ABOUT US
Mindoro,
the seventh largest island in the Philippines, was founded on February 2,1921,
by the members of the Spanish mission. They occupied the southern and northern
tips of the island but were soon driven away by Muslim hordes. The Muslims later
built strongholds in the island from which they launched attacks against Manila.
They were later vanquished by the forces of Simon de Anda.
In the early years of Spanish rule, Mindoro was administered as a part of the
province of Batangas, then known as Bonbon. It was separated from Batangas, with
Puerto Galera as its capital, during the 17th century. In 1902, the island of
Lubang was annexed to Mindoro, which gained full provincehood in 1921. In 1950,
the island was divided into two separate and autonomous provinces through
Republic Act No.505, designating the eastern portion of the island as Oriental
Mindoro, with Calapan as its capital, and the western part as Occidental
Mindoro, with Mamburao as its capital.
Every November 15, the people
celebrate the Sanduguan Festival. It is a re-enactment of the first historical
trade and cultural contact between the natives of the island of MA-l (Mindoro)
and traders from China. Sanduguan is derived from the native word ""Sandugo,""
which literally means ""blood brother."" The festival is done in consonance with
the founding anniversary of Mindoro Oriental.
The People
The predominant language is Tagalog but other
dialects inlude Ilocano, Cebuano and Mangyan tongues of Arayan, alangan, Buhid,
Hanunuo and Tadyawan.
The Mangyans were among the earliest inhabitants of
Mindoro. there are now abouth 50 000 Mangayans living in Oriental Mindoro. The
term Mangyan is a generic name for the diverse groups inhabiting the moutains
and foothills. Indiviualy, the groups identify themselves by other names.
The Iraya live in the northern towns from Baco to
Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro. While they have come to live in settlements,
they nevertheless maintain a second hut in the kaingin sites during agricultural
production. They are noted for fine baskets.
The Alangan live in a wide area around Mt. Halcon
between the Iraya and the Batangan to the south. The paitan area has been
declared a reservation for this group.
The Batangan or Taobuid belong to the ethnic stock
called proto-Malay. Most of them do not have personal names. Both sexes wear
loinclothes. Married women cover their breast with bark scraps.
The Hununuo, who consider themselves the "true"
Mangyans, are found in the southern towns from Bongabong to San Jose in
Occidental Mindoro. They still use a anscient indigenous script consisting of 48
characters, which they carve onto bamboo tubes. they chant words of wisedom
called inukoy and folkloric poems called ambahan.
They are also misccally inclined, using instruments
made of wood and human hair for strings on a bow.
Commerce and Industry
Agriculture is the major economic activity in the
province. The principal products are rice, coconut, corn, citrus and other
fruits. Cattle and poultry raising and rubber planting are large-scale. Fishing
is lucrative, with 13 coastal towns as rich fishing grounds.
The province has abundant mineral resources asuch as
gold in the Baco and Bongabon rivers, and coal at the northwest area of Mt.
Halcon. There are also white marble and slate deposits.
Mangyan Tribes
The
province’s existing ethnic tribal groups, the Mangyans, are gentle and withdrawn
people but many of them have managed to integrate into the cultural mainstream,
largely in the municipalities of Mansalay, Baco, Puerto Galera, Roxas, and
Bongabong. The Mangyan tribe consists of various smaller tribes like the Iraya,
Alangan, and Tadwanan. They are skilled weavers and craftsmen, producing
intricate tribal finery, including baskets, mats, and other items, both
functional and aesthetic.
Mt.
Halcon
Towering
8,488 feet above sea level, Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak. It
is a favourite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Mt. Halcon
is located in Baco. It is accessible in two hours, by taking a jeepney to Baco,
the jump-off point.
Mt. Halcon is one of the most challenging mountains to conquer according to most
mountaineers. A climber will encounter rugged terrain, steep slopes,
unpredicatable weather and slimy leeches (limatik). At first one will be put off
by this annoying leeches but when it always get in your feet or hands you'll get
used to it. or just dont mind it at all as it will fall off when it is already
engorged with blood. Hiking the mountain will take you 4 days (2 days up 2 days
down) with 8 hour trekking time. inexperienced climbers will definitely curse
this mountain cause the first day of trekking alone is tough with no flat lands
and just steep trails to tread. One good thing about this mountain is that you
need not to bring any water because the place it streaming with it. Camp site is
large enough to accomodate large group of climbers. Guides should be hired
preferably mangyans so that your party will not get lost and i think its now
mandatory to have a guide when going there. Here are some tips when climbing Mt.
Halcon. Train hard. Training is important as this is not just your
ordinary mountain. Many cried and wanted to go home because of the degree of
difficulty in hiking its slopes. Pack light. Pack only the necessities.
Every ounce counts. Waterproof your gear as weather is unpredictable even
in summer. Keep your group small. The climbing party should be limited to
only 12 persons or less to avoid a large gap between lead pack and the sweepers.
Keep your group intact while hiking. Low impact climbing tends to minimize trail
degradation and lessens impact on the surrounding environment. Bring a radio
and coordinate with local authorities. Climb only during the summer months
so you can avoid the storms and lastly leave the alcohol behind.
Tamaraw
Falls
The
423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of
asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed
below. The cascading waterfalls is a great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw
Falls is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It can be reached in two
hours by taking a jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from Puerto Galera, or
Calapan.
Beaches
In
nature-blessed Oriental Mindoro, you can choose your own beach among the many
that abound, from fawn beige to powdery white. To name a notable few, there are
the beaches of Sabang, Suqui, Banilad, Bongol, La Laguna, Small La Laguna,
Talipanan, Melco, Punta Guarda, and White Sand, drawing local and foreign water
enthusiasts alike with majestic sites ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba
diving.
ANAHAW BEACH RESORT
Sabang Beach
The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A cluster of
nightspots abound in the area, which make it popular for evening socials.
Cottages with entertainment facilities stand close to each other. Low-budget
accommodations are available. Sabang Beach is located east of Puerto Galera. It
can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto Galera pier by taking a jeepney or
an outrigger banca.
Banana Festival
Held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Mindoro Oriental, the festival is a
celebration of the abundance of bananas. It features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-(type
of banana)-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities
coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph.
Mindoro Trekking
The large, wild island of Mindoro, easily accessible from Manila,
offers some magnificent trekking experiences. Try ascending Mt. Halcon (2586m),
a challenging four-day trek through old-growth rain-forest. Or brave the rugged
journey south to the Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, one of the last homes of the
tamaraw, the endangered wild buffalo of the Philppines. Park rangers monitor the
tamaraw population carefully, and with their help, trekkers have a good chance
of seeing these elusive animals.
by: pogiako
Author information goes here.
mindorodalnet@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2005 by Shameboy. All rights reserved.
Revised:
28 Jan 2006 21:42:21 -1200
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