist in Palawan. But no, Marinduque boasts of the same virgin islands (or islets). What’s more, you get to view these islands for free, while aboard a vessel bound to Balanacan Port. Hubby and I kept kept dashing to one side of the vessel to another; you would not want to miss these beautiful sights. You’ll see tourists aboard the vessel preparing their cameras and taking pictures non-stop. What a natural beauty!

As we come closer, you would see the shoreline of the Marinduque island, the residential houses, the gleaming white sand…

the shoreline

And the best and most beautiful view of all is when you approach the Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Marinduque. From afar, you will see a lady standing atop a small island, as if welcoming,beckoning…

The “Ina ng Biglang Awa” from afar

As you approach the port, your eyes would not be riveted. You would feel at peace. The gigantic statue of Ina ng Biglang Awa (Mother of Immediate Succor) seemingly greets the passengers, surrounded by the calm, aquamarine waters.

Mother of Immediate Succor at the Balanacan Port

Marinduquenos are devotees of the Mother of Immediate Succor. The devotion originated sometime in the 1700s, when the Moros of Mindanao plotted to conquer the island of Marinduque. The Marinduquenos fervently prayed at the Boac Cathedral for the safety of the island. They felt that their prayers were heard, when strong torrential rains came pouring in when the Moros were arriving, and a Senyora suddenly appeared standing at the wall, as if ordering the Moros to stay away. The Moros hurriedly left aboard the vinta. (Source: www.dioceseofboac.org)

If the Legazpi Airport is considered as the most picturesque airport in the Philippines, for me, the Balanacan Port is the most picturesque port in the country. Truly, Marinduque is more than the Moriones Festival. I hope that the provincial government will preserve the natural beauty of the island and promote more the tourism. I can’t wait to come back on the next hearing. 🙂