One of the Philippines’ most colorful festivals celebrated in the island-province, Moriones is derived from the word ‘morion’, which means ‘mask’ or ‘visor’ refer to the colorfully garbed and masked soldiers and centurions during the Passion of the Christ.

This folk-religious festival is a week-long celebration that starts on Holy Monday and culminates on Easter Sunday. Costumed penitents march around the plaza for seven days looking for Longinus, a Roman centurion who was blind in one eye.

Legend has it that Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ. The blood that spurted from the wound is said to have miraculously healed his blind eye and fully restored his sight. This miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned the ire of his fellow centurions. The re-enactment reaches its climax when Longinus is caught and beheaded.

The festival and parade of the penitents are done in the towns of Boac, Gasan, Santa Cruz, Buenavista and Mogpog. That’s why getting snap shots of the colorful costumes is a must!

One could also don the costumes of the Roman soldiers for some souvenir photos.

This year, the Moriones Festival is set on April 17 �"24.

What to Do:

Townspeople of the five municipalities warmly welcome guests and visitors, so you would not have a difficult time in getting a seat or a spot where you can get a clear view of the parade. In most towns, the churches are within the vicinity of the plaza and the festivals’ parade view. Getting some height from some a church window or (better yet) belfry will afford you a nice bird’s eye view of the festivities.

Express your passion for culture and the arts with activities such as the “Maskara Mo, Kulayan Mo” (Mask Painting Contest ) at the Boac Covered Court; the

“Senakulo” (street play featuring the morions) will also be held at on Maunday Thursday at .2pm; the “Battle of the Morions” (a competition of contingents of morions from different towns performing choreographed movements) will take place at the Moriones Arena along the Boac riverbank.

Guests can also join the putong ritual which reportedly has healing effects or take a historical tour of the churches in Marinduque. Take a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista town or go island- hopping at Balanacan Bay in Mompog.

For a gastronomic treat, you can try Marinduque’s version of dinuguan (pork meat cooked in chicken/pig blood) which includes a hint of coconut milk. Try the tasty uraro (arrow root) cookies as snacks and souvenirs.

Things to remember:

The Moriones Festival is tightly connected to the religiosity of the people. While visiting churches, try to dress in a presentable manner. Halters and spaghetti straps and mini skirts for the ladies are discouraged.

A flashlight would be handy since Marinduque’s bumpy roads are on the rough side and streetlights are lacking.

Marinduque is one of the safest places in the country with an almost zero crime rate. However, this no reason to display your prized possessions in public so refrain from doing so. At the port of Balanacan in Mompog, avoid entrusting your luggage to non-official luggage handlers.

Never trust drivers who offer you a ride around Marinduque for a steep price. Always ask and negotiate the fare before agreeing to board a vehicle. Never leave your valuables inside your hotel room when you plan to go out for a stroll.

How to Get There:

From Manila you can catch a bus from Buendia or Cubao �" JAM and JAC liners are the usual ones. The bus ride might take 3 �" 4 hours from Manila Terminal to Dalahican Port in Lucena City.

From Lucena, RORO ( Roll on Roll off ) feries are available (2 1/2 �" 3 hours, Php150-200) to Balanacan or Cawit Port in Marinduque. You can also reach Marinduque from Lucena via Fast Craft (45 minutes). Local jeepneys the Marinduque ports will take you to your respective destinations.