It was a bright morning as we packed our stuff, left the Sanctuary Garden Resort and headed to the pier en route to Romblon Island. The sea was calm. Yet, without any gush of wind and the sun rising up high, the morning heat was slowly becoming unbearable.
Even when we already started with our pump boat ride, I couldn’t be lulled to sleep as no wind caressed my face. I sat ready with my camera in tow for anything that might catch my attention. There was none. Good thing that I was seated next to a gentleman who is a passionate resident of Sibuyan Island.
He expressed his frustrations for the lack of infrastructure in the island and hopes that ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Journey to the Heart of the Philippines” will attract more attention to Sibuyan and draw people to visit the place. By his stories and the concerns he aired, it was obvious that he loves the place where he has grown. But the lure for greener pasture has led the younger generation out of the island onto the capital.
Sibuyan is the second largest island in the province of Romblon, with Tablas as the biggest and where most local officials are hailed. Although Romblon island is only the third in size, its location as the bridgeway between Tablas and Sibuyan and the presence of marble, among many other factors, have made it as the center of economic activities.
As our pump boat approached Romblon island, rugged rock formations came on sight. Some of the rocks were chipped off, revealing the white and yellowish texture of raw marble.
Romblon town has a beautiful harbor depicting that of European fishing villages. Its location and shape also made it a safe place for boats and ships to dock without the dangers of large waves.
It is a quiet town. As we toured the narrow streets of Romblon, I found that there are so many old buildings that have been built since the Spanish era and are still standing till this day.
San Jose Cathedral in Romblon
The coral limestone and marble walls of San Jose or St. Joseph Cathedral provided a neat and sturdy appearance. And if one can find a spectacular view of the church based on its facade, one will even be in awe of its interiors. Marble columns, marble staircases, and marble balustrades. Everything was elegantly built in Romblon’s main product and resource — marble.
At the left side of the altar stood the image of the Holy Child of Jesus, which is believed by the locals as a miraculous image as it disappeared for many years and was found by an antique collector.
The church, believed to be built in the 15th century by the Recollect friars, although others claim it must be around the 18th century or after the Recollects arrived in the country, is considered as the oldest church in the province. The copper belfry still stands beside the church.
Romblon Municipal Building
A stone’s throw away from the church is the municipal building which also served as a cuartel during the Spanish era. During the time of our visit, it housed several government offices and the jail below.
The columns and the structure itself is still retained although the walls looked like it was freshly painted and a mural is found below the terraces.
Fuente de Belen
The carvings said it all. Still using the Spanish language, the water fountain was built in 1864 by a lieutenant named Eduardo Asuero y Soto. It was the source of freshwater during their time. At present, it serves as a little rotunda. Plants are found inside the fountain, instead of water, and the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which appeared to be ancient as well, stood at the top of the structure.
Lim Building
We passed by one of the structures in Romblon and our guide pointed to it as one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is called the Lim building which now served as a commercial establishment but still houses the descendants of the family in its upper floor.
Fort San Andres
Fort San Andres, also built in the 18th century, stood atop a hill that provided a beautiful view of the town’s landscape and the harbor below. It was built as a fortification against Moro raiders and Dutch pirates. Its twin fort, Fort Santiago, at the other side of the harbor, was no longer restored.
Romblon’s products at the Marble factory
Chinese and Japanese warriors, animals, angels, the Resurrected Christ similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro, and other images are carved by the side of the road where marble is cut and polished.
Romblon never seems to run out of marble. Our guide said that the rock was discovered in the early 1900’s but it was only in about 1970’s when the government invested in the marble industry.
Romblon Shopping Center
The factory didn’t have much small marble items to sell as they were making large images as well as chairs and other household fixtures. It was in the Romblon Shopping Center, just outside the port, where several marble souvenirs are sold. Some even provided carving services where tourists can have their names carved on the marble items they purchase.
Because of the old structures in Romblon’s town, it has been declared years ago by the government as a heritage town. But apart from its colorful history, Romblon has several other attractions, such as its beaches, wildlife and marine sanctuaries, and caves.
Romblon is a beautiful place to visit. Good thing there’s 2Go Travel which provides several trips to the province with its clean facilities. It was a worthy journey to the heart of the Philippines.
All photos are by Claire Algarme. Check my photos at http://facebook.com/firsttimetravel. Check out my previous post of my Romblon trip. Also, read the related post on Sibuyan Island at CNN’s iReport.
Beautiful! Highly informative narrative. I sincerely hope that all the officials of the province will have the political will to really develop the province and actively participate in the efforts to include it among the tourist attractions.