Friday, April 18, 2008

"MARINDUQUE RISING!"


“MARINDUQUE RISING!”


Marinduque as the heart of the Philippines is not a myth. The root of various expressions of Tagalog culture, traditions, indigenous arts, including a language that has evolved into today’s national form could be traced to Marinduque. In the vast expanse of time and history, this small island province (959 sq km.), became part of Batangas, Mindoro, the former Tayabas (Quezon), and a brief association with Romblon during the early American period.

The sounds and colors of the “Moriones” and “Putong” rituals, the fierce patriotism of our forefathers as expressed in the “Battle of Pulang Lupa” and many other battles, the renewed sense of identity and power to rise above man-made or nature-wrought conflicts - these today make up the true Marinduqueno character.

While coconut production and fishing remain the major industries, and livestock and poultry continue to be raised alongside production of rice and crops like bananas, rootcrops and mangoes, butterfly breeding in one of the region’s most natural habitats for butterflies has also attracted farmers as an additional income source. The churning of new entrepreneurial products like buntal handlooms, arrowroot flour and cookies, diverse softwood items, nito wares, virgin coconut-oil, fish paste and butterfly by-products are finding their way into the export market.

The laid-back ambience of the province set against rolling hills and forest mountains, rice and vegetable farms, pristine white sand, crushed coral or pebble beaches, over a hundred caves largely unexplored, (they once served as burial grounds for our forefathers), old churches and colonial houses, and a culture-bound people that have kept intact but are ready to share their unique cultural heritage to the new generation and to the rest of the world, are some of Marinduque’s natural wonders.

Today, the development of Marinduque, together with its outlying islands, as a major tourist destination is being pursued vigorously by the provincial government under the stewardship of Governor Jose Antonio N. Carrion. Marinduque rises, thus, as a new tourist destination in south Luzon.

Carrion’s advocacy of a separate regional grouping for the south Luzon island provinces for tourism development and as a food basket has received wide support. Today MIMAROPA continues to make its presence felt in the national political mainstream.

With the Southern Tagalog Tourism Council Assembly, set in June this year - in Marinduque - the tale of the twin regions of CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, the cradle of national history and culture, are put into focus to further contribute to tourism’s growth. They meet at the very nation’s core where the heart pulsates with new life, where friendly arms reach out wide to a warm embrace to make you feel "you're back home, kapatid!"

Thursday, April 17, 2008

REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL ASSEMBY SET IN MARINDUQUE



The Provincial Government of Marinduque is now undertaking initial preparations for the holding of the Southern Tagalog Tourism Council Assembly covering both the Calabarzon and Mimaropa provinces. Although some concerns were expressed by members of the local tourism councils on the proximity of the date (now moved to June 25-27), and the readiness of the local resort and hotel industry to accommodate the big number of participants to the assembly, provincial administrator, Atty. Allan Velasco allayed such fears. Based on initial inspection of local resort facilities in Mogpog, Boac and Gasan alone, he said, the tourism team has just validated that air-conditioned rooms in comfortable surroundings are available for around 400 guests.


The Marinduque State College covered court is being eyed as venue for the main activity that includes the 'Governor's Night' hosted by the provincial government featuring a cultural showcase of the island's unique traditions and indigenous arts.


Velasco said that in last year's STTC Assembly held in Lucena City, the province's willingness to host the region's major tourism event was expressed by no less that Gov. Jose Antonio N. Carrion. The final date for the holding of the assembly in Marinduque, however, is to be the subject of final consultations with the STTC officials, headed by its current president, Col. Andrew Nocon of Laguna.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

MARINDUQUE: PRIORITY AREA FOR CULTURE & ARTS DEVELOPMENT!


The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the highest governing body in the Philippines for culture and the arts has identified the province of Marinduque as a priority area where it hopes to open various avenues in the field of culture and arts development.


In relation to this, an orientation on NCCA programs and a writeshop on the development of cultural projects to be participated in by representatives of local people's organizations, non-government organizations, artists and cutural workers is set to be held within May 2008.


Among those that have been identified to attend the workshop are representatives from cultural organizations in Marinduque who are actively working for the preservation, promotion and development of Philippine culture and arts, such as Kalutang Band of Bangbang, Kapatirang Morion ng Marinduque, MISTAH, Marinduque Capitol Choir, Boghai Cultural Group of IFI Gasan, Boac Historical Society, Gasan Historical Society, the morion artisans of Anapog & Sibucao, Torrijos loomweavers, Teatro Balangaw community theater group and others.


The importance of culture and promotion of indigenous arts as part of the provincial government's thrust to promote tourism in the province has been underlined by Gov. Bong Carrion at the assumption of his position as the leader of the province. For the last six months, the strengthening of events such as "Battle of Pulang Lupa" (Sept) commemoration, introduction of new programs like "Sining Kambayoka Outreach Tour" (Nov), the first official celebration of Marinduque's founding anniversary, through the"Araw ng Marinduque" festivities, "Viva Marinduque!" (Philippine Arts Festival 'o8), touring cultural showcase (Feb), "Moriones 2008" and support to municipal tourism programs during lent (March), were largely hailed here by various organizations and LGU's.


Monday, April 14, 2008

CINEMALAYA IN MARINDUQUE



CINEMALAYA - The MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE and the PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF MARINDUQUE in partnership with the CINEMALAYA FOUNDATION and CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES recently concluded the visit to Marinduque of the 2008 CINEMALAYA National Outreach Tour.
So-called Fiipino 'indie' films (short for independent films), both short and full-length films that have made waves in here and in film festivals abroad, were shown from April 2-4, 2008. Film-makers, production designers, scriptwriters and directors of such films as "Geegee at Waterina", "Labada""Batad: Sa Paang Palay", "Putot" and others, were the main speakers in an engaging forum, attended by students and movie enthusiasts, to share their experience in the different aspects of producing such low-budgeted films.
Marinduque was the first province to have hosted the 2008 tour, the second cultural project concluded between the CCP and provincial government, as part of the latter's efforts thrust for the development of culture, the arts and tourism in Marinduque.
It may be noted that such 'indie' or 'mainstream' local films have been made to promote travel to different tourist destinations in the Philippines and carried the names of such places in their title, like "Donsol", "Camiguin", "Siquijor", "Batanes" and "Batad".
A new door, thus, for the filming of "MARINDUQUE" has been swung open. A 'magical realism' type of movie keeping intact and in place the island's distinct 'mystical' character?

BULUSUKAN FALLS, BAGTINGON, BUENAVISTA




BULUSUKAN FALLS - About 45-min hike from the Bagtingon barangay proper. Hidden falls with cool, clean water from the mountains. The home of reddish tiny crabs that serve as 'ulam' for lunch, and of eerie creatures according to them locals. A small pasyondula group camped out last week to sample the crabs and find out about the tales of ghastly ghouls and rocks falling from nowhere.
At 6:30 pm when it was already too dark and too quiet, the group decided to pack up finding a place where there was more 'free space to feel the air', settling at the top of Buyabod hills, down sitio Maxan, an hour's trekk away.

Yesterday's Sunset at Amoingon, Boac


Thursday, April 10, 2008

"ANG KRISTO: PASYONDULA" - THE GASAN PREMIERE


POLITICS AND CULTURE OR THE CULTURE OF LOCAL POLITICS?
Three years ago the mounting of the annual Black Saturday evening stage presentation of the "Sinakulo-Pugutan" of Gasan was handled by the public high schools in the municipality. It was to be the turn of Tiguion National High this year. Until teachers from the school reported to the mayor that 'someone' had given the order for the school not to participate in this year's Holy Week activities sponsored by the municipal government and that their hands were tied. The participation of the 'DepEd family' in Gasan was eventually missed in all of the cultural activities.
"Ang Kristo: Pasyon-Dula" which Teatro Balangaw staged in Buenavista two years ago was therefore mounted in Gasan to fill an artificial vacuum. The very same group that prevented "Pugutan" from being staged this year cried "wala na ba ang tradisyon?" through flyers distributed and posted all over town, and raised the question "bakit may artista?"
In her very direct speech before the play was presented, Mayor Vicky Lim stated that "Pugutan" just did not have the chance this year in view of what transpired.
Governor Carrion was more emphatic in his speech: "I will not allow politics, not anywhere in Marinduque's six municipalities, to mess up with efforts for culture and the arts and tourism!" He pointedly lambasted DepEd's no-participation stance in Gasan.
The "artista" apparently referred to, to which the local actors in the play quipped "at hindi rin ba kami pwedeng tawaging artista dahil hindi kami senakulista?" was top-caliber stage and movie actor JOHN ARCILLA, recipient of Urian Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards. He played the role of "KRISTO".
Culture being 'dynamic not static' and not exclusive to a few as defined in Philippine statutes, and the same being an accurate reflection of the society in point, the Gasan case is a classic example of the tug-of-war between politics and culture in the Philippines. The emcee, Enrico San Juan pointed this out before the start of pasyon-dula (passion play).
PASYONDULA RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FROM THE GASAN AUDIENCE AND THE REGIONAL MEDIA GROUP THAT CAME TO WATCH THE NOW 'CONTROVERSIAL' THREE-HOUR PLAY!
(Written and directed by Eli J. Obligacion; staged by the Teatro Balangaw Ensemble of Buenavista and Gasan - in two weeks' time. - Photo shows John Arcilla being made-up by Patrick Sadiwa who played Pilate.)

"GASANG-GASANG" IN THE HEAT OF THE SCORCHING SUN!
























































"GASANG-GASANG FESTIVAL 2008"


"GASANG-GASANG EASTER FESTIVAL" in Gasan stole the thunder the whole day of Easter 2008 in Marinduque. All of Marinduque trooped to town's Guingona Park to witness the six-year old festival. The mammoth crowd that came drove Mayor Vicky Lim to quip: "This huge crowd is a clear expression that the Gasenos and the many visitors who have come want this festival to continue!"
The festival is a mix of 'Sinulog' inspired street dancing and 'Moriones' where participants in 'samaritana' costumes and 'moriones' costumes dance in jubilation as they shout "Viva El Kristo!" for the Risen Christ. (More Photos)

MISSED IT! GOT TO SHARE THIS1


AS I SEE IT
Developing Marinduque under a new leadership
By Neal Cruz

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:54pm (Mla time) 01/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- An item in this column last Jan. 14 was about what is happening in the faraway province of Marinduque, under the governorship of Jose Antonio “Bong” Carrion. The column bared three criticisms of Carrion’s administration. I invited the governor to the Kapihan sa Manila media forum last Monday to answer them point by point. He did and said more, like why he is being criticized and his plans for his province. Here are the issues raised against him and his replies:

1. Criticism: In five months, five provincial administrators have been appointed and have resigned. The family of the sixth, a son of a Supreme Court justice, fears he may be the latest “sacrificial lamb.”

His answer: Only two administrators were appointed. A third failed to meet the eligibility requirement. The sixth volunteered because he “wants to help rebuild Marinduque.” He won’t become a “sacrificial lamb.”

2. Criticism: Carrion authorized the salvage of sunken Japanese World War II ships off the coast of Marinduque although an ordinance had been passed declaring it a diving site for tourism purposes.
Answer: All false. There is no authorization from me to salvage the ships, no records that I did, no ordinance, no law against recovery of sunken vessels. They will be preserved for divers.

3. Criticism: The governor wants to buy P110 million worth of brand new road maintenance
equipment and is borrowing the money from LandBank. How is he going to repay that?
Answer: One reason Marinduque is underdeveloped and its people are poor is the lack of and the substandard provincial and farm-to-market roads. The Department of Public Works and Highways builds and maintains only the national roads. The second-hand equipment bought by the Reyes provincial administration for the same amount broke down after only three months. We are buying, at the same cost, brand-new equipment. These will build more roads and maintain existing ones to help develop the province faster and at less cost to the province. Development will mean more jobs and income for the people. The province will repay the loan from its income and savings.
* * *
Carrion said the criticisms against his administration are only caused by politics and he blamed Rep. Carmencita Reyes for them. Her family, who has ruled Marinduque for four decades, does not want anybody else to run the province. But what have they done for the province during all those years? he asked rhetorically. Marinduque is still a fourth-class province.
“Congresswoman Reyes calls herself the ‘Queen of Marinduque,’” he said, “but I am now the king.”

Carrion said he decided to run for governor only recently (his grandfather was the first governor of Marinduque) because he saw that under the Reyeses the province would remain poor. He mentioned many ghost projects under the Reyes administrations, like the infamous “mango plantation scandal.”

Then he unveiled his plans and program of government. His projects, he said, center on tourism, livelihood, health, education, infrastructure, cooperatives.

Marinduque is already a tourist attraction during Holy Week when tourists flock to its Moriones Festival. It has many beaches with white sand and it has five smaller outlying islands that can be developed into other “Boracays.” The original, by the way, is already overcrowded. What’s more, Marinduque is closer to Manila.

But it is hard to go to Marinduque during other times of the year because its airport is small. It has a Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) port, but tourists from Manila first have to go overland to Quezon then take the Ro-Ro boat to Marinduque.

What Carrion did during his first term was to lengthen the airport runway to be able to accommodate jetliners. He hopes it will be finished before the Holy Week rush. The province will also have a tourist festival during its founding anniversary next month. And yes, Marinduque still has forests which it is reserving for tourists, not for loggers.

Besides the provincial and farm-to-market roads, there will be a coastal highway around the whole province.

The main sources of livelihood in Marinduque are coconut farming and fishing. Carrion is adding to them livestock-raising, mainly hybrid goats and cattle to graze among the coconut groves, hogs and poultry.

Do you know that Marinduque is now the main source of lechon de leche for Manila’s tables? Yes, Marinduquenos are raising the piglets that are shipped to Manila to be roasted into the delicious “lechon de leche.”

The governor is encouraging the planting of bamboo and the use of coconut by-products for handicrafts. He has organized a number of cooperatives. Marinduque is already well-known for its “araro,” a sweet snack made of rice, corn, sugar and coconut. The people are now learning to make virgin coconut oil.

For fishing, the province is giving out loans so the fishermen can build more and bigger fishing boats. It is planning to allow fish pens and fish cages in the bays and coves.
There will be more health centers and schools. Marinduque already teaches grade-school kids how to use computers.

With all these projects that should help develop the province and improve the lives of the people, why do the Reyeses still criticize the provincial government? Carrion asked. Why don’t they pitch in and help their province mates?
Yes, why not?
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