STA. CRUZ FUN-RUN IN LENT

View of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque from Maniwaya Island.

The town became a Spanish settlement more than four hundred years ago, where the oldest church in Marinduque was constructed with a mix of lime and coral stones This town was the site of one of the worst episodes during the Philippine-American War when hundreds of local prisoners were taken to one of its islands, Polo.

After rounding up some 600 men and releasing 140 due to illness, the Americans transferred the remaining prisoners to Polo Island for internment. One American account read: "The friends and familys [sic] of the captured Gugus were allowed to bid them good-by before we loaded them on the boat ... You could not hear your own ears for the women and children crying and groaning. Just before we started them to the boat one woman who had no doubt come dressed for the occasion threw her dress over her husband and sat down on him. The sentry saw it though and so her ruse did not work. Just as we got them to the beach several tried by making a sudden rush to get away. Two were shot dead and several wounded right before their familys [sic] eyes..."

Polo Island is only one of several islands with fine white sand in Sta. Cruz. Not far away from it are Mongpong and Maniwaya, the latter being touted as "the next Boracay" due to its proximity to the Luzon mainland.

Today, this town of 55 barangays (population is about 61,300 in 2007), is going for tourism under the stewardship of Mayor Percival Morales. White sand beaches, islands, caves, waterfalls, rich marine resources, and much talked-about local hospitality (the French naturalist A. Marche had an impressive account of the local treatment as far back as 1881), await travelers here.

Recently a 'Moriones Run', sponnsored by Cong. Allan Velasco, was held here. It attracted quite a number of participants surprisingly including runners from Kenya, as shown in these photos.

"MORYONAN" Abs-Cbn Kapamilya TV: PATROL NG PILIPINO, April 26, 2011

Click this link to watch the video:
Abs-Cbn Kapamilya TV: PATROL NG PILIPINO APRIL 26 2011:

Part 1 of "MORYONAN" presented last night over ABS-CBN's PATROL NG PILIPINO. The TV-crew assisted by the staff of the office of Cong. Allan Velasco, covered all the major Holy Week events in the municipalities of Mogpog, Boac, Gasan and Sta. Cruz. This is probably the best, most comprehensive and accurate tv-presentation of the local situation that's characterized by the unique way in which the different towns devise methods where both tradition and modernization merge in "Moryonan".

The charm of the Lenten Moryonan has drawn visitors to this island-province since the early 60's when it was yet the only existing street pageant in the Philippines that utilized the use of masks and colorful costumes - the native interpretation of how Roman soldiers must have looked like (before Hollywood). These masks undoubtedly served as the inspiration for all of the country's present-day mask festivals.

Panata, vow, has always been associated with this practice. Even with the advance of commercialism, many practitioners, particularly in Mogpog, where it is said to have originated in the 1880s still regard it as a vow or as a form of penitence.

For the bigger population, particularly the young, the Moryonan that they must also identify with has taken on a different, but relevant and important meaning.

Correspondent Jenny Reyes and her Moryonan segment director, here covering the Sta. Cruz portion of Moryonan 2011.

Click here to view full version.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim expresses concern for Marinduque

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, who traces his ancestry to Marinduque, graced the Moriones Festival and had the opportunity to experience Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa as well as visit the towns of Boac, Gasan, Buenavista and Torrijos.

After lunch with Congressman Allan Velasco and the municipal mayors on Black Saturday at the congressman's residence in Torrijos, Velasco made a brief presentation on Marinduque's tourism resources and discussed immediate concerns of this island-province (now tagged as one of the world's top islands by foreign travel writers). Discussed was the needed rehabilitation of the airport runway, among others. Before departing for Manila the next day, the Secretary actually stepped on the runway to see for himself the dilapidated portion of the airport that deter many airlines from flying here. Also read Marinduque Airport badly rocks.

The following entry and above photo appeared in the Department of Tourism's Facebook Page today:

"The major concern is making Marinduque a year-round tourism destination to provide livelihood and employment opportunities to the people. At present, the province survives on agriculture. Sec. Lim advised Congressman Allan Velasco to make an inventory of Marinduque's potential tourism resources during their initial conversation at the latter's residence. Later, after lunch, Cong. Velasco made a brief presentation of the province's resources.

"The sulfuric hot spring in Buenavista, the Maniwaya island and the Bathala Cave in Sta. Cruz were among the potential site-products that can be developed in addition to events and sports activities that can be organized the whole-year round. The congressman wants Marinduque to be known as the "Heart of the Philippines" being the geodetic center of the country and its map having a heart shape."

Photo shows DOT Secretary Lim, his staff and Congressman Velasco with this blogger (to the left).

Mayor Roberto Madla of Boac and Cong. Velasco with Sec. Lim.

Marinduque Extreme, Saturday, May 14. Abandoned CMI minesite as venue

Marinduque Extreme is a term adopted by a local action and adventure sports group for athletes who are into biking activities that involve speed, height and a high level of physical exertion brought about by environmental obstacles. Team Marinduque that organizes these events includes Romeo Mabiog, Sr., president, Dr. Ed Ancheta, race-director, Dr. Josue Victoria, DVM, race grand-marshall and Cong. Allan Velasco, among others.

Past competitions have seen the participation of Leo Oracion, triathlete and member of the first Philippine Mt. Everest expedition, and Pepito Diapera, Champion, North Face Thrill of the Trail Ultra Marathon and champion, Guam Ko'Ko' Road Race.

Venue for this annual competition is an abandoned minesite in Capayang, Mogpog that offers nerve-wrecking tracks, turns, climbs, rock beds and devil's drops guaranteed to induce an adrenalin-rush among the competitors.


The Marinduque Extreme Duathlon (Run-Bike) category is open to all riders for the 7.5-kilometer to 20-kilometer race. Professionals and novices will also join the Cross Country or the Aggressive cross-country races covering 30 kilometers for males and 25-kilometer race for females.

With such events Marinduque Extreme promotes sports tourism, discovers and develops talented riders for national and, eventually, international competitions.

The event starts at 7:30 am on Saturday, May 14, at the old CMI Minesite in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog (in photo).

Come rain or high water, you are welcome!

Morions and Fun-Run enthusiasts in Moriones Run

Moriones Run is a Fun Run for participating Moriones practitioners and fun-run enthusiasts of all ages. Organized by IBP Marinduque Chapter, prizes are offered in various categories.

Starting point is at Sta. Cruz Plaza on Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 6:00 am. Categories are: 3K (Sta.Cruz Plaza-Lipa-Sta.Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 5,000; Php 3,000 and Php 2,000 for winners; 5K (Sta. Cruz Plaza-Lipa-Landy-Sta. Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 7,000, Php 5,000 and Php 3,000 for winners; 8K (Sta. Cruz Plaza-Aturan-Sta. Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 10,000, Php 7,000 and Php 5,000 for winners. Special prizes for Best in Costume: Php 3,000, Php 2,000 and Php 1,000.

For further details contact: Kua Al, #0948-4367912; Pretty, # 0939-4621862 and Zen, # 0918-5657610.

Organized by IBP Marinduque Chapter in cooperation with Office of Cong. Allan Velasco, Mayor Percy Morales and the Municipality of Sta. Cruz.
Kategorya:

Morionan Competition in Sta. Cruz

Moriones Run in Sta. Cruz

Marinduque Extreme Series III

MARINDUQUE EXTREME SERIES 3 is a one day cycling event, now on its third year. Date: May 14, 2011

Duathlon Run-Bike 7.5-25Km
Aggressive X-Country 30km

Race Category and Prizes**

Male Open 30km
1st-- Php 20,000.00
2nd- Php 15,000.00
3rd-- Php 10,000.00

Male Novice 30km
1st-- Php 20,000.00
2nd- Php 15,000.00
3rd-- Php 10,000.00

Female Open* 25km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00

Duathlon

Male Open 7.5-20km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00

Female Open* 7.5-20km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00
*At least Three (3) Participants to open this category.


All Local participants who finish will receive Php 1,000.00 each


Rules and Regulations

Off-Road Duathlon

May 14, 2011

1.) Check in, body marking and distribution of race kit will start at 5:30 until 7:00 in the morning. Athlete will not be accepted after the check in period. The race will start at exactly 7:30 in the morning

2.) The race will be 7.5 kilometers trail run, 20 kilometers of XC mountain biking through trails and mud to the finish line for MALE and FEMALE.

3.) This is an individual sport. Athletes are not allowed to have external support like pushing, carrying the bike, changing flat tire or fixing the bike by others. The participating athlete is the only one who can fix/repair his bike or they can have it fixed at the designated bike mechanic tent. A racer found guilty of accepting any help from any outside support will be disqualified.

4.) There will be a designated water station in the run and bike course.

5.) The athlete should only follow the designated race course; there will be trail signs along the course. Strictly no short cutting. There will be checkers/marshal along the course. An athlete found guilty of such offense will be automatically disqualified.

6.) Give way to the overtaking runner/biker in the trail to avoid accident or misunderstanding between the racers. The athlete should be on the right side of the course to make the left side of the course a passing lane.

7.) There will be a designated bike mechanic on the bike course. The athlete is only allowed to have their bike fixed by him/herself or by a designated bike mechanic at the tent.


Cross-Country Mountain Biking


May 14, 2011

1.) Check in and distribution of race kit will start at 12:30 until 1:30 in the afternoon. Athletes will not be accepted after the check in period. The race will start at exactly 2 o’clock in the in the afternoon followed immediately by the next category.

2.) The race course is 30 kilometers for male and 25 km for female of Cross-country Mountain biking in trail and mud.

3.) This is individual sport which means that an athlete is not allowed to have any external support like pushing, carrying the bike, changing a flat tire or fixing the bike by others. The participating athlete is the only one who can fix their bike or they can have it fixed at the designated bike mechanic tent. Racer found guilty of accepting any help from outside support will be disqualified.

4.) There will be water stations on the run and bike course.

5.) Follow only the designated race course. There will be plenty of trail signs along the race course. Strictly no short cutting. There will be checkers/marshal along the course. Athletes found guilty of such offense will be automatically disqualified.

6.) Give way to the over taking biker on the trail to avoid accident or misunderstanding between the racers. The athlete should be on the right side of the race course to make the left side of the course a passing lane.

7.) There will be a designated bike mechanic in the bike course. The athlete is only allowed to have their bike fixed by him/herself or by a designated bike mechanic at the tent.

To Register Online:

1.) Deposit the amount of 800.00PhP at any LandBank Branch to this Savings Account SA 123456789.

2.) Write on the Wall of this event the following:

a) Your complete Name, age, valid e-mail address and the event you are joining.
b) LandBank Branch, Date, Time and amount Deposited

Online Registration will close on April 30,2011

On-site Registration will be 1000.00PhP starts 5:30 am on event day.

WELCOME AND ENJOY THE RACE!!!

May 14, 2011 Race Day

5:30 Registration Duathlon
7:00 Opening Program
7:30 First event Duathlon Female
9:00 Duathlon Male
10:30 Airsoft competition
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Registration XC race
1:00 Offroad Motorcycle show
2:00 XC Male Novice
3:30 XC Male Open
5:00 XC Female Open
6:30 Event OfficiallyCloses/Closing Program /Awarding
7:00 Party

May 15, 2011 Trail ride to those who will decide to stay for the whole weekend.

**Subject to revisions and fine tuning

MORIONAN 2011 in Sta. Cruz

MORIONAN 2011 in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 2:00pm at Sta. Cruz Plaza

CLUB MARINDUQUENO in cooperation with Congressman Allan Q. Velasco, Mayor Percival Morales and the Municipality of Sta. Cruz will hold "MORIONAN 2011". Said event sponsored by STI Schools is a competition among various morion groups in the island-province. It is the third such annual competition since it was conceptualized and successfully held for the first time in 2009 in the town of Boac. Intended to encourage the participation of more morion groups, especially the young, to the moriones festival celebration, and as a tourism event.

Contest rules as announced by the organizers are as follows:

1. A minimum number of thirty (30) individuals per group/platoon is required. The group may be composed of males or females or a combination of both;

2. The group/platoon should be in morion costumes with props such as sword/spear and shield, but not limited thereto;

3. The group mustt chreograph a production of march drills or synchronized morion movements of not more than 15 minutes including entrance and exit;

4. The march drill must be accompanied by either a live drum-and-bugle, lyre band, percussion instruments, live band or any recorded marching performance music band;
5. They must bear a company flag carried by a bearer with the name of the group and coat of arms;

6. They must submit a group/platoon profile (name, address, contact persons, tel. nos., how they got their name) and choreographic concept (script), which shold be submitted to the District Office of Congressman Velasco (in Boac or Sta. Cruz office), one (1) week before the scheduled event;

7. The group/platoon shall provide its own vehicle to and from the contest site including that of their support group;

8. Contest criteria shall be based on morion costume (30%), march drill/morion movement or choreography (50%), and over-all audience impact (20%);

9. The contest is open to all local groups and those coming from other provinces;
10. All judges will be selected by the organizers. The judges' decision is final;

11. Official application forms may be obtained from the Office of Congressman Velasco;

12. Prizes are as follows:

Champion: Php 70,000.00
1st Runner-Up: Php 50,000.00
2nd Runner-Up: Php 30,000.00

Consolation Prizes of Php 10,000.00 each will be given to the 4th up to 10th placers.
13. Deadline for submission of application forms on or before April 14, 2011.

For further inquiries call: #0917-8866267 or #0932-1512268 (Erick); or tel. no. (042) 754-0168 (Jenilyn).