Putong. Unique to Marinduque.

If you've visited Marinduque and have not experienced the "Putong" ritual then you have not been welcomed properly.

It's only a small part of the island culture but with no one from any class of society being exempt to be honored with a crown of flowers (or variations thereof), and leis bestowed upon the individual, it acts as the great island equalizer - all have equal shots at getting his or her crown and be showered with love and wishes for good luck, health and prosperity.

It has been practised in the island of Marinduque - exclusively - for over a hundred years at least. Originally associated with ancient healing rituals that involved the intercession of patron saints, it's now held as a welcome or thanksgiving rite.

In the old days, traditional healing meant the involvement not only of a patient's family but the whole community, natural 'usiseros'. That probably made healing more effective as the combined positive energies of family members and the old folks, identified as 'mamumutong' were formidable forces that a sick person had to contend with.

Healing is impacted in no time at all, for who'd argue that the effect of such love and positive vibrations from all around could by no one be felt profusely? The ritual is, of course, largely spiritual in nature and thus, should be treated that way.

There are numerous versions of the "Putong" (known also as "Tubong" in some local places). The original song-and-dance rituals used to last from 6 hours to a whole day, involving saints and "Maria" whose names must be envoked, followed by drinking tuba, eating and merriment, using candles, floral crowns, incense and coins as props.

The popular version today is said to have been culled - by national artist Lucresia Kasilag, with the help of some school teachers in the early 1960s, from several versions of the Putong sung in Gasan, Boac and Mogpog.

It is one tradition that is guranteed to inspire, uplift and enrich the Marinduque experience of any traveler and for his/her tears of joy to well down the cheeks.

The Gasan Easter Festival

In 2002 a new daytime Easter festival for Gasan that involved wider participation by barangays residents was conceptualized. It was aimed to entice Holy Week visitors to stay longer in the island, particularly in Gasan that prided itself as the cultural nerve-center of Marinduque.

Gasan was where the moriones tradition, referred then as "Muryon" was discovered by Manila-based journalists in the 1960s. Prior to its 'discovery' there was no other account of any Philipine festival characterized by the use of masks. Years thereafter, the moriones festivities became centered in the town of Boac being the capital town where the moriones tradition had a considerable following.

"Gasang-Gasang Easter Sunday Festival" was thus introduced. (This blogger, who was invited in 2001 to take part in Gasan's cultural affairs by the mayor, Vicky Lao Lim, had thought of the name "Gasang-Gasang Festival", (gasang-gasang, corals, is where the name of the town originated), for another new festival to be held in August of each year to celebrate the town's founding anniversary.

Gasan's Lenten celebration organizers, Prof. Rex Asuncion and Councilor Joey Luna, however, decided to use that name instead for its Easter festival until it became officially adopted, through a resolution, by the municipal board).

This festival, although popular now and has attracted participation even by contingents from neighboring towns continues to evolve as it attempts to break away from apparent infuences in the sounds and street-dance movements from similar festivals elsewhere, such as Cebu's "Sinulog" and Iloilo's "Dinagyang".

Guidelines on the headgear and costume requirement are updated annually. This year, organizers introduced the use of native costumes and dances purportedy drawing inspiration from the Easter Salubungan's "Bati" dances, with costume changes incorporating the moriones regalia and "samaritana" costumes for the final act.

"Viva El Kristo", shouts are then heard in praise for the Risen Christ, apparently plucked from the popular cry, "Viva Senor Sto. Nino!"

Marinduque Capitol as Backdrop for Hyundai

In May 2010, Hyundai Asia Resources,Inc. picked out Marinduque as its choice for top tourist site. One way to promote it is using the islands's tourist spots as backdrop for the promotion of Hyundai's latest vehicle offerings.

As market leader in the automotive industry, Hyundai's promotion of Marinduque through print ad spreads, calendars and promo kits should also attract its clients to visit the island.

Above photo by Tito F. Hermoso is a sampling of Hyundai's promotional efforts. See Taking Hyundai's Next Generation to Marinduque - Modern Sculpture Meets Ancient Backdrop here.

Marinduque's Struggle for FREEDOM!

Teatro Balangaw actors display the official colors of Marinduque's six municipalities in celebrating Marinduque's 1900 victory, considered the country's most significant victory during the second phase of the Philippine revolution (Philippine-American War).

In 2008, the "Battle of Pulang Lupa", Marinduque's historic contribution to that struggle was highlighted as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, June 12th.

Reenacting the battle at the site where a historical site marker stands, the site of an annual pilgrimage by freedom-lovers and patriots.

The Marinduque struggle immortalized some local names, among them Gov. Martin Lardizabal, Ciriaco Vida (Alapaap), and Col. Maximo Abad, Lardizabal's military counterpart.

There's a little-known fact, however, that the 14th Congress passed Resolution No. 54, adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2008, urging the Department of National Defense to establish a separate grave site or a memorial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani to honor the heroism of all the Filipino soldiers who courageously fought in the Philippine-American War.

Most significantly, the same Resolution cited "less popular characters such as Juan Cailles, Martin Lardizabal and Ciriaco Vida, as well as almost 16,000 names of Filipino soldiers who selflessly laid down their lives
during the Philippine-American War" that "remain lost in Philippine
history books and, sadly, in the memories of the Filipino people".

For this and many more reasons, this blogger has continued to do research, gather relevant information and use the subject for artistic work. That there's a dearth of information on the issue of local heroes and historic events cannot be denied. Parallel search for documents and photos found in US archives and private libraries has also been undertaken by American national Curt Shepard, who owns a house in Mogpog.

(Col. Abad and his comrades)

Senate Resolution No. 54 reads in part:

"WHEREAS, during the Philippine-American War, Filipino soldiers, though limited in rifles and ammunition and armed mostly with bolos and bamboo spears, bravely risked their lives to achieve independence;

WHEREAS, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Macario Salcay and General Mariano Lukhan are among the familiar names, which come to mind as Filipino heroes during the Pliilippine-American War;

WHEREAS, less popular characters such as Juan Cailles, Martin Lardizabal and Ciriaco Vida, as well as almost 16,000 names of Filipino soldiers who selflessly laid down their lives during the Philippine-American War remain lost in Philippine history books and, sadly, in the memories of the Filipino people;

WHEREAS,the heroism and patriotism of the Filipino men and women, who refused to succumb to American rule, but fought for freedom to the point of death, should not he
lost in historical amnesia;

WHEREAS, the heroes and heroines of the Philippine-American War, especially those not identified in the scrolls of history, should be honored for their courage and self-sacrifice, and remembered as a testament of the Filipino people’s love
for their country, especially in these times of national crisis;

WHEREAS, it is important that the heroic deeds and patriotism of the Filipino heroes and heroines during the Philippine-American War be honored and immortalized in the
hearts and minds of the Filipino people, especially the youth, who can draw inspiration from the ideals and the patriotism, and even learn from the mistakes, of the Filipino men and women who fought for Philippine independence..."

VIVA MARINDUQUE!!! VIVA PILIPINAS!!!













(Jonard Arenas of Bangbang as Abad sings the solo part of "Awit sa Pulang Lupa".)

New season and the next stage

(Malindig Volcano)

The rainy season has started after we have felt the effects of a prolonged El Nino phenomenon on the island. Bushfires even occurred in areas in Buenavista and Gasan as if fueled by the election heat.

The effects of El Nino on local forest projects such as the one undertaken by the provincial government with DBP needs to be re-assessed.

This project is the largest in scope among other similar DBP projects as it involves watershed rehab, fruit tree forestation and mangrove forest rehabilitation covering an aggregate of 500 hectares of public land in Torrijos, Sta. Cruz and Boac. Gen. Recaredo Sarmiento II (Ret.) (in photo), is the current steward of the DBP Forest Project in Marinduque.

Such keystone responses to climate change, ecosystem, water and poverty crises on this island should receive more attention now from Marinduque's new elected leaders. This, instead of allowing themselves to continue descending into endless political bickering and old traditional behavior that divides.

The youthful Congressman-elect of Marinduque, Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco (above photo) who has scoured Marinduque's landscapes and seascapes as part of his local tourism profiling initiatives has been confronted first-hand with all the primary threats to development, natural ones and politics-sponsored. It is largely perceived that Velasco is decidedly ready now to take Marinduque to its next stage of development.

"GINTONG BINHI" for MIMAROPA

Shown in photo are representatives from Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and the six municipalities of Marinduque composed of artists, cultural workers, tourism officers and media people who participated in "Gintong Binhi", 1st Mimaropa Arts and Culture Forum held as part of the "Araw ng Marinduque" celebration.

Consuelo Zapata, Senior Culture and Arts Officer of CCP served as forum coordinator. Board member, Yolando Querubin, SP tourism committee chair, opened the program with his welcome message.


Aurea Lopez, independent art management practitioner and consultant from UP Diliman and Joseph Cristobal, of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)were the main speakers. Cristobal shared the experiences and management experience of Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. as a professional community theater organization. Lopez gave an overview of festival experiences and also synthesized the BKFI experience stressing how management is interconnected by various sub-systems such as environment, objectives, technology and structure. She provided emphasis on the objectives-setting phase, the planning-phase and implementation phase of arts and culture projects.

Participants clamored for more interactions, workshops, out-of-town activities and events that could be brought into their localities. An adhoc/technical working committee for Mimaropa Region IV-B was organized, composed of Eliseo Obligacion, Roselo Salvacion, AMparo Fatalla, Susan Arellano, Antonio Mangcucang II, Luis Sumajit, Jr. and Mat Gaytano.

The forum is expected to reinforce LGU, cultural organizations and NCCA partnership in arts and culture promotion in the region.

The event ended with a "Putong" ritual rendered by school teachers and employees of the Municipal Government of Sta. Cruz.

(Photos by Nikko Zapata)

Marinduque's Seat of Government

Backview of the provincial capitol building taken when it was built in 1928. (Photo courtesy of Nilo Monteagudo)

The Lardizabal-Trivino house located at the towncenter of Boac was the seat of government when Marinduque declared its independence from Spanish rule on April 23, 1898. This transpired nearly two months before the Declaration of Philippine Independence by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. Marinduque's military governor was Gen. Martin Lardizabal. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Villegas).

The capitol building as it looked in 2007.

Refurbishing the old capitol building in 2009 with Gov. Carrion.

The capitol building as it looks at present. Coordination undertaken with the National Historical Institute for installation of a historical site marker.

Vice-Presidential candidate, Sen. Loren Legarda poses at the front door.

(Photo by JR Baculado)

Joining hands to preserve the Kalutang

In 2008, in consultation with Tirso Serdena, locally known as the Kalutang Playing Master and with Mayor Vicky Lao Lim of Gasan, I drafted a proposal entitled "Preservation of the Art of Kalutang Playing". This involved the participation of Serdena and some members of his group in the training of elementary and high school students in the rudiments of this unique art.

Traditionally, kalutang has been aassociated with Semana Santa and the moriones of this town as the moriones themselves bang these pairs of wood to produce the familiar sound signifing their presence. Until Serdena, in 1970, developed as entertainment, a series of such identical pairs capable of producing melodies.

(Tirso Serdena, the Kalutang master training the kids)

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts approved the project, recognizing the need to preserve, protect and promote this musical tradition and to ensure that the art is handed down to the next generation, approved a grant of Php 100,000 with the Municipal Government of Gasan as proponent.

The project has been implemented since March 2009 up to the present in fifteen elementary schools and five secondary schools in Gasan town.

Dr. Mauricia D. Borromeo, Vice-Chair of NCCA Committee on Music during a recent monitoring visit commented thus:

"Conceptual. Two levels of preservation were given due concern. The first concern being the kalutang’s traditional role and function in the Moriones Parade/March around the town as the principal “auditory signal” of the approach and presence of Moriones in the streets. Should other “signal equipment” be used or introduced, the kalutang should remain as the principal medium.


The second level refers to the “Art of Kalutang playing”. The instrument as presently crafted by the proponent is decidedly innovative and creative but it has set limits on the repertoire. Artistry in kalutang playing can be achieved through a systematic program of development in which pedagogy is crucial.

Pedagogical. A systematic graded program of teaching and learning needs to be designed to enable kalutang teachers to be effective and to facilitate the learning of students. The unique and necessary techniques of kalutang playing must be identified.

In preparation for artistry, a thorough training in musicianship (elements of music, music reading and performance) is needed. Pedagogically and musically sound teaching materials should be developed to build a rich repertoire not limited to simple folk songs."


According to Roselo Salvacion (Teatro Balangaw) of Gasan who was tasked as project coordinator, the same batch of elementary and high school students who were trained initially for 12 days in March 2009, continued training with the goal of performing in August 2009 for the 400th Anniversary of Gasan.

Music teacher, Norma Soldevilla of Marinduque Midwest College was also encouraged to get involved especially in terms of musicianship and repertoire.

Borromeo recommended to avoid competition at present. Recitals or festivals featuring achievements of students would be more positive and non-threatening, she said. Incentives in the form of performing at special community occasions or selected “free” instruments, or cash incentives to buy instruments may be given.


Borromeo also pointed out that potential kalutang players/trainers should receive musicianship training as well, i.e. music reading, harmony, and arranging songs for kalutang. Mr. Serdeña should be sent to seminar related to music, learning notes, pitches, and teaching methods.

Aware of the possibilities of a pair of kalutang that is capable of more than four pitches in order to have a complete set of major and minor scales (and chords), thus expanding and enriching kalutang repertoire, Boromeo also recommended that Serdeña increase the present range of four pitches to six and to include halfsteps.

Continued support to these efforts is seen, in more ways than one, as a true recognition of efforts, particularly those exerted by ordinary people, such as the original Serdena Kalutang group, in contributing to the community’s sense of culture, pride, and identity.

The positive impact of the project to the municipality’s tourism promotional efforts is also quite evident.

Marinduque next Tourist Hotspot in Asia - CNN

CNN International reported that MARINDUQUE is the next tourist hotspot in Asia, alongside, Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Hainan (China) and the Ho Tram Strip (Vietnam)as touted by developers and local governments.

Why? Writer Tiffany Lam says "For years, Marinduque has been under the foreign tripper's radar, but not for long, if politicos and developers have their way. The laid-back island-province is now being touted as the Philippines’ next holiday haven, with the Bellarocca luxury resort set up last year, and new domestic flights on Zest Air and SEAIR connecting it to Manila.

"Luzon officials are also on a crusade to raise the area’s public profile.

"Ilocos Norte representative Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said earlier this month that “once the Marinduque air and sea ports are modernized, larger volume of local and foreign tourists can be lured to visit its little-known but awesome white sand beaches.” Marcos is also advocating the redevelopment of the abandoned Marcopper mining site into a 18-hole golf course and a hospital complex, to boost medical tourism".

With now Senator-Elect Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and with Congressman-Elect Lord Allan J. Velasco joining hands, the latter having pushed for Marinduque tourism in his capacity as Provincial Administrator under the administration of Governor Jose Antonio N. Carrion, we may indeed see the materialization of things we never thought possible or could happen here. Or yes, we did but things get stalled along the way with negative local politics hurtling us down the road to serfdom, leaving people motionless in suspended animation. But, maybe this time...

Read the full CNN article here