The Pandang Gitab (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro)

Pandang Gitab (Festival of Lights)

After our dinner and interview of Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café, we boarded our respective vans to cover the Pandang Gitab Parade, Oriental Mindoro’s “Festival of Lights.”  The festival was usually held on the third Saturday of February but, as this month was usually rainy, it was held, for the first time, in the month of April.

The parade had already started at 6 PM (upon the sound of the pealing church bells which signaled the start of the oracion, the six ‘o clock prayer), at the Calapan City Plaza so we were dropped off along J.P. Rizal Street were we were to catch the parade as it approached the Oriental Mindoro National High School OMNHS) grounds where the in-place competition will take place.

The word pandang-gitab, which describes an old tradition of Mindoreños, was coined from the word pandango (descended from a Spanish-American dance performed by a man and woman) and the word dagitab (handmade lamp or portable light or “flicker of light”).

According to Kanami Namiki’s book “Ramon Obusan, Philippine Folkdance and Me,” the pandango is danced with regional and local variations such as lights (ilaw) in Mindoro and hats (sambalilo) in Bulacan.

The Filipino folk dance Pandango sa Ilaw (Dance of Lights), of Mindoro and Pangasinan, is a dance made up of two dances using lights.  Dancers from Mindoro balance oil lamps on their head and on their palms while those from Pangasinan use lamps wrapped in dark-pink scarves. The Pandango sa Ilaw of Mindoro originated from Lubang Island.

The dance was inspired by the practice of wives from the coastal community of Mindoro who accompany their fishermen husbands going out to fish at the crack of early dawn. The burning wisps of their oil lamps light the way to the shore. Part of this practice is a ritual folk dance for a safe voyage and bountiful catch. The lights also provide a beacon for fishermen coming back from the sea. The annual Pandang Gitab, the street dancing festival inspired by this practice, is a nod to this tradition.

The Pandang Gitab, one of the much awaited celebrations in Oriental Mindoro, was first introduced as a street dance in November 2001 (51st founding anniversary of Oriental Mindoro) and has been held every year since then. At the national level, this lively street dance has already reached great popularity and promotional exposure.

In 2011, the Pandang Gitab Oriental Mindoro (“Oriental Mindoro” was added to imply exclusivity to the island where the festival is held) joined the Aliwan Fiesta competition, the country’s grandest fiesta celebration, which brings together, in a single setting, street dancing contingents from all over the country. According to Gov. Alfonso Umali, it brought home the 5th prize, beating other well-known contestants from around the country. Last year, it made it to the Top Ten, bringing home the 7th prize.

In 2012, during the recent celebration of the province’s 62nd founding anniversary, the “Pandang-Gitab” was declared and recognized as the official festival and cultural event of the island province, by virtue of Provincial Ordinance No. 25, and will now carry the banner of Oriental Mindoro. A far cry from the loud, usual drummed beats of older and more famous festivals (Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, Sinulog, etc.) in the Philippines, street dancers here don colorful and glittery garbs, inspired from the traditional baro’t saya, and twirl and sway with the rural, lively tune (a composition of National Artist for Music (1988) Col. Antonino Buenaventura) of the pandango to relive the old and simple living of fisherfolk in the island.

Set at night, the event lit up the streets of Calapan City and the melodious Pandango sa Ilaw serenaded us as well as fiesta-goers. This unique aspect added to the annual festival’s allure.  Though the influx of spectators are limited (usually it’s only from Calapan City and Baco area), this still nascent festival has a big potential to attract foreign and domestic tourists outside the province.

The dancers at this lively street dance parade where clad in colorful traditional Filipino costumes, with made up faces and coiffed hair.  They queued and formed their lines, holding their gas lamps and candles in glasses. Then, they started to stomp their feet in triple time rhythm, grinding and swaying to the beat of Pandanggo sa Ilaw.  The street was illuminated by the bright tongues of light of the three glittering oil lamps (tinghoy), or candles in glasses, balanced on the pandanggera (dancer’s) head and on the back of each hand.

On the other hand, the guys, with hands akimbo, dance to and fro, exchanging steps left and right and following the movement of the pandanggera.  They all gyrated to the blaring beat of the song played repeatedly and continuously until all the six dance groups (from Calapan City and the municipalities of Socorro, Baco, and Pola), usually with 60 to 100 performers, had finished their turns. The sets and props were just as impressive, from stilts, bancas, a Ferris Wheel and even a lighthouse (parola).  The Baco delegation, guided by folk choreographer Dr. Jay Mark Atienza, was declared as the Pandang Gitab Dance Parade Competition champion for the third consecutive year.

The winning Baco contingent

This annual Festival of Lights, which brings back the culture and old traditions of the Mindoreños, is truly unique from the other well-known Philippine festivals and I am optimistic it would catch the attention of fiesta revelers nationwide.

The Pandang Gitab awaits you ………

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro)

The concrete boardwalk at Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark

After lunch at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café, we proceeded to the Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark located east of Calapan City.  This 41-hectare protected area, opened on November 13, 2013 (Oriental Mindoro Foundation Day), is located on the 87-hectare Silonay Island.

Check out “Restaurant Review: Vencio’s Garden Seafood Cafe

It is a haven of 14 species of mangroves, fireflies, 2 species of bats, 29 species of migratory birds, fiddler crabs and various kinds of fish. Near the entrance is a mural of Silonay species done by environmental artist AG Saño and local students.

Loop-Root Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata)

Mangroves in Silonay are highly susceptible to storm surges and mangrove forests here have also been depleted due to rampant cutting of trees by residents to sell for firewood.  These mangroves protect Silonay from these storm surges.   Fish larvae and other small creatures also take refuge from predators among the mangrove roots.

Nypa fruticans

Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay (SNPS), a local organization, is dedicated to supporting the mangrove reserve. From the original 26 members in 2012, SNPS’ membership has now grown to almost 80.  Ms. Alma Bool, known locally as the “Queen of Mangroves,” has been a leader in organizing the community for mangrove restoration efforts. The 14 species of mangroves found here are:

Some of the 29 species (7 endemic) of birds found here (the first three are the most common) are

The two species of bats found here (at dusk) are:

Some members of Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay (L-R): Mr. Benecio “Bobby” Vergara (SNPS President), Mr. Moral Bool (hpneybee farm manager), Aldwin Simblante (eco-tour manager), Mr. Ricardo Ponsones (mangrove seedling nursery manager), Mr. Francisco Fortu (Silonay Barangay Captain) and Alma Bool (full-time volunteer)

Heard from the entrance of the boardwalk are the Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko), the Giant Visayan Frog (Liminonectes visayanus) and the Common Puddle Frog (Occidozyga laevis).  Along the boardwalk are stingless bee hives.  Bees can help in the pollination of mangroves. At the same time, they bring extra income whenever the honey is harvested.  However, the honey harvested may be sweet-sour in taste but it has better medicinal value.

Stingless Bee Hive

Best visited during high tide, this ecotourism zone also offers birdwatching (bring your own binoculars, November to March), and dolphin watching (April and May).

Euden Valdez planting her mangrove sapling

Upon registering, we entered the area, leisurely walking deep into the mangrove forest via a 300 – 350 m. long concrete boardwalk which replaced a previous rickety bamboo boardwalk damaged by Typhoon Nina (international name: Nock-ten) in December 25, 2016.

JL and Kristian, down and dirty, with their respective mangrove saplings

Along the way are three huts, each able to accommodate 10 visitors.  We visited during low tide which was just right as some of us (Euden Valdez, Kristian Marfori, Michelle Soliman and JL Santiago Aquino) were encouraged to plant mangrove seedlings among the exposed mudflats.

PLastic, 2-pax kayaks for rent

The highlight of this destination, aside from the boardwalk, is kayaking through fishermen’s trails, in between mangroves, before exiting via the Silonay River. Colorful 2-seater plastic kayaks are rented out for PhP50/hour. However, kayaking is not possible during low tide. It takes at least 1.5 hrs. to tour and kayak.

Media group with members of Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay

Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark: Sitio Singalong, Brgy. Silonay, Calapan City.  Open daily, 6AM – 6PM. Admission: PhP50/head (PhP20 for students).

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Suguicay Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

Suguicay Island.  On the left and right side of the island, between mangroves, are white sand beaches

The last island we visited during our memorable island hopping tour was the oblong-shaped Suguicay Island, the most popular island in Bulalacao Bay.  The boat trip from Target to Suguicay Island was rather long and rough.

Cottages, picnic huts and stores lining the white sand beach

Running throughout the whole length of the island, including both at the southern and northern ends (where there is a small village) of the 500 m. long white sand beach, are clumps of healthy mangrove trees. With its different hues of aquamarine, turquoise and deep blue, the waters here are even more colorful than at Aslom Island and have abundant coral and marine life.

A Soguicay welcome

As approached the island, we espied rows of native huts (PhP300) and parked fishing boats along its white sand beach. A number of people were frolicking on the beach while offshore were a few huts on floating bamboo rafts (PhP500) that somehow adds to the character of the whole place.

The white sand beach

Between the white sand beach and the clump of mangrove trees was a narrow body of water that snaked inland. At the end of the island is a sandbar plus another 500 m. long white sand beach.

A floating picnic shed

This was the commercialized island we visited in Bulalacao and, telling from the number of visitors, it’s a go-to beach resort. Aside from the open cottages (some with videoke machines), this family-managed beach resort also has sari-sari stores selling snacks, liquor, bottled water, etc..

A clump of mangroves

A beach volleyball net was also set up in the middle. Here, we had lunch at one of the picnic cottages. Kayaks could also be rented here and unlike Aslom and Target Islands, rooms (PhP300 – 500) for overnight stays are available. Camping (PhP150) is also allowed.

After lunch and some time for exploration, it was now time to make our way back to the mainland.

Boarding our boat for the trip back to the mainland

After a 30-min. boat ride, we docked at a 300 m. long wood and bamboo pier jutting out from the mangrove beach of Bangkal, a sitio in Brgy. San Juan, just to the northeast of the town center of Bulalacao.

Getting ready to dock at the wood and bamboo pier at Sitio Bangkal

The wooden pier is actually the jump-off point for boats going to Suguicay Island, the first of the two northern islands in town.

The author

Soguicay Island: Brgy. San Juan, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Target Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

One of the white sand beaches of Alibatan Island (Target Island)

From Aslom Island, the privately owned Alibatan Island, frequently referred to as Target Island, was to be our next destination. Since this island was located way out in the open sea, the waves we encountered going there were really rough. Before making landfall on the island, we went around it to admire its scenic coastline.We landed at a beautiful cove on the southern part of the island.

The beautiful cove at the southern part of the island

Located southeast of Bulalacao and approximately 3 kms northeast of Sitio Bacungan, Brgy. Milagrosa, Alibatan was also called Target Island because, in 1946, Americans staying in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro used the island for aerial bombing practice. Exploring the island, you’d see bomb sites and jagged rocks broken into pieces.

This approximately 5-hectare, stingray-shaped island, noted for its white sand beaches, has a mountainous southern part (a seemingly weather-beaten resthouse, reached by concrete steps, is located on the highest point), with big rocks present throughout.

The rundown resthouse at the top of a limestone outcrop

A concrete pathway follows the coastline of the island, looping around its limestone cliffs, and towards an approximately half hectare lake at the center of the island.

The concrete pathway that goes around the island

Said to be a result of the American bombing, the lake teems with mangroves and serves as a breeding and hatching area for seagulls and sea turtles.

The lake at the center of the island

From atop its limestone cliffs, you’d see panoramic views of the lake, the island itself and its beaches. The waters around the area abound with the different species of fish, corals and oysters. Because of its proximity to the channel going to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, whales can also be sighted here.

Fascinating head-like rock formation

Target Island: Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.  Open 6 AM – 6PM. Admission is free. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the island.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Aslom Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

Aslom Island

A 45-min. motorized outrigger boat ride, from Bulalacao Fish Port, brough us to the 12-hectare Aslom Island, the first of three (the others are Target Island and Soguicay Island) islands we were to visit in our day-long island hopping tour. While the island is privately owned (said to owned by a member of the Lhuillier family from Cebu), tourists can visit the place for free but staying overnight is not allowed.

Making landfall at the sandbar at the northern end of the island

One of the major destinations of any island hopping activity in Bulalacao, the island’s name is derived from the Cebuano word aslom, meaning “sour,” because of the abundance of tamarind (sampaloc) trees bearing the sour fruit.   Half of the island is planted with coconut trees.  A good place for ships to anchor during storms, the island is located about 1.5 kms. south of Brgy. Milagrosa.

Frolicking at the sandbar

This private island has three white sand beaches with coarse to corally white sand and all interconnected through roads inland.   It would probably take 1-2 hours to explore the island. At the southeastern part of the island is a big cave.

The author on Aslom Island

The first two other beaches stretch about 200 meters and 800 meters respectively.  We made landfall, during high tide, at its beautiful, crescent-shaped white sandbar that stretches for about 500 meters at the northern end of the island.

At the southern end of the sandbar is a nearly finished resthouse and a tennis court. The island has no other establishments or restaurants. Caretakers were the only people around.

The curving sandbar forms a small lagoon 2-3 m. from the shore with a sudden drop off, with very clear waters, clumps of big soft corals and schools of small fishes, making it an ideal area for snorkeling. At the shore, local fishermen catch crablets by digging deep inside the small holes made by the small crabs in the sand. These crablets are cooked in coconut milk.

Aslom Island: Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. Visiting hours: 6 AM – 6PM.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Island Hopping in Bulalacao (Oriental Mindoro)

Now leaving Bulalacao Fish Port for our island hopping tour. L-R: Mr. Jeshe Kassenberg, Mr. Julius L. Santiago-Aquino, Mr. Ian Soriano (DOT), Mr. Ely Aldea (DOT), Ms. Joyce A. Rocamora, Mr. Sherwin A. Cuasay (Senior Tourism Operations Officer), Ms. Jay de Guzman (DOT-MIMAROPA), Ms. Karen Lacsamana (DOT) and the author

Day Two of our Oriental Mindoro Media Familiarization Tour in Bulalacao was to be spent island hopping.  The town has 11offshore islands –  the 12-hectare Aslom Island, the 206-hectare Buyayao Island, Libago Island,  the 90-hectare Maasim Island, Nagubat Island, Opao Island, Pocanil Island, the 2.5-hectare Sibalat Island, Silad Island, the 160-hectare Tambaron Island and the 5-hectare Target Island (also called Alibatan Island).   Aslom, Soguicay and Target Islands have white sand beaches and we were to explore these three islands.  Though these islands are privately owned, they charge no admission fee to visit.

Ms. Jay with the author at Bulalacao Fish Port

After breakfast at the restaurant of Bulalacao South Drive Grill and Homestay, we boarded our respective vans for the short drive to the town’s fish port, in Kabangkalan, Poblacion, where our motorized outrigger boat awaited us.  The fish port is located just beside the town’s RO-RO port where Roll-On/Roll-Off ships and fast craft bring tourists from the town to Brgy. Caticlan (gateway to Boracay) in Aklan in about two hours.

Dutch-Nepali divemaster Jeshe Kassenberg

At the fish port, we met up with Mr. Jeshe Kassenberg, a Dutch-Nepalese dive master who moved to Bulalacao with his Welsh wife and newly born daughter, from Pattaya (Thailand), to set up a dive shop (which he will call Payapa or “peace” in the local vernacular).   He is bullish about the dive potential of the town and will accompany us to explore some new dive sites.

Fast Cat at nearby Bulalacao Port

Also joining us was Mr. Sherwin William A. Cuasay, Senior Tourism Operations Office from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office based in Calapan City and Ms. Cherry Jean Sanchez from the Provincial Government.  The first island we would visit is Aslom Island, followed by Target Island and finally Soguicay Island where we were to have our lunch.

A number of islands seen off Bulalacao Fish Port

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Gabutero Organic Farm (Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro)

Gabutero Organic Farm

After lunch at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café in Calapan City, we boarded our respective vans for the 2 hr. (109.2 km.) drive, via the Western Nautical Highway, to the town of Bongabong.  Here, we made a stopover at Gabutero Organic Farm (GOF), a vermicomposting facility, organic processing center, livestock center, organic rice farm, agricultural cooperative and Integrated Learning and 4H Camp.

Check out “Restaurant Review: Vencio’s Garden Seafood Cafe

Press Conference (L-R): Mr. Felicito Matunan (Municipal Tourism Council President), Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero Sr. (GOF owner), Mayor Elegio A. Malaluan and Mr. Solon Morillo (Municipal Tourism Officer)

Here, we were to hold a press conference with Municipal Mayor Elegio “Elgin” A. Malaluan, GOF owner Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero, Sr., Municipal Tourism Council President Mr. Felicito Matunan and Municipal Tourism Officer Mr.Solon Morillo.

Media group at Gabutero Organic Farm

Bongabong is a center for organic rice farming in the province and the topic for discussion was the aim to make Bongabong as the “Organic Capital of Oriental Mindoro.”

Mr. Nelson Gabutero (at right) touring media group

After our press conference and a merienda of fresh fruits and sandwiches, Mr. Nelson Gabutero, a retired teacher and now a full-pledged private organic rice farmer, toured us around the facility.

Organic rice field and fish pond

Gabutero Organic Farm, the only accredited organic farm in Oriental Mindoro, is a DOT-accredited Agri-Farm Tourism Site and an Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and TESDA accredited learning site.

Function Hall

Nelson produces vermiculture and vermi composting in a 4,425 hectare land and organic rice and vegetable in a 9 hectare agricultural land.

Pigs

Soft-Shelled Turtle enclosure

In addition to these, he also raises soft-shelled turtles, hogs, rabbits and poultry. Being an organic farmer, he is now a partner of ATI-RTC Region IV in its advocacy to promote organic farming.

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus)

Cacao (Theobrona cacao)

Among the crops and plants grown in the farm are Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus), used to boost immune system and reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure; lettuce; watermelons; sunflowers; King Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta); Spring Onion (Allium chinense); Pepper (Capsicum annuni); Cacao (Theobrona cacao); Miracle Fruit or Calabash (Cresentia cujete), used to treat diabetes and correct chemotherapy-related taste disturbances; and the insulin plant (Costus igneus), helpful for treating Type 2 diabetes.

Miracle Fruit or Calabash (Cresentia cujete)

Sunflowers

The farm also has swimming pools (adult and children’s) with water slides, picnic huts, 4 and 6-pax airconditioned rooms (PhP2,500-3,500), 12-pax fan-cooled dorm rooms ((PhP2,500), 200-pax function hall (PhP5,000-8,000/day) for seminars and other special occasions and a butterfly farm.

Swimming Pool with water slides

Building housing guest accommodations

Butterfly Garden

You can also go fish for tilapia and boating around their palay/isdaan area. Solar panels supply some of the power needs of the farm. 

The author among rows of lettuce at the greenhouse

Gabutero Organic Farm Resort: Sitio Tubigan, Brgy. Labonan, Bongabon 5211, Oriental Mindoro. Mobile number:  (0920) 952-6421. E-mail: gabuteroorganicfarm@yahoo.com. Open daily, 8 AM – 7 PM.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO): Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

The Coral Garden and Underwater Cave of Puerto Galera (Mindoro Oriental)

A number of us availed of a package tour to San Antonio Island consisting  of a visit to an underwater cave and snorkeling the spots around the Coral Garden, the  premier snorkeling area of Puerto Galera, looking for a meter long giant clam underneath —all for PhP300. Our outrigger boat was small carrying, aside from the boatman, just me and Sheena as big boats cannot go near the shallow area of the Coral Garden.  Though I dabbed lots of sunblock on my skin, I forgot to bring a hat and my sunglasses, sorely needed as the sun was way up in the sky..

On our way to the Coral Garden

On our way to the Coral Garden

Our boat made landfall at another resort to pick up our snorkels then proceeded to the Coral Gardens.  Here, we donned our snorkels, dropped into the water and clung on to a nylon cord, between the boat and the outrigger, as the boat slowly dragged us along as we snorkeled. At some parts, the water was so shallow the corals almost touched my belly.  Tourists here are encouraged to bring bread to feed the fishes.

Snorkelling alongside the moving boat

Snorkelling alongside the moving boat

The underwater cave, our next destination, was just a 10-min. boat ride from Coral Garden.  It was located on one corner of a small coral rock formation beside a small white sand beach called Munting Buhangin.  There were a lot of boats parked along the beach and we could also see a long queue of tourists lining up to enter the cave. As such there were stalls, manned by locals, selling refreshing halo-halo (PhP25). Not waiting to see our boat parked, Sheena and I alighted from the boat and made our way to the rock formation.

The narrow white sand beach

The narrow white sand Munting Buhangin Beach

Getting up the rock formation was difficult as we had to carefully find our footing as the rocks were quite sharp and jagged. Its a good thing I brought along thick slippers.  The top of the formation has a panoramic view of the beach, the emerald green water of the sea and various rock formations nearby.The entrance of the cave had a bamboo stairs where we could climb down.

The queue up the rock formation

The queue up the rock formation

The underwater cave was not totally drenched in darkness, thanks to some rays of the sun beaming through a natural skylight.  The water inside was now deep, it being high tide when we arrived, but it wasn’t so cold.  High tide also prevented us from seeing the cave’s opening to the sea. Sheena and I alternately took each other’s picture inside the cave and through the skylight as we weren’t able to bring our boatman with us to take our pictures.

The author inside the underwater cave

The author inside the underwater cave

Back at our boat, we continued on towards the Coral Garden where we could find the giant clam. The place was almost in the middle of the bay. We again donned our snorkels and dove in. The Coral Garden obviously was littered with colorful corals plus different variety of fishes. However, even if I kept my eyes opened and peeled I still couldn’t find the giant clam.

Sheena underneath the cave's skylight

Sheena underneath the cave’s skylight

Automobile Association Philippines (AAP): 28 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan City.  Tel: (632) 655-5889.  Fax: (632) 655-1878.  E-mail: info@aap.org.ph. Website: www.aap.org.ph.
AAP Travel: G/F, Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Blvd. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Tel: (632) 551-0025.  Fax: (632) 551-0014. E-mail: info@aaptravel.com.  Website:www.aaptravel.com.ph.
Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol, Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306.

Boquete Island (Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental)

Of course, any visit to to Puerto Galera is never complete without trying out some of the town’s 13 superb beaches and a number of its offshore islands.  Come morning of the last caravan day, after breakfast at Marivelles Restaurant at the top floor of Marco Vincent Dive Resort, we were driven to the town’s seaside tourism information office.

Boquete Island

Boquete Island

Here, big outrigger boats were docked to take us to the small yet charming and beautiful Boquete Island (also called Paniquian Island), one of the islands that dot Muelle Bay.  Technically, it is a peninsula as it is connected to the mainland by a 50 m. long, scenic white sand sandbar, but it does become an island during high tide. Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort & Restaurant, formerly Sandbar Boquete Beach Club, is located nearby.

Puerto Galera Tourist Information Center

Puerto Galera Tourist Information Center

Windsurfing is done off the sandbar which is perfect for speed trials as its sheltered waters are generally flat.  Wind speeds here can reach 20 knots at times although, generally, the wind speeds are consistent during the daytime at between 10 and 15 knots..  The sandbar is a regular venue for the second leg of the Philippine National Windsurfing Championship circuit.

Boarding our boat

Boarding our boat

Ms. Susan E. Cruz (Tourism Operations Assistant) and Ms. Sienna May R. Manongsong, both of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Tourism Office joined us.  The boat trip took a little over 30 mins. and we made landfall at the white sand beach fronting the unfinished Friday Boquete Resort.  Here, we were to have lunch at one of its picnic sheds.

On our way

On our way

The beach is nice and secluded, with clear blue waters, and is away from the maddening crowd and the loud sounds of bars, restaurants and party places of White Beach.  However, sea urchins are present a short distance from the shore.  East of the island are the waters of Muelle Bay while to the west is Balatero Cove.

A resort we passed during our trip

A resort we passed during our trip

This 3.8 hectare property, located on a powdery white & pink sand beach inside the lagoons of UNESCO-protected Muelle Bay, is a sister resort of the 5-star Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort in Aklan and both are owned by the publicly listed Boulevard Holdings, Inc. (BHI).

Making landfall at Boquete Island

Making landfall at Boquete Island

When operational, it would have 62 luxurious native cottage styled rooms, a restaurant (that can be converted into an events are), beach grill, lobby lounge and bar, a huge outdoor ,free flow swimming pool and deck, art/shop boutique; dive training pool; full-scale dive shop, a spa treatment pavilion, and gymnasium.

Fridays Boquete Beach Resort

Fridays Boquete Beach Resort

As lunch was still hours away, we still had time to do banana boating (PhP350/pax) or avail of a package tour to San Antonio Island consisting  of a visit to an underwater cave and snorkeling the spots around the Coral Garden, looking for a meter long giant clam underneath —all for PhP300.

Banana boat ride

Banana boat ride

Of those who availed of the banana boating, half opted for its milder form (no overturning) while  Eva, Cel, Mike, Sheena, Gabby and yours truly went extreme and were rewarded with three dunkings, the last one when we were returning to shore.

Getting ready for our extreme banana boat ride

Getting ready for our extreme banana boat ride

Automobile Association Philippines (AAP): 28 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan City.  Tel: (632) 655-5889.  Fax: (632) 655-1878.  E-mail: info@aap.org.ph. Website: www.aap.org.ph.
AAP Travel: G/F, Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Blvd. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Tel: (632) 551-0025.  Fax: (632) 551-0014. E-mail: info@aaptravel.com.  Website:www.aaptravel.com.ph.
Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol, Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306.

The Mangyan Village of Talipanan (Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental)

From the Puerto Galera Municipal Hall, we returned to our respective vans, with Ms. Aileen N. Bareng (Senior Tourism Operations Officer of Puerto Galera) plus Ms Susan E. Cruz (Tourism Operations Assistant) and Sienna May R. Manongsong, both of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Tourism Office joining us, and were driven to the Iraya Mangyan Village at Sitio Talipanan.

Weaving hut

Weaving hut

The Mangyans, the indigenous people of Mindoro Island,  consists of 8 ethnic sub-groups, the Iraya being one of them.  This tribe used to prospered along the coastal areas until they were forced to move from their land and were treated as second class citizens, neglected and discriminated.

Iraya-Mangyan weavers at work

Iraya-Mangyan weavers at work

They never wore slippers, wore old and torn clothes, and could rarely afford to eat rice in a week, surviving by gathering lami (sweet potato). After a major battle between government forces and communist rebels in 1986, the indigenous families were forced to leave the mountain and squat in the lowlands. The foot of Mt. Malasimbo in Puerto Galera alone is home to as many as 200 Iraya-Mangyan families.

Nito handicrafts on display at showroom

Nito handicrafts on display at the showroom

Nito jars

Nito jars

Since 1989, the Ayala Foundation, with the help of Ms. Beatriz “Bea” Zobel (wife of businessman and philanthropist Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala), has been implementing numerous projects covering education, livelihood development, housing management and health for these Iraya-Mangyans so that they may become more active participants in and productive members of their community yet be capable of managing its own affairs and activities without compromising its own culture.

Neat row of Mangyan houses

A neat row of Mangyan houses

In 1990, the Jaime and Bea bought a piece of the property for them and, in 2007, the couple acquired the rest of land and started developing the Mangyan Village, complete with power and water supplies.  Through their effort to bring the Mangyans to the mainstream of Philippine society through education, the village has produced a number of successful graduates (licensed teachers, community workers, ec.) who are now doing their part in helping their fellow Iraya-Mangyans.

Oriental Mindoro Cruise Drive Caravan ladies exploring village

Oriental Mindoro Cruise Drive Caravan ladies exploring the village

At the village, Oriental Mindoro Cruise Drive Caravan participants were welcomed by Mr. Fabian “Pabling” de Jesus, the 53 year old Batangueño right hand man of the Ayalas in Mindoro, who is at the helm of this project.  We met him at a large pavilion, at the center of the village, were about 52 Iraya-Mangyan, mostly women and wearing their uniform yellow shirts, were busy weaving strands of nito (Lygodium circinatum), a richly colored tropical vine of the fern family, into beautiful but functional baskets, plates with intricate designs, beer bottle holders, place mats, laundry baskets, jars and storage boxes. Mangyans are  expert basket weavers. At the very least, each Mangyan earns around PhP60-P70 in a day. In 2013, the Mangyan Village received 1,879 visitors who availed of these locally produced handicrafts.

An Iraya=Mangyan family in their new home

An Iraya-Mangyan family in their new home (photo: Ms. Sheena Ferrer)

The finished nito products are displayed at the adjoining showroom. The products are also brought to Makati City where the Ayalas opened two stores. The Mangyan workers receive shares from the sales and 4 kilos of rice every week. The Foundation also provides livelihood training in dressmaking, beading, masonry, electrical wiring and agriculture, among others.

Author crossing bamboo bridge (photo: Sheena Ferrer)

Author crossing bamboo bridge (photo: Ms. Sheena Ferrer)

When we visited this 4.2-hectare community located 9 kms. from the town proper, they already had a 4-classroom public elementary school (which accommodates grades 1 to 6 students), a medical facility managed by Indian nuns, common comfort rooms and 69 nice 36 sq. m. 2-bedroom houses complete with electricity, beds, furniture and kitchen and eating utensils.  Priority was given to the community elders.  Each house was estimated to have cost PhP150,000 which includes labor and materials. According to Mr. de Jesus, they are looking at building about 300 of these houses.

Iraya-Mangyan children

Iraya-Mangyan children (photo: Ms. Sheena Ferrer)

Mangyan Village: Sitio Talipanan, Brgy. Aninuan, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental.

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AAP Travel: G/F, Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Blvd. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Tel: (632) 551-0025.  Fax: (632) 551-0014. E-mail: info@aaptravel.com.  Website: www.aaptravel.com.ph.