Holyweek in Marinduque and The Moriones Festival: How to get there?

So, I'm finally back to blogging. It's been a  while since I left and I am going back again! Anyway, I would just like to share to everyone of you  my last holy week escapade.

Well, if you are looking for a place to visit and move away temporarily from the busy streets of the metro, I would like to recommend to you to go to the island of Marinduque!

Marinduque (marin-duke) is an island province in the Philippines located in MIMAROPA (Region IV-B). Its capital is the municipality of Boac, Marinduque. Did you know that the province was ranked number 1 by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Security Forces as the 2013 Most Peaceful Province of the country because of its low crime rate statistics which alternately ranks with the province of Batanes yearly? Furthermore, for almost 200 years, the province has been the usual home for tourists because of its one and oldest religious festival celebrated annually every holy week which is the unique and colorful Moriones Festival.

Your view when you are near the Balanacan port

If you wish to visit Marinduque, then here's an idea on how you can get there.

This is based from JAC Liner website

Option 1. JAC Liner has a route from Manila going directly to Marinduque which means less hassle in travelling. It will cost you an amount of Php 880. Same cost in going back to Manila from Marinduque. You may visit the JAC Liner website for more information.

Option 2. If you want to feel the hassle, then you may drop-off at the Dalahican port and ride a RORO going to Balanacan or Cawit port. It's you preference on what port do you want to go but I prefer most the Balanacan port because I like seeing the big Virgin Mary statue when nearly approaching the port. And by the way, Bus fare will cost you around Php 280 and the RORO fee will cost you around 250 including terminal fee. From the Balanacan port, you may ride a Jeepney going to your preferred place, like Boac which will cost you Php 50.

Option 3. If you totally don't want to feel the hassle of commuting, then I suggest you to take a door-to-door where you will be picked-up from your preferred place and be drop-off directly to your home in Marinduque. This option will cost you around Php 800 only.

If you are going to Marinduque during Holy week, then I suggest to go as early as Holy Monday or Tuesday so you will not experience a long queue or worst is an almost 24 hours trip. 

Once you get to Marinduque, I suggest you to try roaming around the Boac town plaza while during the night you can go to the Boac Town Arena, located in Brgy. San Miguel for their souvenir shops near the town plaza.

During Holy week, you will often see more Morions roaming around the Plaza. Morions are the ones who are wearing scary masks and the ones who used to hurt the men portraying Jesus Christ in the parade. Anyway, sharing with you some pictures of the Morions. 

The busy Boac Town Plaza during the Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival with Morion Batang Gilas AJ Madrigal

Morion taking a selfie

Little Morion

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

These are just few of the many beautiful sights of the province. The island also have lots of white beaches like the Poctoy and Maniwaya beach. Watch out for my next post as I will introduce to you the Maniwaya beach that you'll surely love!