🍋 Pomegranate Fruit AKA Granada Fruit - My First Time In Marinduque.

The pomegranate with the scientific name Punica Granatum is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. In the Philippines, it is famous as Granada Fruit.  It has been studied that Pomegranate juice is a powerful anti-inflammatory because of its high concentration of antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and prevent oxidative stress and damage.



The first time that I saw a Granada Tree with abundant of fruits on it was when I traveled to Marinduque a few years ago. I remembered, heading to Ka Amon Cave – there was a household that captured my attention because of its colorful fruits. I was under the impression that it was a guava tree but our tour guide told us that it was Granada Fruit.



While staring at the trees and getting amazed, the owner of the house noticed us and went out of the house. She was smiling and offered us the ripe fruits. Depending on the variety and degree of ripeness, the seeds of the pomegranate can vary in taste from only a little sour (similar to ripe cherries) to fairly sharp (similar to uncooked cranberries). It can be enjoyed straight by simply eating the seeds, in any of a number of pomegranate-derived goods, or as a juice. But I ate it straight from the tree. It was sweet and a bit of sour yet it was tolerable.

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Actually, it has been years past by since I visited the Province of Marinduque. And I just remember how the locals were truly welcoming to us. And surely, I’ll be back to this province sooner.

⚱️ Gabisan Pottery - From Mud to Riches.

Marinduque is a heart-shaped island situated 18 kilometers from the main island of Luzon. It lies between Tayabas Bay to the north and the Sibuyan Sea to the south. The Island province is located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. 

Hiding in the small Barangay of Poctoy, the Municipality of Torrijos is where the best potter residing at.  Gabisan Pottery is a home-based pottery shop where the magic of molding vases out of mud happened. It is owned by Gabisan Family, a full-blooded Marinduqe-nian who starts creating pots, vases and brickworks almost decades now.  

From Poctoy Beach - where we spent our second night in Marinduque, I and my friends just randomly decided to just saunter at the shoreline heading towards the main road to catch up a public vehicle. It was one hour walk when we were surprised as we spotted this pottery.

“Ito ata yung Gabisan Pottery? Yung nakikita natin sa brochure ng Marinduque Tourism Office.”

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At first, we’re reluctant to go inside as it looks like a private place but we called the attention to whoever was inside the house. Luckily, we met the owner who humbly welcomes us to his shop.

Indeed, he toured us and let us experience how to mold the vases. He also showed us the first process up until he finalized the final product. I must admit, it requires a soft hand or the owner’s called it “cotton hand” or else you can’t really create something awesome out of the mud. Indeed, it is a talent. I was also amazed by the “Pugon”, where he dried the newly-molded pot and vase. It was old-fashioned yet it shows how much effort needs just to come up with those products.

It was their main source of income – the Pottery. The owner told us that he was able to send his daughters and sons to college out of the mud and now currently working as a professional. It wasn’t my first time to hear such a success story, remember the family in Binangonan, Rizal who was able to send siblings to college because of stone carving.  It taught me that, whatever means – as long as you’re dedicated to what you’re doing, you will find success on it; just like Gabisan Pottery, from a simple family business, it became now a Marinduque Tourism recognized must go.



Before we leave the place, we took pictures and bought small pots as souvenirs – that will remind us that we’re able to find the gem of Marinduque by accident.

🌴 10 Things You Must Do In Marinduque this Holy Week.

Marinduque is an island province in the Philippines located in Southwestern Tagalog Region or MIMAROPA, formerly designated as Region IV-B. This province is known because of its six towns which you can just saunter in a short span of time. 

When you visit this province, do not forget these things that you must consider including in your itinerary.

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1. Port of Balanacan.

Balanacan Port aka Pantalan ng Balanakan is the major port in the island province of Marinduque, Philippines. It is located at the north-western tip of the province in Barangay Balanacan at the town of Mogpog. Do not forget to take a selfie on the massive statue of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, you won’t forget it as this will welcome you once you arrive at Balanacan Port in Mogpog.




2.  Dinner at Kusina sa Plaza.

Kusina sa Plaza is located at Mercader St., Municipality of Boac – right adjacent to its infamous plaza in front of the Museum. Ambiance wise, seemingly you are in a Spanish Era as the furniture and the design of the restaurant is very Hispanic-ish.  It is an old house turned into a restaurant. Food wise, it is perfect for your gastronomically craving of Filipino Foods - from a long day of travelling.



3. Visit the Marinduque Ancestral Houses.

Located in the Municipality of Boac – Town proper, are the well-maintained old houses. Consider sauntering around the town and you will get mesmerized by the designs of the houses which truly bring you to the old era.




4. Mat Weaving and handicraft.


Witness the creativity of the inhabitants of Barangay Bonliw, Torrijos, Marinduque as they opened their place to let the visitors experience on how to weave some world class mats and other loom, buntal products.

5. Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station Balanacan, 


Climb until you will reach the top of this hill - Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station Balanacan, and look for this piece of stone marker situated on top of the hill of Mataas na Bundok or Mt. Mataas in Barangay Hinanggayon, town of Mogpog.

6. Ka Amon Cave 

See the bones of the dead Filipinas inside the cave who were allegedly victims of rape and massacre during the Japanese Era. This Cave is located at Torrijos Municipality.



7. Visita Iglesia to the huge Churches.


Since it is Lenten, why not take advantage of visiting the churches of the six towns of Marinduque. You’re able to travel and simultaneously you’re still able to stay connected with the divine power.

8. Island Hopping at Tres Reyes Islands - Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar.


Rent a boat and experience the relaxing beach and exclusivity of these three small islands named   Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar or Known as Tres Reyes. The blue water and the infinite view of the sea will surely make you feel the real meaning of tranquillity.

9. Get Dirty at the Pottery.

Go back to your childhood, play mud and create a pot. The pottery is located at Torrijos.



10 Join the Moriones Festival



The Moriones is a lenten rites held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines. The "Moriones" are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks. The Moriones or Moryonan tradition has inspired the creation of other festivals in the Philippines where cultural practices or folk history is turned into street festivals.