ATTY. ALLAN "P.A." VELASCO, MARINDUQUE

I guess I should re-post this video that I posted some five (5) months ago on November 28, 2009 on Atty. ALLAN "P.A." VELASCO, now candidate for Congress to represent the Lone District of Marinduque in the House of Representatives.

It was my tribute to the popular Marinduque attorney, a DVD copy of which I presented to him on that same day as a Birthday and Goodbye present as he ended his term as provincial administrator.

The day before that, (November 27, 2009), I posted the following:

"P.A." throws a birthday-despedida party for his supporters and fans at the Mogpog Covered Court this afternoon from 4:00 pm.

"Atty. Allan "P.A." Velasco recently took his oath as member of the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Set to file his candidacy for a national position in the May 2010 elections in the Philippines, he will be leaving his post as provincial administrator by the end of this month.

"Velasco served as chairman of the Marinduque Provincial Tourism Council during his two-year stint in the provincial government. He undertook related projects and activities in cooperation with the office of the governor, the provincial council, provincial tourism office, local LGUs, cultural organizations, tourism agencies and Team Marinduque. Initial thrust is for the island-province to make a strong presence in the promotion of the island as a haven for adventure sports and community-based tourism.

"All-out promotion and development of Marinduque tourism and allied services and industries shall be his 'reason for being' if elected. P.A. is president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Marinduque Chapter.

"He is the son of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr. of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and former Marinduque beauty queen Lorna Quinto-Velasco of Mogpog-Torrijos."

Why the repost then? Well, I recently saw an article that first appeared in BusinessMirror Online Space and also reprinted in David Katague's blog (and that's where I read it), about accusations made against Associate Justice Velasco in the web which apparently prompted the Justice to file a libel case against the journalist who allegedly made damaging insinuations.

“Ms. Vitug publicly accused me in her Newsbreak online article…and portrayed me as an unethical person without delicadeza who has wantonly violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and existing laws. Said malicious imputations were plainly directed against me and had caused me, my wife and children, especially Allan, irreparable dishonor, discredit and contempt,” the complaint said.

"The article also stated that Justice Velasco voted with the majority in the SC’s decision in the Quinto case that allowed appointive officials to stay in their posts even after the filing of their candidacy, which was beneficial to his son.

"It can be recalled, though, that said ruling has already been abandoned by the Court with finality.

"In his complaint, Velasco denied Vitug’s insinuation that the Quinto ruling benefited his son, as the latter immediately resigned from his post as provincial administrator after he filed his certificate of candidacy on December 1, 2009.

“The insinuation that I concurred with the majority in the Quinto case to benefit Allan reeks with malice. Ms. Vitug made it appear that my vote in the case was not predicated on the obtaining factual and legal premises, as required by law and the Rules of Court, but to favor particularly my son, a situation which, if true, is unethical and a breach of the Code of Judicial Conduct,” Velasco said.

But then, of course it ain't true that Atty. Allan who precisely often talked of delicadeza, benefited in any way because by December 1, 2009, the Marinduque Provincial Government already had a new provincial administrator by the name of Mr. Juan Roberto L. Abling.

Then, David Katague commented on my blog on November 29, 2009 as follows:

"Excellent video. May I repost this in my blog? So, who is the new provincial administrator? See you soon."

To which I responded to on the same day, Nov. 29, 2009, with the folowing comment post:

"Yes pls. New prov admin is former Human Settlements Minister, Roberto Abling of Gasan. See you."

I further sayeth naught... or maybe I really should?

On the Island Campaign Trail

Senate President Pro Tempore and re-electionist senator Jinggoy Estrada who has consistently topped the list in various nationwide senatorial polls, visited Marinduque's six towns before the Holy Week. Photo shows Jinggoy with Marinduque Congressional candidate, Atty. Allan P.A. Velasco arriving in Torrijos to a welcoming crowd.

In Sta. Cruz church with Governor Bong Carrion.

Vice-Presidential candidate Loren Legarda was also here for a prayerful Black Saturday campaign, shown here as she's met at the airport by Col. Bing Carrion, sister of Gov. Carrion.
Loren at the airport welcomed by Gasan councilor Liza Lao, Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim, Vice-Governor Tom Pizarro, Col. Bing Carrion and supporters.

Marinduque in my Heart

Am sharing this video that I presented as a birthday & goodbye present to Atty. Allan "P.A." Velasco, who ended his term as Marinduque administrator yesterday. Video shows some of the cultural and tourism-related activities that he helped introduce during his two-year stint at the capitol.

It's P.A.'s Birthday Party!

"P.A." throws a birthday-despedida party for his supporters and fans at the Mogpog Covered Court this afternoon from 4:00 pm.

Atty. Allan "P.A." Velasco recently took his oath as member of the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Set to file his candidacy for a national position in the May 2010 elections in the Philippines, he will be leaving his post as provincial administrator by the end of this month.

Velasco served as chairman of the Marinduque Provincial Tourism Council during his two-year stint in the provincial government. He undertook related projects and activities in cooperation with the office of the governor, the provincial council, provincial tourism office, local LGUs, cultural organizations, tourism agencies and Team Marinduque. Initial thrust is for the island-province to make a strong presence in the promotion of the island as a haven for adventure sports and community-based tourism.

All-out promotion and development of Marinduque tourism and allied services and industries shall be his 'reason for being' if elected. P.A. is president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Marinduque Chapter.

He is the son of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr. of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and former Marinduque beauty queen Lorna Quinto-Velasco of Mogpog-Torrijos.

Behind Extreme Marinduque

Some of those behind MARINDUQUE EXTREME: Dr. Josue Victoria, Atty. Allan "P.A." Velaso, Joven Lilles and Gerry Jamilla.

"LOST IN RITUAL": LIVING ASIA FEATURE ON MARINDUQUE

WATCH OUT FOR THIS ONE! Saw today over LIVING ASIA CHANNEL its truly exciting trailer on Marinduque's lenten traditions to be aired soon. Entitled "LOST IN RITUAL" the TV documentary feature focuses on the men and women flaggelants, pataraka boys, popua women, Via Crucis, processions, Battle of Morions and "Ang Kristo: Pasyondula".

DIG THIS! "EXTREME MARINDUQUE SERIES 2"

Marinduque continues to make a mark as an important eco-tourism destination in the Mimaropa region. The next “Extreme Marinduque Series” will be held on Nov 28-29, 2009. The abandoned minesite in Capayang, Mogpog which has been transformed into a perfect location for such activities is the venue.

The first of such series was held in 2007, and has since drawn a great deal of interest from all types of cyclists from outside the island-province, joining scheduled races here such as Duathlon, Aggressive Cross-Country Races, Triathlon and Fun Rides around Marinduque. It has also encouraged beginners to join the activities, leading further to the discovery of home-grown talents capable of joining national competitions.

Alongside what has been dubbed as “Extreme Marinduque Series 2” are related outdoor sports activities such as spelunking to further promote Marinduque’s other natural treasures like Tarug Caves in Mogpog, Bitik Caves in Sta. Cruz. The recently discovered San Isidro Caves with Subterranean River, in the northern part of Sta. Cruz is also one such site expected to attract cave enthusiasts.

"Extreme Marinduque" is a project of the Provincial Government of Marinduque and Team Marinduque.

HINULUGAN FALLS (BOAC): Marinduque Adventure Series

Hinulugan Falls in Brgy. Sabong, Boac, Marinduque is located between Brgy. Sabong and Sitio Kitay. It has a small rock cave at the side of the raven where water also enters. There are two more falls in the area, Magdumog-dumog Falls and Batingaw Falls in Tumagabok (Boac).

Easier access to these sites have been made possible with the completion of the Boac-Torrijos Road project of PGMA. (The Torrijos side has been completed and the Boac side cutting through from Balimbing to Bantay is in progress as of July 2009). Another boost to local ecotourism development.

TARUG CAVES: MARINDUQUE ADVENTURE SERIES

Biking to Tarug for exploration. A limestone protuberance with 32 million years of geological history. The French naturalist, Alfred Marche, enticed by Marinduque's reputation more than a hundred years ago as "the isle of grottos", traveled to the island from April to June of 1881, to explore the many caves.

Marche wrote thus of Tarug caves: "On June 2, I went to a new find. It was raining hard and after several hours of horseback riding we had to abandon our horses which advanced only with difficulty on a wet and slippery soil. We were even obliged to leave our dripping clothes and to go in shorts. At noon we reached the foot of a perpendicular madreporite or coral rock, 70 meters high: on its sides were five to six caves. In the lowest cave I found a skull with a slight stalagmite covering and a small broken gargoyle. It took us nearly an hour to climb this rock, at whose peak was an elevated vault which crossed it entirely. From there, one could see many easily accesible corridors. In one of them, there were debris of coffins and tibors (or Chinese jars)."

MARINDUQUE IN INTRAMUROS

Today's the opening of "INTRAMUROS: HISTORY TOWN PHILIPPINES" organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions with the participation of the southern Tagalog provinces incuding Marinduque. Tight budget for the province's culture and tourism programs did not prevent it from participating.

Gov. Carrion, provincial tourism czar Allan Velasco, Gerry Jamilla and Joven Lilles of the tourism office grace the opening program (at 4:00 pm Clamshell, Intramuros), and also show a video especially prepared for the occasion by the group, including this blogger. A brainstorming session for Marinduque's tourism promotion with DOT representatives, DTI officials and PR consultants is also set to be held within the event period. The tourism showcase runs from today until August 10.

On Saturday, August 8 at 6 p.m. a Marinduque cultural showcase featuring MSC's Sambayang Sining Lahi will present Marinduque songs, dances, and 'putong', together with a moriones group from the capitol. VIVA MARINDUQUE!

(In photo is Torrijos' Tuba Festival)

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MARINDUQUE

MARINDUQUE ADVENTURE SERIES. Many ideal mountain biking routes near coastal areas and around central Marinduque have been mapped out by the local tourism office. Many such routes cut through rivers, streams, waterfalls and man-made lakes. Venue for the race in this video is the area around an old minesite at Capayang, Mogpog. The first Filipino to climb the summit of Mt. Everest, LEO ORACION and his girlfriend, who joined the local mountain bikers in this activity, are also in the video.

BITIK CAVES - MARINDUQUE ADVENTURE SERIES

Bitik Caves located in a barangay with the same name in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque is another unexplored cave system inspected by the cave exploration team of the provincial tourism office. Information was obtained from local folks that the cave is not less than one kilometer in length and leads to another village, Buyabod. Halfway through, the team encountered bad air cave. With decreased oxygen further exploration was aborted. Sea and fresh water meet in one of the cave's entrances.

MARINDUQUE ADVENTURE SERIES: 1st Defensive Shooting Competition

Called the 1st Governor Bong Carrion Cup, the first defensive shooting competition was recently held at the old CMI minesite in Capayang, Mogpog in Marinduque. Organized in cooperation with the Morion Combat Pistol & Rifles Association (MCPRA), and Team ARMSCOR Shooting & Hunting Club of Manila, the event saw no less than Carrion and provincial administrator, Allan Velasco trying their hands at target shooting with pistols.

The old minesite (formerly known as Consolidated Mines, Inc. that closed down in the 60's) has, during the last couple of years, been converted as a site for adventure sports activities including local games and mountain biking competitions.

MARINDUQUE'S NEWEST DISCOVERY: A HIDDEN CAVE WITH SUBTERRANEAN RIVER

The first underground river to have been found in Marinduque was recently discovered by a team led by provincial tourism officers. This find, together with the development of existing sites unique to the island, augurs well for combined LGU efforts under Gov. Bong Carrion to promote the island-province as an eco-tourism destination in the region - the San Isidro Cave and Subterranean River, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines. Village leaders in San Isidro now bent on carefully preserving the site.

To the old folks of the village of San Isidro, the cave is referred to as 'Bagungbungan', a place avoided even by the curious, as it has been associated with phantom stories reinforced by actual accounts of persons who have gone to the cave periphery and, without a trace, disappeared.

Two weeks ago, provincial tourism chair Allan Velasco together with the tourism team, revisited San Isidro cave and conferred with the village chief (who hadn't been to the cave, himself), on the importance of community involvement to preserve the state of this natural treasure.

MORIONES 2009 IMAGES: INDIGENOUS MATERIALS

These were some of the entries that competed for the individual prizes sponsored by the provincial government. The formal presentation of these moryons was held in the morning of Maundy Thursday at the trade exhibit area at the Boac riverbank.

San Miguel Beer and PETRON were also major sponsors for this year's moriones festival. Then there was another competition held in the afternoon for the various contingents from the whole province, the "Battle of the Moryons", a brainchild of Atty. Allan Velasco, chair of the provincial tourism council and provincial administrator.

"HULING HIRIT SA TAG-INIT", MAY 29 AT POCTOY BEACH

Marinduque Tourism Council chair, Atty. Allan Velasco has met with officials of the municipality of Torrijos, Provincial Tourism Office and Sangguniang Kabataan for the holding of a summer youth adventure program dubbed as "Huling Hirit sa Tag-init".

This activity promotes sports and tourism development with Poctoy beach as the principal playground. It also provides an opportunity for the Marinduque youth to say goodbye to summer with a big bang before they go back to school or work within or outside the island-province - huling hirit, thus.

Competitions include "Beach Volleyball", "Battle of the Bands", and "Bikini Open", with the following prizes:
For Beach Volleyball (1st: P 2,000; 2nd 1,500.00; 3rd P 1,000)
For Battleof the Bands (1st: P 10,000; 2nd 7,000; P 5,000 with seven consolation prizes of P 1,000 each)
For Bikini Open: (1st: 5,000; 2nd 3,000; 3rd 2,000 with 10 consolation prizes of P 500 each)

Meanwhile, in cooperation with GMA7 and Q-TV a full program presentation on Marinduque was featured last Sunday in "Kay Susan Tayo" at 10:30 am. The program featured Balanacan harbor with Luzon Datum of 1911 landmark, Palo Maria beach (Marinduque's response to Boracay), Poctoy white sand beach, Malbog Sulfuric Spring, Marinduque Hotspring, Katala Beach Resort, "Putong" ritual and the favorite local dish, Adobong Manok sa Gata courtesy of "Kusina sa Plaza" with TV-hosts, Susan and Ariana.

Q-TV featured the Battle of Moriones in "Events Incorporated" at 8:30 pm last Saturday with hosr Tim Yap. The "Battle" was held on Holy Thursday in Boac and also featured an interview with Gov. Bong Carrion on the origin of the moriones tradition.

Forthcoming television features include a special coverage of Marinduque's lenten traditions in the Living Asia Channel and Kim Atienza's Saturday program "Matang Lawin.

MORIONES SA PANAGBENGA

MORIONES DINUMOG SA BAGUIO ;
PAGHAHANDA SA MAHAL NA ARAW


Sa pagsali ng Moriones ng Marinduque sa nakaraang Panagbenga Flower Festival na ginanap sa Baguio City noong nakaraang linggo, ikinagulat ang mainit na pagtanggap ng mga turistang bumisita sa summer capital ng Pilipinas sa mga morion.

Subalit lumitaw sa pagsusuri at obserbasyon ng mga nakilahok mula sa LGUs ng anim na bayan ng lalawigan sa pangunguna ni Atty. Lord Allan Velasco, provincial administrator at pangulo ng provincial tourism council, na taliwas sa inakala nila, hindi pa rin ganun kalawak ang kamalayan sa labas ng lalawigan tungkol sa Moriones.

Hindi halos matapos-tapos ang pagpapaliwanag ng mga miyembro ng delegasyon tungkol sa nasabing tradisyong pinagkakilanlan sa mga Marinduqueno. Inakala diumano ng ilan sa mga manonood na ang mga moriones ay galing sa Tondo, kung saan may kalye na may gayun ding pangalan, o di kaya’y ang mga nakamaskarang morion ay may kinalaman anila sa pakikipaglaban ni Lapu-lapu noong panahon ng Kastila. Ang karamihan nama’y walang ideya kung ano at saang lalawigan nanggaling ang moriones.

MORIONES FLOAT

Isa ang lalawigan ng Marinduque sa dalawampu’t-pitong karosa na sumali sa Panagbenga Float Competition. Layunin sa pagsali na palaganapin sa bansa ang kamalayan tungkol sa kultura at pang-turismong tulak ng lalawigan. Layunin din na patibayin ang hangaring Marinduque na nga ang ituring na Lenten Capital of the Philippines . Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Globe ay nagmudmod ng mga tourism promotional flyers ang delegasyon sa libo-libong nanood sa parada na nakatulong din sa pagpapaliwanag ng contingent.

Itinampok sa karosa ng Marinduque ang isang higanteng mukha ng morion sa unahan nito na gawa sa bulaklak. Sakay ng karosa ang ilang morion kasama si Velasco na nakasuot morion din. Nasa unahan naman nito ang walking contingent ng mga morion at mga kagawad ng LGU’s na sumama sa pagdiriwang. Sa trade fair component ng Panagbenga ay naging matagumpay din ang pagpapakilala sa mga produktong gawa sa Marinduque sa pamamagitan ng Marinduque trade booth. Itinampok dito ang mga ibat-ibang souvenir items, processed foods at iba pang produkto.

Ang Panagbenga sa taong ito ay dinaluhan ng tinatayang higit sa isa at kalahating milyong mga turista at ito na diumano ang pinakamalaki sa kasaysayan nito ayon sa mga nag-organisa ng festival.

PAG-USAD NG MORIONES FESTIVAL

Samantala, inihayag ni Velasco na higit na magiging masusi ang isinasagawang paghahanda para sa darating na Marinduque Moriones Festival ’09. Mula sa Araw ng Palaspas hanggang sa Araw ng Pagkabuhay ay puno ng mga panoorin, aniya, ang isasagawa. Ilan dito na karagdagan sa mga paghahanda ng mga bayan-bayan ay ang Moriones Festival Regional Trade Expo na sasalihan ng mga lalawigan mula sa MIMAROPA Region, at sasalihan din ng lahat ng bayan sa Marinduque, isang morion art exhibit, pagtatanghal ng Sinakulo, “Pugutan”, at “Via Crucis”.

Isang panibagong passion play, “Ang Kristo: Pasyondula” na tatampukan ng mga lokal na artista, bisitang artista, at mga kawani ng pamahalaan ang isa pa ring pinaghahandaan. Kasama rin ang organisadong parada ng mga morion at mga sektor na inaasahang magbibigay ng karagdagang kulay sa pang-Semana Santang selebrasyon sa lalawigan.

Pinaghahandaan din ang kauna-unahang pagsasagawa ng “Battle of Moriones” na sasalihan ng mga moriones contingents mula sa ibat-ibang lugar. Karagdagan ito sa mga tradisyonal na grupong moriones tulad ng Kapatirang Morion ng Marinduque, Mistah, at Legion. Magsasagawa sa pagkakataong ito ng choreographed movements kasabay ng tunog ng mga percussion instruments ang bawat kasaling grupo. Ang bilang ng bawat grupo ay hindi bababa sa 42.

Nanawagan din si Velasco sa mga bayan at pribadong sektor hinggil sa kinakailangang paghahanda sa pagdagsa ng mga domestic at foreign tourists sa darating na Mahal na Araw. Iminumungkahi niya ang pagpapalaganap ng local tours, kasama na ang pagpapalakas ng homestay programs at paghahanda ng mga campsites sa mga bayan-bayan upang masagot ang mga kakulangan sa mga hotels at resorts. Ito aniya, ang ilan sa mga pag-uusapan ng masusi sa susunod na provincial tourism council meeting. Inaasahan, aniya, ang higit na aktibong pakikisangkot ng lahat ng sektor dahilan sa mas mataas na kamalayan sa kasalukuyan sa potensyal ng turismo na maging pangunahing industriya sa islang-lalawigan.

7,107 ISLANDS CRUISE

Masayang inihayag naman ni Gob. Jose Antonio N. Carrion ang pagkakasama ng Marinduque sa 2009 Summer Cruise Special Package ng 7,107 Islands Cruise, ang nag-iisang Filipino-owned cruise company. Sa mga buwan ng Marso, Abril at Mayo ay nakatakdang bumisita ang cruise ship sa Marinduque na lulan ang daan-daang turista. Ang cruise ship ay kayang maglaman ng 400 turista at nagbibigay ng mga serbisyong kahalintulad ng mga pang-luxury five-star hotel tulad ng casino, bar, restaurant, sundecks, spa, piano bar, gym at conference rooms.

Ang summer cruises ay nakatakdang bumisita sa Apo Reef, Tara Isaland, Coron at Marinduque mula sa iba’t-ibang daungan ng Manila , Subic at Batangas. Kamakailan ay inilunsad din ng nasabing cruise company ang serbisyo sa tourism triangle ng Palawan , Boracay at Puerto Galera.

Senyales ito ani Carrion, ng kahalagahan ng Marinduque sa usaping pangturismo kaya’t ang pag-uugnayan ng lahat ng sektor ng pamahalaan, lalo na ang mas masidhing pakikipagtulungan ng pribadong sektor ang inaasahang magaganap. “Wala nang dahilan ngayon para tayo maiwanan ng ating mga karatig-lalawigan sa usaping turismo”, ani Carrion.

KULTURANG MARINDUQUE TULOY ANG PAGYABONG

Ipinaabot ni Atty. Lord Allan Velasco, provincial administrator at chairman ng Provincial Tourism Council na patuloy magsasagawa ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque ng mga hakbangin patungo sa pagyabong ng mga kagalingang pangkultura katulad ng isinagawang "Hapit-Himigan" choral competition sa Boac noong nakaraang Biyernes.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa nasabing okasyon, idiniin ni Velasco na tungkulin ng mga mamamayan na sumali o makisangkot sa pagbubuo at pagsusuri sa mga gawaing may kinalaman sa pagsulong ng ating sariling kultura, tradisyon at mga likha. Higit aniya itong binibigyan ng kahalagahan sa kasalukuyang panahon.

Buhay, aniya ang kultura sapagkat ito'y salamin ng mga paniniwala, kabutihang asal at mga panaginip, at isa itong lakas na kaagapay tungo sa pag-unlad ng lipunang tulad ng sa Marinduque. Binanggit ni Velasco na ang pagbibigay ng pagtutok sa kulturang Marinduqueno bilang bahagi ng pangkultura at pangturismong tulak ay magkakasama nang isinasagawa ng kapitolyo kaagapay ang mga pamahalaang bayan.

Binanggit din ni Velasco na ang mga isinagawang pagdiriwang tulad ng “Labanan sa Pulang Lupa”, o, ang pagbibigay ng panibagong sigla sa “Moriones Festival” at gayundin sa ibat-ibang municipal festivals mula sa anim na bayan na, na aniya, ay matutunghayan sa selebrasyon ng “Araw ng Marinduque”, ang pagsasaentablado ng ating mga awit, sayaw at mga kuwento sa pamamagitan ng “Viva Marinduque” project ay bahagi ng simulaing ito.

Ang pagbibigay aniya ng prayoridad at pagkilala sa lalawigan ng Marinduque ng Pambansang Komisyon para sa Kultura at mga Sining (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), para maisagawa ang ibat-ibang proyekto para isulong at mapalaganap nang ganap ang kultura at mga katutubong sining, ay isang matibay na indikasyon ng pag-usad ng lalawigan sa larangang ito.

Ang “HAPIT-HIMIGAN” ay hinirang ni Velasco bilang isang pagbubunyi sa pulong-lalawigan ng Marinduque sa pamamagitan ng awitin at nawa niya ay manatili ang ganitong gawain at "tuluyang makita ang kaganapan ng Kulturang Marinduque sa ating panahon!"

Itinampok sa choral competition bilang contest piece ang "Marinduque Akin Ka", titik at musika ni Eli Obligacion at inareglo para sa koro ni Norma Soldevilla. Sinalihan ito ng iba't-ibang choral groups mula sa bayan-bayan tulad ng Gasan IFI Vocal Ensemble ng Parish of St. Joseph, Reunited Choir of Boac North District, Live Echoes Choir ng St. Mary's College of Marinduque, Municipality of Mogpog Chorale at TORMEA Choir ng Torrijos. Nangasiwa sa competition si Gng. Fe Corazon Recalde ng ECCD. Naging mga hurado sina Gng. Norma Soldevilla ng Marinduque Midwest College, Dr. Roberto Montellano, Anacleto Mendoza, Dindo Asuncion at Eli Obligacion.

"MORIONES" GOES TO PANAGBENGA

The MORIONES Float design for this year's PANAGBENGA FLOWER FESTIVAL '09 in Baguio City. Conceptualized by PPDO's DING GO and graphic design executed by artist TON MONTEAGUDO. Marinduque contingent led by Provincial Administrator Allan Q. Velasco is participated in by some members of the traditional morion groups, Kapatiran and Mistah. Moriones presence in the Summer Capital is aimed to promote Marinduque as the Lenten Capital of the Philippines.

HINULUGAN FALLS, BOAC (accessible via Torrijos)

PA Allan Velasco enjoying Hinulugan Falls (erroneously identified here earlier as Sibuyao Falls). Prof Ir. PM Labay who is from the area describes it as between Brgy. Sabong and Sitio Kitay. He says it has a cave at the side of the raven where water also enters. (I wonder if the tourism group knew that). There are two more falls in the area, Magdumog-dumog Falls and Batingaw Falls in Tumagabok which is also known as Busay. "Busay" is the local term for "falls", thus other falls elsewhere in Marinduque are also called by that name.