Priding itself as the island-province’s cultural nerve-center with its old and newly-created festivals inspired by indigenous arts and culture that involves the entire populace, Gasenos have preserved their identity and a culture with highly religious overtones. “Gasang-Gasang Festival” in Easter and “Kalesayahan” in August are just two of these elaborate festivals. Unique versions of the “Putong” ritual and the “Kalutang” a native band using only wooden percussion instruments are ubiquitous in any type of celebration.
Gasan has its remarkable share of scenic attractions. Among the conspicuous Tres Reyes Islands, Gaspar is a favorite place for picnicking and swimming with its crushed coral beach and ever-changing configuration.
It has a reputation of having attracted pioneers in archaeological excavations in the Philippines such as the French naturalist, Alfred Marche in the 19th century followed by others including Dr. Robert Fox in the 1960s.
Gasan’s reputation as the cleanest municipality has remained unchallenged on the island and in the entire region. Recently, its noteworthy tourism practices have also gained recognition with a corresponding award given to it. The life-cycle of butterflies, hundreds of species actually hosted by the island-province, could be viewed and their by-products bought in the town’s butterfly breeding farms that have made Marinduque a major butterfly exporter.
The more adventurous visitors take an hour of trekking to Talao Caves in Barangay Tiguion to experience the multi-storey or wide open chambers and at times grueling passageways where untouched and massive crystalline formations are just there for all to see.
For some, a trek to the hills and the welcome smile of farmers as they go about their daily routine but taking time out to engage in pleasantries with visitors, could be a memorable experience.
