Oriental Mindoro: Paradise Found

IT TAKES 2 HOURS FROM BATANGAS PORT VIA RORO TO REACH MINDORO. ONE OF THE BUSIEST RORO PORTS IS THE CALAPAN PORT.
3 DAYS IN ORIENTAL MINDORO

Contents
1 3 DAYS IN ORIENTAL MINDORO
2 CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL
3 NATURE ADVENTURE
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
The RORO ship wasn’t what I had expected. I have been to Tawi-Tawi last September and the ship that sailed us off was a bit cramped unlike this one.

There were chairs and benches lying around, and even bunk beds where passengers can just doze off. The photographer and I first decked in at the second floor where we saw different amenities: a mini—canteen which offers various types of snacks and a mini—theater where movies or TV programs are shown.

The rest rooms are also clean and well- maintained as I also got a chance to use them. After just breathing in the fresh mist (as it was still very early in i morning), we decided to climb to the upper deck where we feasted our eyes on a more panoramic view of the sea — islands passing by and some fishermen trying to get their days catch.

But because there was no roof over our heads and it was getting hotter by the '3 minute, we decided to go down the i second floor landing. As I took in the view, my thoughts drifted to places where the RORO can take us. And in one fluid motion — Boracay. I have never been to that place and I just wondered when I could take my chance. I hear it’s one big party place, and I can’t wait to save so I can finally see What the buzz is all about.

Anyway, back to Oriental Mindoro. The trip actually took a whole two hours but we never realized it. We were too busy taking in the great view and capturing some shots that the two hours went by so fast. One minute we were running as fast as we can to catch our trip, and the next, we found ourselves getting off the RORO. So here we were in Calapan, the capital city of Oriental Mindoro, and we just couldn’t wait to tour the whole province in just three days! That was the challenge, but more than that, it was discovering new and unexplored territories that tourists can go to and spend time with their family and friends.

CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL

After freshening up in the hotel, we were met by the staff from the Tourism Council to discuss our itinerary for the next three days. Their office houses the Mait Museum, where Mangyan artifacts such as baskets, beads, hats and other accessories were on display. There was even a Mangyan writing posted on the wall — a poem about peace and hospitality. On one side of the wall were all the products of the Mangyans grouped according to tribes. It was here that I learned that the Mangyans bought their materials from the Chinese and made these finished products.

After having lunch at Anahaw Island View Resort (they serve one of the best sisigs I have ever tasted!) just a few ‘ distances from the Tourism Council, we went to the town’s city hall. This reminds me of the White House in Washington DC, USA since it was majestically white ' in color, and really massive. There was even a garden inside the hall where guests and VIPs can have lunch and be entertained.

The Calapan plaza, on the other hand, was a place where families and friends can hang around and have a picnic. It has a map of Oriental Mindoro lying smack in the middle of a small pond and a monument of Jose Rizal in the plaza. And yes, he isn’t standing anymore. He is sitting down, writing one of his novels! That was actually the first time I saw our national hero in that position. Because I was really hungry that time, we decided to buy some popcorn in the stands around the area.

Next up was the Sto. Nino Parish Church where I was told about an old organ pipe. Unfortunately, we learned that this isn't played anymore because the original pianist died, as there was no one else who was bold enough to continue what he left off. l didn't notice any vendors in the area, just people milling about. We then were off to the Mangyan Heritage Center, where all you want to know about the Mangyans are found. We were supposed to take pictures of some Mangyan handy works and artifacts but unfortunately, the room was closed.

The next day, we decided to visit every town. We were already dressed by Sam and opted to have some early breakfast at the town of Naujan. The other towns in our itinerary were also a refreshing site to see. The city halls of Mansalay, and Gloria, a town named after the president, were all painted in different organic colors — Mansalay in orange, and Gloria. in white. And the employees for that day were also wearing the colors of their city halls!

Amusing because I never thought they would be wearing their city hall’s colors.‘ How, patriotic indeed.‘ Because Gloria is a handicraft town, we also ventured out to where bamboo chairs and other furniture are made. The Bamboo Makers Association of Gloria (BMAG) sells all kinds of stuff such as ash trays, candle holders, vases and even a sala set.

The small town of Bongabong also ’ has ancestral houses that are said to be occupied by spirits. Rumor has it that when people pass by these old structures at night, they can hear a piano playing from a distance. Maybe a little bit spooky, but i personally, don’t believe in this stuff.

Then we went to the town of Bansud, which has , a distinct park and where I got the chance to row a small boat in the man—made lake! The “trip” was short because we still had- a lot of places to go to.

Other features: a playground, another monument of Jose - Rizal and an open auditorium where presentations are staged. The town park of Pinamalayan also has a butterfly sanctuary.

NATURE ADVENTURE

I was told that on the Way to the top are several waterfalls and some numerous rivers with a Wide variety of flora and fauna. The terrain is from rainforest to mossy forest, and from bonsai to highland forest. There are also several stopovers on the way to the top. But once at its peak, the great view of the whole Oriental Mindoro and other surrounding peaks can be seen. But even if we weren’t able to trek the mountain, we had the chance to visit three of the famous waterfalls here.

First stop was the Alpaparay Spring River and Waterfalls in the town of Baco, which is guarded by a family of Mangyans at the foot. After saying our hellos, we proceeded to trek. The climb was slippery since it was drizzling by the time we got there — the rocks were filled with mosses so we had to be careful in placing our footing.

We also had to cross two hanging bridges on our way to the top but it wasn’t as high as I thought it would be. I was literally drenched from the knees down and since I was no experienced climber, I had several of the guys pull me up. I also left my shoes at the foot of the mountain to avoid injury. I slipped a couple of times but managed to resurface. Here’s a little bit of advice: when you plan to trek here, make sure that you have an experienced guide with you since there are some areas where you will really have to put your whole body into it to grasp that ledge.

After thirty minutes of climbing, and about a bucket of sweat later, we finally reached the top. And the View was awesome — the water was crystal clear and really good for swimming. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to bring our trunks with us so we weren’t able to take a dip. Just don’t be scared of the “limatiks” in the area, a creature similar to a linta that attaches to your leg and sucks your blood. I, for one, had too many close encounters with these creatures as I found out later in the’ hotel room when I took off my pants.

The next waterfalls we went to is called Tagong Paraiso in the town of San Teodoro. This waterfalls really lives up to its name because we had to ask for directions on how to get there several times on the road. When we finally found the area, we disembarked and, surprisingly, we didn't have to climb any rocks to get there. All we had to cross was a small bridge and the waterfalls was well within our sight, Tagong Paraiso wasn’t as impressive as the first one we went to because it was still not developed but there was a restroom and a changing area, We left just a few minutes after taking our pictures in the area.

Tamaraw Falls, located in San Teodoro, is just along the highway. Commuters and other bystanders can just park on the side of the highway and they can already see the falls. The water from the falls brings guests to a swimming pool for children and adults, on the opposite side of the street, which has already been turned into a mini- resort. For Php 10 for kids and Php 20 for adults, guests can already bathe in the cool waters and have a picnic in the area as there is a grilling counter at the side — you only need to pay Php 50. Just bring your own food. There is also a small souvenir shop Where you can buy something for your family back home. We disembarked, drank one beer each, enjoyed the really great view, and then headed home.

In Mansalay also lies a crystal white beach known as the Buktot White Sand Beach, where you get to take in the whole View of an island paradise. With an entrance fee of Php 10 per person, you can rent huts for Php 50 to Php 100 a day, depending on the size of the hut. The beauty of this little— known beach is just as awesome as the air was invigorating; the water was cool and the place was just spectacular. It wasn’t too hot as the huts shielded us from the rays of the sun.

I promised to myself that I would come back here again. And yes, we failed to take a dip once more because we didn’t bring any swimming clothes with us.

FOOD TRIP

I was told that there is nothing really special when it comes to the food in Oriental Mindoro. As for the drinks, you can try the Mindoro Sling, which is only available in this province. You can also try out the bibingka and salabat at the town of Naujan. For just Php 10, you can have a taste of this delectable treat, and the salabat is free!

There are also a series of stalls which are, to our delight, Open twenty—four hours, so you can take your pick.

LOCAL FINDS

Bring home a pack of banana crackers, peanut brittle, yema, pastillas, macapuno, hopia, pop rice and otap from Ms Eatery in Gloria. You can also buy nata de coco, atsara, and its unique mix of alamang. I was told that the secret to alamang is in its cooking. They cook it for five hours!

You can also buy some of these in Calapan - pineapple jam, pickles with seaweed, calamansi marmalade — for Php 65 each. There are several souvenir shops around Oriental Mindoro where you can buy hats, clothes, handicrafts, bags and even accessories. These can be found in the towns of Calapan, Gloria, and Mansalay.

BOARD AND LODGING

You can stay at the Anahaw Island 5 View Resort (tel. no. 02-523-7845), which has a bar, cabins, pool, terrace, function halls and badminton court. The cost is Php 600 for the fan rooms and Php 850 for the aircon rooms.

But for the more adventurous, you can stay at the El Pueblo Rhizort Hotel and Resort (tel. no. 02-283-5437) in Calapan. They have a fitness center and facilities for activities such as billiards, air hockey, darts, soccer and table tennis. There are also water boat sports such as jet-skis and pedal boats.

If you desire for a luxurious stay, you can do so at Filipiniana Resort in Calapan (tel. no. 02-286-2624), a four star hotel and restaurant where we stayed. Avail of their welcome drinks, complimentary breakfast for two people, use of swimming pool, and a free shuttle service from Calapan pier to the hotel. They also have a basketball court, spa, jacuzzi and sauna. The price: Php 2,000 — Php 3,000 a night.

GETTING AROUND

Oriental Mindoro is accessible from Manila and its surrounding environs via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Southern Tagalog Access Road (STAR), the most convenient overland route to the port of Batangas in Batangas City, where ferry boats are available.

In Metro Manila, you can take the bus or your private vehicle going to Batangas. From there, you can take the RORO to Calapan City, the capital of Oriental Mindoro.

If you want to venture into other towns, you can take the buses plying the highway. Once in Calapan, you can take the trieycles if you want to tour the city. But if you want to go to its outskirts, take the buses, vans or jeepneys. As for us, we rented vans for the whole journey.

If you are still up for another set of adventure, while in Oriental Mindoro, you may opt to ride a bus to Bgy. Danay in Roxas and take another RORO ride will bring you to Caticlan, Aklan where you may bask in the white and powder fine sand of Boracay. The trip takes two to five hours, depending on the shipping line. Maybe I will try that route next time.