#philippine book festival

[ilaw-at-panitik]

Everything I got from this year's Philippine Book Festival.

[akocomyk]

📚

[shainnehost]

The Philippine Book Festival is happening this 2023!

The Philippine Book Festival is the largest traveling book festival in the Philippines! Happening on June 2-4, 2023 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and on August 18-20, 2023 in SMX Davao. See you there!

[jeffreybower]

Ron Reads The Secret of Derek Guerrero by Mark Manalang

A long time ago, when the world was young and the temperature was much lower, I wrote for a newspaper. I did that for 10 years and since my beat was books and publishing, I was a regular attendee at book fairs, book launches, and the occasional Palanca awards night. I used to be on top of things when it came to books and publishing, but when I changed careers I wasn’t as on the pulse of things…

[thatboypeeju]

It's my first time attending the Philippine International Comics Festival, and I feel so lucky! This year marks the festival's return to an in-person format after four years of being held online.

I've always had a deep appreciation for visual art and animation, but much of the media I've consumed has been from other cultures. My book blog, Pinoy Page Turners, has provided a creative avenue to nurture my passion not only for literature in general but also to foster my love for local narratives and artworks.

The blog has become a driving force that inspires me to connect with local stories and the artists and publishers behind them. It has also led me to find kindred spirits in the form of book club mates. Together, we embark on activities that keep the child in me alive and introduce the people who matter to me to the things I love.

Thank you for supporting my blog and joining me on this journey! Here's to more bookish events and discoveries!

-PJ 🍊

[balisongvlog]

VP Duterte Commends National Book Development Board's Role in Enhancing Literary Skills and Book Industry

In an address delivered on Friday, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed admiration for the pivotal role played by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in elevating writing and reading competencies, while also contributing to the growth of the local book publishing sector. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Philippine Book Festival held in Davao City, Duterte underscored the…

[thisismeracing]

hii i hope ur having an amazing weekend! happy vegas gp <3

can i pls request a filipino reader dating carlos hcs (like what u did w the charles hcs) we fili cs55 girlies need more. we yearn for more 😭🙏

i looove ur work pls never disappear from the face of tumblr🧎‍♀️

hi, baby! happy vegas gp!!! <3 here you go! hope you like it *mhwa*

CARLOS DATING A FILIPINO GIRL | CS55

Warnings: mentions of food; tooth-rotting fluff; mentions of family members; not proofread.

A/n: Just a quick reminder that there are many shades, experiences, and backgrounds when it comes to Filipinos and their culture, what I am writing does not resume everything, but rather brings a piece of it to the table. <3

▸ my masterlist | my taglist | patreon guide▸ support my writing by reblogging, leaving a comment (don’t forget to follow me if you like the piece), or buying me a coffee)

This man LOVES to hear you speaking Filipino. Most of the time he doesn't understand a thing, but he loves the sonority of it. It becomes a thing to read for when he's anxious. He'll pick Filipo books based on the cover or he'll stash his favorite titles but in Filipino and you'll read for him while playing with his hair;

Maybe that's how he learns a few words, by listening to you. So when you travel to meet your family, he knows the basics, and he even praises your dad on the cooking;

Speaking of food, Carlos becomes obsessed with Filipo's cuisine. What do you mean Pandesal is literally bread with salt but tastes like heaven and melts like clouds in your mouth? (He'll definitely say 'pandesal' with a Spanish accent and you think it is the most adorable thing);

His favorite dish is probably Okoy. But he loves Filipino soups and stews and will ask for them when he's sick (your nana told him she made it for you when you were young, and now he wants to experience those small things too);

Since there's Spanish influence in a lot of traditions, you both like to read a bit more about where it came from and how it used to be;

You took him to the Philippines during the Pahiyas Festival, and Carlos kept pointing to all the colors and things and saying how beautiful it looks;

There was a wedding in your family a few months into the relationship and since Sainz had already met your family they invited him. He stays glued to your side the first moments and asks a few questions that get your ears perked up, like if he could wear a Barong Tagalog or if it would be disrespectful if there could be a traditional wedding between a Filipino and a person from a different country and so on;

In the second half of the party, Carlos disappears with your siblings and cousins, to dance and make small talk with your family;

He'll definitely catch the bouquet and give it to you with the biggest smile on his face;

Carlos will suggest the Philippines as your next vacation destiny and even hint about a honeymoon somewhere there.

[filipinfodump]

Kabesang Tales - Isang Rap en Rol Musical

A Filipino Musical that hasn't left my mind since the mid 2010s

Poster for Kabesang Tales posted by Palakat Batangas City via Facebook

Although the Philippines is known for its many talented singers which include many that had crossed over to Broadway such as Lea Salonga, and Rachelle Ann Go, alongside many other Filipino-American talents like Conrad Ricamora, Arielle Jacobs, George Salazar, and Darren Criss just to name a few, the musical scene in the Philippines itself isn't as popular nor as successful in the country as it really should be.

Even with Filipino-majority musicals in states like the controversial Broadway musical "Here Lies Love" which narrates the life story of Imelda Marcos, one of the most controversial figures in Filipino politics and history today, and with Filipino stars often taking in lead or secondary roles in major productions, the musical boom of the 2010s did not come with a boom for the musical industry in the local level compared to the sudden popularity of American musicals like Hamilton, Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, or Be More Chill to name a few.

The very few musicals that did garner the spotlight did not receive the same notoriety of these foreign productions save for one of the few musical movies to have gotten major media acclaim Loy Arcena's Ang Larawan (2017) (en. The Portrait) based on the 1997 play of the same name by National Artist Nick Joaquin which became a media frenzy as being maybe one of the few if not the only original movie not based on major series or created by a large production company to be released that year for the Metro Manila Film Festival. One of the things that had skyrocketed it to media attention was the fact that most theaters did not screen it and it was only shown in very few cinemas, but that's a story for another time.

Despite the time and devotion Filipino musical fans may have for theatre, rarely do Filipino made and produced musicals ever enter the pop culture zeitgeist due to many factors like the lack of advertising, accessibility issues, and honestly the lack of cast recordings. Out of the many throughout the 2010s, one of the few I was able to watch that I still think about at times is Ricky Lee's very own rap and rock musical Kabesang Tales.

Background

Photo of Ricky Lee, the writer of Kabesang Tales the Musical via Inquirer

Kabesang Tales - Isang Rap en Rol Musical) (en. Captain Tales - A Rap n' Roll Musical) is a rap and rock musical first performed in the year 2015 and was written by renowned Filipino writer and National Artist Ricky Lee. The musical was directed by Alejandro "Bong" Ramos, with music by Jeffrey Hernandez and Alfredo Ongleo, and produced by Red Lantern Production (Inquirer, 2015).

Photo of John Arcilla, the lead actor for Kabesang Tales the Musical via Inquirer

The musical stars John Arcilla as the titular character Telesforo Juan "Kabesang Tales" De Dios, famously known for his breakout role as Hen. Anotnio Luna in the historical film Heneral Luna released the same year as the musical, alongside other talents such as Dio Marco as Karyo, Kevin Posadas as Tano de Dios, Alecx Lorica as Juli De Dios among many other talented actors (Inquirer, 2015).

A cover of one of the book's translations posted by twitter user El Filibusterismo (@/joseriz15155899) via X/Twitter

The play is based on Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo (en. The Filibuster) and more specifically, the character of Kabesang Tales, the head of his barangay (a sort of Filipino village) and father of Basilio's main love interest Juli, who had turned into a guerilla bandit after his family and life were ruined by the Spanish friars. He becomes the feared Matanglawin (en. Hawkeye) who terrorizes the countryside. He plays a minor but important role in the books, being the father of one of the main secondary characters as well as being one of the main allies of the primary characters as they tried to start a revolution in the country.

The play primarily focuses on his perspective throughout the whole book with some scenes focusing more on the main protagonists Simoun and Basilio as well as his daughter Juli.

Performances and Releases

The musical had limited performances throughout some parts of the CALABARZON Region or Region IV-A, with some select performances in Metro Manila as well as some other provinces like in Mindoro, sometime during the years 2015-2017 with some being done in local cultural centers and schools throughout the region with very limited promotion outside of news stories.

The only promotional material I could really find are some posts on Facebook and a trailer in the Red Lantern Production's YouTube channel which could be seen here:

Trailer uploaded by Red Lantern Production via YouTube

There are no original cast recordings that I could find of any of the songs and the only material that I could find besides this are uploads on YouTube of scattered scenes from different parts of the play:

Full Playlist uploaded by YouTube channel pheejaypi here

I was also able to find a collection of clips of Karyo, a character possibly named after Karyo from Mga Ibong Madaragit which is a continuation novel of the El Filibusterismo written by Amado Hernandez, played by Terrence Guillermo.

Video uploaded by YouTube channel pinoy music maestro here

I remember some time in the 2010s seeing uploads of members of the cast singing in interviews I believe but I could no longer find any of these videos.

As of now, it is unknown if the production will ever come back with the last post on the Facebook page having been in 2021 with a post prior to posted on July 2019 calling for auditions in August 2019, possibly hinting that there was a planned 2020 tour for the musical before the pandemic hit.

Photo of the audition announcement posted on Facebook

The Plot (mostly from memory)

As there's barely any material of the live musical, I'll do my best to recollect what I could remember with the aide of the actual books to guide me. Of course, spoilers for Rizal's books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo if you haven't read them.

The plot follows the events of El Filibusterismo but mainly from the perspective of the titular character Kabesang Tales. It begins with an extremely happy and optimistic scene with him, his family, and barangay as well as the visit of Basilio, Tales's daughter's lover to their house. I remember that there was an extremely cheesy song here between the two that a lot of people squealed over.

Photo of the mentioned musical number between Basilio and Juli posted by Jayson Pascua

The perspective switches over to Basilio and his visit to his mother's grave where he is shocked to see a man there who is revealed to be the thought to be dead fugitive Crisostomo Ibarra who now goes by Simoun, a jewelry merchant from the United States. The two have a bit of an argument where Simoun tries to convince Basilio to join him and his rebellion and I don't recall exactly if there was a song, but it seems likely.

Perspective switches back to Tales as tragedy strikes as his entire family gets struck with malaria resulting in the death of his wife. I don't remember all the details here or if there was a song, but I remember a sort of depressing atmosphere for the rest of this part.

Photo showing all of the actors playing the De Dios Family posted by Jayson Pascua

The family struggles with money and friars come over to cause even more problems for them. There's a rap battle here between Tales and a friar. Here starts his downward spiral as he struggles to make ends meet as well as handle the friars that had been trying to gain his land. I don't recall if it's shown that he has to pay for a lot of lawyers, but he starts paying more and more for legal fees because of the legal drama with the friars and the government.

My sister tells me that there's a song about how good the friars are before they get properly introduced and I have a hazy memory of three friars wearing varied outfits typically associated with friars posing for the stage as people sing songs of praise and goodwill. My sister tells me that Basilio was in the ensemble here.

His son, Tano, gets drafted to the Guardia Civil (en. Civil Guard) and sent to the Caroline Islands because Tales could not pay money to prevent his draft due to their financial struggles. This is shown as a heart wrenching scene in the play where the rest of the family is left distraught.

He starts guarding his property in fear of bandits possibly taking his fields and taking whatever he has left.

Tales then gets taken by these bandits who demand ransom money for his return. There he meets Karyo, one of its leaders who tells him about the struggles of the working class and why he and the others had resorted to being bandits in the first place (?). I don't actually remember if this is the first they meet or what since I do remember that the two have a philosophical discussion about violence later and that Karyo is definitely a member of the bandits but there are scenes where he acts as the emcee during Tales's rap battle with the friar.

The bandits later lets him go back to his family where he finds that he has no one left.

Juli, in order to help with her family's financial struggles as well as pay for her father's ransom, leaves home and asks for loans and find work.

If I'm not mistaken, his father Tandang Selo goes mute with the grief of the continuous tragedies that had struck the family as well. It's hard for me to remember if this was shown in the musical.

When Tales returns, he finds himself at a loss for what has happened to his family. He is left with his daughter forced to work and his father mute. He is then met with Simoun, who comes to him as a jeweler. Simoun tempts him with some ideas of radicalization against the friars and he refuses at first before spiraling further and joining Karyo and his bandits, becoming the feared Matanglawin.

I genuinely don't remember if his meeting with Simoun was also in the musical or not but it's important context for the story.

The musical then switches perspective to Basilio, who gets implicated with a conspiracy against the government and gets arrested. A heartbroken Juli goes to Padre Camorra, a creepy priest that's been trying to corner her, to beg for his help since she saw no one else that could help her. This leads into a rather intense scene acted in shadows and lights where it is heavily implied that Juli gets assaulted.

After this, Juli sings a song about her assault where she contemplates getting revenge or retaliating but instead chooses to jump off to end her life.

The scene switches back to Tales who, unlike in the books, meet with his son again who has returned to the Philippines. This one, I know had a song in it since I remembered the extreme daddy issues punk rock vibes the scene gave off. He sang about how he no longer respected his father and that it's too late to repair things if I recall as he's now a bandit and he's a member of the Guardia Civil.

Photo of the confrontation between Tales and Tano where Tano sings about his frustration with his father posted by Jayson Pascua

Desolate and distraught at the loss of his family, Tales gets visited by a diwata (a forest spirit/fairy) and this part was extremely out of left field and absolutely not in the books.

Here, the diwata shows Tales visions of the future (???) and directly tells him, without any sort of subtlety, that the working class, and especially farmers like him, will continue to struggle in his country in the future. He is then shown a scene of farmers in a protest who were then taken down by police in what I remember as riot gear. He contemplates the future and is further given resolve to continue his rebellion.

Photo of the mentioned scene where Tales first meets a diwata who will later send him to the future posted by Jayson Pascua

Photo of the mentioned scene where Tales is sent to the future by a diwata to witness farmers being taken down by cops in riot gear posted by Jayson Pascua

Another photo of the mentioned scene where Tales is sent to the future by a diwata to witness farmers being taken down by cops in riot gear posted by Jayson Pascua

I need to cut in and say that this was so on the nose and is by far the weirdest and personally maybe the worst part of the show. I'm not even against the message, it just ruined my immersion and just left a weird taste in my mouth. I think the play was doing a plenty good job driving that point across already without the time travel diwata scene but maybe that's just me.

The scene cuts back to the climax of the story where Basilio, distraught over then death of Juli, finally joins Ibarra as they plant a bomb in a wedding reception that the Governor-General of the Philippines was attending. The scene plays out like it was in the books where the lamp gets tossed out by Isagani and the revolution doesn't start.

It goes back to a scene of Tales and his men trying to fight the Guardia Civil where he is shot and killed in action, by the gun of his own son. Tano realizes what he has done and is horrified. This leads to a song which later leads to a finale that sings about Tales as the cast come together for the curtains to close.

Photo of the mentioned scene where Tales is shot and killed by his son Tano posted by Jayson Pascua

Another photo of the mentioned scene where Tales is shot and killed by his son Tano posted by Jayson Pascua

The musical ends and the cast is called on to the stage one by one, with the loudest applause going to Basilio who a lot of the girls found hot, and of course, the man himself, Kabesang Tales.

Photo of the closing song with Tales being shown front and center posted by Jayson Pascua

After the play and final thoughts

Ricky Lee actually attended the performance I watched and I remember so many people crowding around the actors to get their autographs. My sister bought one of Ricky Lee's book, his script writing guide "Trip to Quiapo" and had it signed but she genuinely can't find it anymore sadly. My sister also got the autograph of some of the actors and the director on that same book so I'm a little miffed that we can't find it.

I would discuss more things and even show off my old ticket but I'm pretty sure that I would end up doxxing myself if I speak any more details.

That's all I remember from it and I would love to say more or even discuss the songs but as you can see, I could barely remember them, with only maybe a solid grasp in about maybe four songs.

It's a shame that it doesn't have as much of an established release and media presence because despite that one glaring issue I had with the weird diwata scene, I quite enjoyed the musical and it remains one of the few that I actually got to experience live.

It isn't Les Miserables or Hamilton, but it's still a musical I'll probably fondly remember especially since El Filibusterismo is one of my favorite books of all time with the character of Kabesang Tales being one of the most interesting — a man of honor and virtue who slowly descends into extremist violence because society had failed him. It's sad to see this musical barely recognized and very little talked about today and I do hope that it will one day return to the stage.

References

Introduction

Palakat Batangas City. (2015, May 29). "The Batangas City Government and Red Lantern Production present Ricky Lee’s KABESANG TALES - Isang Rap en Rol Musical." [image]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://web.facebook.com/palakat.batangascity/photos/a.1543377512565520/1636600273243243/?type=3&_rdc=1&_rdr

Background

El Filibusterismo (@joseriz15155899). (2019, November 13). "#TheFilibuster Ventura's salvificact made Rizal gave his original manuscript of El Filibusterismo, a pen and an autograph printed copy." [image]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://twitter.com/joseriz15155899/status/1194459895657041920

Inquirer. (2015, December 12). John Arcilla stars in Ricky Lee ‘rap en rol’ musical ‘Kabesang Tales’. LIFESTYLE.INQ. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/215824/john-arcilla-stars-in-ricky-lee-rap-en-rol-musical-kabesang-tales/

Inquirer. (2015, August 29). Ricky Lee writes rap, hip-hop libretto for new musical ‘Kabesang Tales’. LIFESTYLE.INQ. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/204943/ricky-lee-writes-rap-hip-hop-libretto-for-new-musical-kabesang-tales/

Lee, R. (2015, August 29). Ricky Lee: “I have been longing to do a musical, music being a driving passion in my life.” PHOTO FROM RICKY LEE [image]. LIFESTYLE.INQ. Retrieved on 17 February https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/204943/ricky-lee-writes-rap-hip-hop-libretto-for-new-musical-kabesang-tale

Red Lantern Productions. (2015, December 2012). John Arcilla. PHOTO FROM RED LANTERN PRODUCTIONS [image]. LIFESTYLE.INQ. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/215824/john-arcilla-stars-in-ricky-lee-rap-en-rol-musical-kabesang-tale

Performances and Releases

Kabesang Tales - Isang Rap en Rol Musical. (2019, July 27). Picture of the audition announcement posted on Facebook [image]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://web.facebook.com/kabesangtalestherockmusicale/photos/a.459803204196123/1309076952602073/

pheejaypi. (2016, October 3). Kabesang Tales: Isang Rap en Rol Musical clip 1 [video]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jftRyZOpxAA&list=PL1Yv-w-s-ETvRYsDWtaMPw2q0QO0q8Nfc

pinoy music maestro. (2021, January 1). Kabesang Tales excerpts feat. John Arcilla and Terence Guillermo [video]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlOkDi8_D_A

Red Lantern Production. (2015, August 15). Kabesang Tales Trailer [video]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKKJsuBiuc

Plot

Pascua, J. (2015, October 11). Various photos [images]. Retrieved on 17 February 2024, from https://estranghero.weebly.com/photo-blog/john-arcilla-on-ricky-lees-kabesang-tales-isang-rap-en-roll-musical

[bookloure]

Philippine Book Festival 2023 Haul! ✨ | Out of all the book fests/fairs I've attended, this was my favourite! I've yet to go through my photos and videos from the event, so flatlay muna for now.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 12.18

Holidays

Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day

Arabic Language Day (UN)

Australian Christmas (Team Fortress)

Baranth Do (Elder Scrolls)

Day with the Wallet Holder (Mexico)

Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Day (New York)

Final Fantasy Anniversary Day

Flake Appreciation Day

Founder’s Day (Qatar)

Hug a Soccer Player Day

Incwala Day (Eswatini, f.k.a. Swaziland)

Insurance Employee Day (Kyrgyzstan)

International Migrants Day (UN)

Kissan Day (Pakistan)

López Jaena Day (Iloilo, Philippines)

Military Counterintelligence Day (Ukraine)

Minifig Day

National Crime Junkie Day

National Deborah Day

National HODL Day (Bitcoin)

National Jeremy Day

National Scrooge Week begins (according to Mr. Ed)

National Twin Day

Nutcracker Day

Nyempa Guzom (Sikkim, India)

Pink Panther Day

Play Bingo Day

Police Day (Moldova)

Republic Day (Niger)

Sunday Newspaper Day

Truffle Day (French Republic)

Tulya’s E’en (Beginning of Yule Season; Orkney Island)

University Unity Day (Iran)

Voice From Space Day

Wear a Plunger On Your Head Day

World Minorities Rights Day (India)

Yuletide Lad #7 arrives (Hurdaskellir or Door-Slammer; Iceland)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Bake Cookies Day

Let's See What We Find in the Fridge Day

National Ham Salad Day

National “I Love Honey” Day

National Muffin Day (Brazil)

National Roast Suckling Pig Day

National Stilton Day (UK)

Independence & Related Days

Egypt (Declared British Protectorate; 1914)

New Jersey Statehood Day (#3; 1787)

Qatar (1878)

3rd Wednesday in December

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

National Early Signing Day (NCAA Football) [3rd Wednesday]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wandering Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wiener Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Weekly Holidays beginning December 18 (3rd Full Week of December)

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Week (thru 1.1.2025)

Winter Festival (Birth of the God Diev & Rebirth of the Sun; Latvia) [thru 12.20]

Festivals Beginning December 18, 2024

London International Horse Show (London, United Kingdom) [thru 12.22]

Night of the Proms (Erfurt, Germany)

Winter Festival (Birth of the God Diev & Rebirth of the Sun; Latvia) [thru 12.20]

Feast Days

Alfred Bester (Writerism)

Edward Willis Redfield (Artology)

Epona (Celtic Book of Days)

Eponalia (Feast of Epona; Roman goddess of fertility)

Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian)

Fantastic Finkleman (Muppetism)

Feast of Our Lady of Expectation

Feast of Our Lady of Solitude (Mexico)

Flannán (Christian; Saint)

Gatianus (a.k.a. Gatian) of Tours (Christian; Saint)

Jonathan Yeo (Artology)

Michael Moorcock (Writerism)

Mimmo Paladino (Artology)

O Adonai (2nd O Antiphon or Great Advent Antiphon; Christian) [2 of 7]

Paul Klee (Artology)

Priestley (Positivist; Saint)

Rufus and Zozimus (Christian; Martyrs)

Running of the Roboderos (Church of the SubGenius)

Saki (Writerism)

Saturnalia Day 2: Saturn’s Release (Pagan)

Sebastian (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Unusual Music Instruments Day (Pastafarian)

Urdhyauli Parwa (Festival of the Animals; Nepal)

Willem van de Velde II (Artology)

Winibald (a.k.a. Winebald; Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [37 of 37]

Premieres

Anchorrman 2: The Legend Continues (Film; 2013)

Another Round (Film; 2020)

Avatar (Film; 2009)

Baby Buggy Bunny (WB MM Cartoon; 1954)

The Ballad of the Green Berets, recorded by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler (Song; 1965)

*batteries not included (Film; 1987)

Bellboy Donald (Disney Cartoon; 1942)

The Big Blast or A Many Splintered Thing (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 81; 1960)

Boris Lends a Hand or Count Your Fingers (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 188; 1962)

Boris on a Broomstick or The Flying Sorceror (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 187; 1962)

Born to Boogie (Music Documentary Film; 1972)

Brazil (Film; 1985)

The Bridge on the River Kwai (Film; 1957)

Broadcast News (Film; 1987)

Caspar’s First Christmas (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1979)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Film; 1968)

Cholly Polly (Phantasies Cartoon; 1942)

Cinderella Liberty (Film; 1973)

The Color Purple (Film; 1985)

Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe (Play; 1592)

Dragons of Ashida (Animated TV Show; Jonny Quest #14; 1964)

A Flintstone Family Christmas (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1993)

Her (Film; 2013)

Isle of Caprice (Ant and the Aardvark Cartoon; 1969)

The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun (Film; 2015)

Last Train to Christmas (UK Film; 2021)

The Lion Sleeps Tonight, by The Tokens (Song; 1961)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (TV Series; 2020)

McCartney III, by Paul McCartney (Album; 2020)

Moonstruck (Film; 1987)

Mother Goose in Swingtime (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1939)

The Nutcracker, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Ballet; 1892)

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (US Film; 1969) [James Bond #6]

Out of Africa (Film; 1985)

Overboard (Film; 1987)

The Painter and The Pointer (Andy Panda Cartoon; 1944)

Parking Space (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1933)

The Pink Phink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1964)

The Prince of Egypt (Animated Film; 1998)

Riff Raffville, Parts 1 & 2 (Underdog Cartoon, S2, Eps. 45 & 46; 1965)

Twistin’ the Night Away, by Sam Cooke (Song; 1961)

The Two Towers (Film; 2002) [The Lord of the Rings #2]

September in the Rain (WB MM Cartoon; 1937)

Sisters (Film; 2015)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Film; 2015) [Star Wars #7]

The Steal Hour or A Snitch in Time (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 82; 1960)

Touché, Pussy Cat! (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1954)

The Yearling (Film; 1946)

You’ve Got Mail (Film; 1998)

Today’s Name Days

Philipp, Wunibald (Austria)

Bosiljko, Dražen, Gracijan, Malahija (Croatia)

Miloslav (Czech Republic)

Lovise (Denmark)

Neeme, Neemo (Estonia)

Aapo, Aappo, Rami (Finland)

Briac, Gatien (France)

Esperanza, Gratian, Luise (Germany)

Floros, Sebastianos (Greece)

Auguszta (Hungary)

Graziano (Italy)

Jordisa, Klinta, Kristaps, Sarmis (Latvia)

Eivilė, Girdvilas, Gracijus (Lithuania)

Kate, Kristoffer (Norway)

Bogusław, Gracjan, Gracjana, Laurencja, Wilibald, Wszemir (Poland)

Daniil (Romania)

Sláva (Slovakia)

Esperanza (Spain)

Abraham (Sweden)

Griffin, Griffith, Ruff, Rufina, Rufus, Russ, Russell, Rusti, Rusty, Ty, Tyrus (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 353 of 2024; 13 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of Week 51 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Ngetal (Reed) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 11 (Bing-Zi), Day 18 (Bing-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 17 Kislev 5785

Islamic: 16 Jumada II 1446

J Cal: 23 Black; Twosday [23 of 30]

Julian: 5 December 2024

Moon: 86%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 17 Bichat (13th Month) [Cavendish]

Runic Half Month: Jara (Year) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 87 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of December

Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 27 of 30)

[ilaw-at-panitik]

The Philippine Book Festival is back! It will be on April 25th-28th at World Trade Centre, Pasay City. Register here for free, but walk-ins are welcome too!

Follow the National Book Development Board Instagram page for more information. Images from NBDB Instagram page.

[shifralois08]

A New Chapter, A Renewed Spirit

Christmas in the Philippines isn't just a holiday, it's a feeling that seeps into your soul. It's a symphony of lights, laughter, and love that starts the moment September arrives. The "Ber" months, as we call them, are a magical time, and I wouldn't trade them for anything, especially this year.

From the moment the first parol (star-shaped lantern) appears, I know Christmas is on its way. Streets are transformed with colorful lights, carols echo through the air, and homes are decked out with festive decorations. It's like the whole country is preparing for a grand party, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

For me, Christmas is all about family. It's the time when everyone comes together, no matter how far they've traveled. The aroma of lechon (roasted pig), ham, and bibingka (rice cake) fills the air, and the house is buzzing with activity. We share stories, play games, and laugh until our sides ache. These are the moments I treasure most, the ones that make Christmas truly special.

Christmas Under the Fallen Tree

But last December 16th, 2021, everything changed. Typhoon Odette, a powerful storm, ripped through our island, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Our house, unfortunately, was one of its victims. A huge tree crashed through our roof, leaving us with a gaping hole and a sense of shock. It was a scary experience, but thankfully, we were the only ones in our neighborhood affected by the fallen tree (haha).

Despite the devastation, the spirit of Christmas couldn't be broken. We knew we had to prioritize fixing our home, but we also knew that the true meaning of Christmas was about being together, about love and resilience.

So, we gathered what we could, and we celebrated. It wasn't the grand Noche Buena we were used to, but it was filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. We shared stories, played games, and reminded each other that even amidst the chaos, the spirit of Christmas could still shine through.

We spent the days after the storm cleaning up, rebuilding, and supporting each other. It was a challenging time, but it also brought us closer together. We learned the true meaning of FAMILY, of helping each other, and of finding joy even in the midst of hardship.

Misa de Gallo, A Faint Reminder

December 20, 2022 the air was thick with the scent of incense and the hushed whispers of prayers. It was Christmas Eve, and we were in the middle of Misa de Gallo, the traditional nine-day night masses leading up to Christmas.

Earlier that night, I had played a spirited game of basketball with my cousin, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. I hadn't had dinner, no time for a breather, rushing to make it to the church on time. But as the priest began his homily, my body betrayed me. I fainted, collapsing onto the hard pews.

The world spun, and I was enveloped in a wave of dizziness. But as I came to, I was surrounded by the familiar faces of my family, their concern etched on their faces. It was a scary moment, a reminder of the physical and emotional toll the past year had taken on us. But it was also a testament to the power of love and support.

Despite the unexpected interruption, we finished the mass, our hearts filled with gratitude for the miracle of being together.

A Christmas Escape

The year had been a whirlwind of rebuilding and adjusting to the aftermath of the typhoon. We were tired, but we were also craving a break, a chance to reconnect as a family. So, we decided to do something we rarely did: we booked a family vacation at a beautiful beach resort.

It was a welcome escape from the chaos of everyday life. We spent our days swimming, sunbathing, exploring the nearby islands, and simply enjoying each other's company. It was a chance to laugh, to share stories, and to create memories that would last a lifetime.

This Christmas, we were reminded that even in the midst of challenges and unexpected events, the spirit of Christmas can always find a way to shine through. It's about finding joy in the simple things, about appreciating the love and support of those around us, and about remembering that even in the darkest of times, hope can always be found.

A Christmas Crash Landing

December 16, 2023 The sun was shining brightly. It was a perfect day for a bike ride. I was cruising down the street, feeling the wind in my hair, when suddenly, a car door swung open. I swerved to avoid it, but it was too late. I crashed into the door, sending my bike flying and myself tumbling to the ground.

I landed hard, my body aching, my pride bruised. I had crashed right into the car of a relative, a rather embarrassing moment. But as I sat there, catching my breath, I couldn't help but laugh. It was a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the best we can do is to embrace the absurdity of it all.

This Christmas, I'm reminded that life is a journey, and sometimes we stumble along the way. But it's the moments we share with loved ones, the laughter and the support, that make the journey worthwhile.

A Christmas of Intimacy

This year 2023 we were craving for a chance to reconnect as a family. So, we decided to do something we rarely did: we booked a two-day trip for just the four of us: Dad, Mom, my sister, and me.

It was a Christmas escape, a chance to rediscover the simple joys of being together. We wandered through malls, indulging in a little retail therapy, shared laughter over delicious meals, and simply enjoyed each other's company. It was a quiet, intimate celebration, a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are those shared with the people who matter most.

This year, as we prepare for Christmas, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. We've moved into our new home, a fresh start. This Christmas will be even more special, as we celebrate our first Christmas in our new house, filled with the warmth of family and the joy of new beginnings. It's a testament to our resilience, a reminder that even after all the circumstances that has happened, Christmas can still bring hope, love, and a sense of wonder.

This Christmas marks a new chapter, a renewed spirit, a testament to the enduring power of hope and love, even in the face of adversity.

[thatboypeeju]

I ATTENDED MY FIRST PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL! 📚✨

This is probably one of the happiest I've been as of recent. Buhay na buhay ang literaturang Pilipino sa PBF 2024. Kung mayaman lang ako pinakyaw ko na mga paninda nila. Grabe! Ang sarap sarap mabuhay sa panahon na may laya tayong magbasa, matuto, at ipagdiwang ang sining ng pagsusulat, pagguhit at paglikha. Sana mas marami pang kababayan natin ang maabot ng mga pistang tulad nito.

Today, not only did I get to go on a friendly date with a good college friend of mine, but I also got to buy books and artworks from local writers and artists, attend seminars, watch shows, see fellow book club members, eat good food, document life as it happens, and just have some downtime from work to really live life. I needed this, and I'm glad I attended. This is what life should be about.

Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng taong nagtulong-tulong sa pag-organisa ng PBF 2024 at sa lahat ng publishers, manunulat, mangguguhit, at mga maliliit na taong bumubuo nito. You are doing an important work. 🌻

[brookston]

Holidays 11.8

Holidays

Abet and Aid Punsters Day

Aboriginal Veterans Day (Canada)

Aicardi Syndrome Awareness Day

Colorism Awareness Day

Day of Baku Metro Employees (Azerbaijan)

Days of History and Memory (Kyrgyzstan)

Euterpe Asteroid Day

Feast of Pamphleteers

Global Day of Action Against Waster Incineration

Going Ramos Day (Aklan, Philippines)

I Hate to Cook Day

International Cleaning Woman Day

International Day of Radiology

International Hug an Exchange Student Day

International Human Animal Bond Day

International Vampire Day

Intersex Day of Remembrance (a.k.a. Intersex Solidarity Day)

Leadworts Day (French Republic)

La Almudena (Madrid, Spain)

Merchant Sailing Ship Preservation Day

Moon Festival (Elder Scrolls)

National Aboriginal Veterans Day (Canada)

National Adam Day

National Ample Time Day

National Ashley Day

National Canine Companion Graduation Day

National Christopher Day

National Dunce Day

National Elevate Day

National First Generation College Student Day

National I Read Canadian Day (Canada)

National Irene Day

National Journalists Day (China)

National Kyle Day

National Leon Day

National Loneliness Awareness Day

National Parents As Teachers Day

National Shot Day

National Signing Day

National Spatial Planning Day (Indonesia)

National S.T.E.M. Day (a.k.a. National S.T.E.A.M. Day)

National Thalassemia Prevention Day (Pakistan)

Nice Boobs Day (Japan)

Octave Day of All Saints (Anglicanism)

Personal Liberty Day (Chicago celebration of Prohibition's repeal)

Plastic Free Lunch Day

Rorschach Test Day

School Sport Jersey Day (Canada)

Scylla Asteroid Day

Shakespeare Authorship Mystery Day

Symphonic Metal Day

Talk Money Day

Victory Day (Azerbaijan)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day

World Day Without Wi-Fi

World Gift Day

World Pianist Day

World Radiography Day (a.k.a. X-Ray Discovery Day)

World Town Planning Day

World Urbanism Day

World Ventil8 Day

X-Ray Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day

Harvey Wallbanger Day

National Cappuccino Day

National Pupusa Day (El Salvador)

National Roast Dinner Day (UK)

Sandwich Day (Earl of Sandwich’s Birthday)

Try a New Recipe Day

Independence & Related Days

Montana Statehood Day (#41; 1889)

Pohnpei Constitution Day (Micronesia)

2nd Friday in November

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Domino Day [2nd Friday]

Fish & Chips Friday [2nd Friday of Each Month]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Follow Friday [2nd Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Frugal Friday [2nd Friday of Each Month]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

International Mushy Pea Day [2nd Friday]

National Donor Sabbath Weekend begins [2nd Friday]

National DTC (Direct-to-Consumers) Friday [2 Fridays before Black Friday]

National Walk to Work Day (Australia) [2nd Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning November 8 (1st Full Week of November)

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (Jersey Shore, New Jersey) [thru 11.17]

San Francisco Restaurant Week (San Francisco, California) [thru 11.17]

Festivals Beginning November 8, 2024

ArmeniaFest (Carrollton, Texas) [thru 11.10]

Big Boy's Main Street Cook Off (Thibodaux, Louisiana)

Bilbao International Documentary and Short Film Festival (Bilbao, Spain) [thru 11.15]

California Wine Festival Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, California) [thru 11.9]

Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands) [thru 11.17]

Eat Drink SF (San Francisco, California) [thru 11.17]

Garagiste Wine Festival (Paso Robles, California) [thru 11.10]

Lake Erie Maple Expo (Albion, Pennsylvania) [thru 11.9]

New England Christmas Festival (Uncasville, Connecticut) [thru 11.10]

Ricefest (Riceboro, Georgia) [thru 11.10]

Santiago International Book Fair (Santiago, Chile) [thru 11.17]

Sebastian Clambake (Sebastian, Florida) [thru 11.10]

South Carolina Peanut Party (Pelion, South Carolina) [thru 11.9]

Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (Tallinn, Estonia) [thru 11.24]

Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival (Tarpon Springs, Florida) [thru 11.10]

Waterfowl Festival (Easton, Maryland) [thru 11.10]

Feast Days

Adeodatus I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Appreciate Your Loved Ones Day (Pastafarian)

Arduino Cantafora (Artology)

Big Bird’s Daddy (Muppetism)

Bram Stoker (Writerism)

Charles Demuth (Artology)

Clarence Gagnon (Artology)

Cybi (a.k.a. Cuby; Christian; Saint)

Demetrius (Orthodox Church; Saint)

Deusdedit (Christian; Saint)

Elizabeth of the Trinity (Roman Catholic Church; Blessed)

Erika Abels d'Albert (Artology)

The Feast of the Four Crowned Ones

Feast of the Kitchen Goddess (Pagan)

Festival of the Mania (Ancient Rome)

Four Crowned Brothers (Christian; Martyrs)

George Bouzianis (Artology)

Godfrey of Amiens (Christian; Saint)

Fuigo Matsuri (Honoring Hettsui No Kami, Kitchen-Range Goddess; Shinto; Japan)

Intersex Day of Remembrance

Isabella of Castille (Positivist; Saint)

Johann von Staupitz (Lutheran)

John Duns Scotus, Blessed (Christian; Saint)

Kazuo Ishiguro (Writerism)

Lighting the Twin Flame Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Mae West Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Mania Festival (Old Roman)

Margaret Mitchell (Writerism)

Martha Gellhorn (Writerism)

Masashi Kishimoto (Artology)

Mundus Patel (Ancient Rome)

Saints and Martyrs of England (Church of England)

Samantha Shannon (Writerism)

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers of Heaven (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Threefold Tripling (Sacred #27; Celtic Book of Days)

Tysilio (Christian; Saint)

Willehad of Bremen (Christian; Saint)

Wish-Granting Championships (Leprechauns; Shamanism)

Yam Offering Day (Haiti; Everyday Wicca)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

Ace of Spades, by Motörhead (Album; 1980)

Buddy’s Circus (WB LT Cartoon; 1934)

Carol at the End of the World (Animated TV Series; 2023)

The Complete Stories, by Flannery O'Connor (Short Stories; 1971)

Days of Our Lives (TV Soap Opera; 1965)

Doctor Sleep (Film; 2019)

8 Mile (Film; 2002)

Everybody’s Talking’, recorded by Harry Nilsson (Song; 1967)

The Goodies (UK TV Series; 1970)

Henry V (Film; 1989)

Invisible Cities, by Italo Calvino (Novel; 1972)

Jailhouse Rock (Film; 1957) [Elvis Presley #3]

Klaus (Animated Film; 2019)

Led Zeppelin IV, by Led Zeppelin (Album; 1971)

Life with Father, by Clarence Day Jr. (Play; 1939)

The Little Wise Cracker (Barney Bear MGM Cartoon; 1952)

The Mechanical Handy Man (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1937)

Metropolitan (Film; 1935)

Midway (Film; 2019)

Mutiny on the Bounty (Film; 1935)

Night School, 21st Jack Reacher book, by Lee Child (Novel; 2016)

Oh, Kay!, by George & Ira Gershwin and P.G. Wodehouse (Broadway Musical; 1926)

Quo Vadis (Film; 1951)

The Robber Bridegroom, by Eudora Welty (Novella; 1942)

Robin Hood (Animate Disney Film; 1973)

Sacred Arias, by Andrea Bocelli (Album; 1999)

Sheer Heart Attack, by Queen (Album; 1974)

Stairway to Heaven, by Led Zeppelin (Song; 1971)

Surfin’, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1961)

Thor: The Dark World (Film; 2013)

12 Years a Slave (Film; 2013)

Today’s Name Days

Gottfried, Willehad (Austria)

Angel, Gavrail, Gavril, Mihaela, Mihail, Ognyan, Ognyana, Plamen, Plamena, Rada, Radka, Radko, Rafail, Raia, Raika, Raina, Rangel (Bulgaria)

Bogdan, Bogoljub, Gracija, Gracijan (Croatia)

Bohumír (Czech Republic)

Cladius (Denmark)

Nele, Nella, Nelli (Estonia)

Aatos (Finland)

Dora, Geoffroy (France)

Gottfried, Karina, Willehad (Germany)

Angela, Angelos, Gavriel, Michalis, Stamatis, Stamos, Taxiarchis (Greece)

Zsombor (Hungary)

Goffredo (Italy)

Agra, Aleksandra, Sandors, Sandra (Latvia)

Domantė, Gotfridas, Severinas, Svirbutas (Lithuania)

Ingvild, Yngvild (Norway)

Dymitr, Godfryd, Gotfryd, Hadrian, Klaudiusz, Sędziwoj, Sewer, Sewerian, Seweryn, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz, Wiktoryn (Poland)

Gavriil, Mihail (România)

Bohumír (Slovakia)

Godofredo, Segundo (Spain)

Vendela (Sweden)

Michael, Michaelina, Raphael (Ukraine)

Geoff, Geoffrey, Jeff, Jefferson, Jeffery, Jeffrey, Mercer, Montana (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 313 of 2024; 53 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 45 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 13 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Yi-Hai), Day 8Bing-Zi ()

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 7 Heshvan 5785

Islamic: 6 Jumada I 1446

J Cal: 13 Wood; Fryday [12 of 30]

Julian: 26 October 2024

Moon: 41%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 5 Frederic (12th Month) [Sixtus V / Charles V]

Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 47 of 90)

Week: 1st Full Week of November

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 16 of 30)

[hwsasiaweek]

HWS Asia Week will be hosted from February 24th-March 5th, 2023!

Three prompts per day:

1) nations from Asia

2) a general theme

3) a quote

You can choose which prompt or prompts you want to create content for; you can stick with one country (canon or OC) throughout the whole week or switch between multiple; it's all up to you!

Any form of content is accepted, including but not limited to: fanfiction, fanart, AUs,headcanons, aesthetics, etc.

Prompts:

Day 1 (Feb 24): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal || Culture || “And still, we stand"

Day 2 (Feb 25): South Korea + Taiwan || History || "You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming"

Day 3 (Feb 26): China, Vietnam || Folklore/Legends/Myths || "We can’t change our past, but we can change our future”

Day 4 (Feb 27): Mongolia || Music/Instruments || "These ghosts of old desire"

Day 5 (Feb 28): OCs || National Symbols || "Your very existence is an act of rebellion"

Day 6 (March 1): Indonesia + Philippines || First Meetings || "The sun shines for us all"

Day 7 (March 2): Hong Kong || Genderbend/Nyotalia || "I am not going to censor myself to comfort your ignorance"

Day 8 (March 3): Persia, Turkey || Food || "Though the wound is healed, a scar remains”

Day 9 (March 4): India || Festivals || "There is peace, even in the storm"

Day 10 (March 5): Free day!

Rules:

Rule Post

Follow this account

No NS//FW

Tag your content with #hwsasiaweek and @ this account please!

Ships and content with other non-Asian nations are allowed, but please try to give equal weight to the Asian character in the ship,since this is an event celebrating the Hetalia Asians.

Gore/blood/dark topics allowed; they will be tagged with #tw _

Don't be a clown and make racist content

Use common sense and nuance when touching upon sensitive political subjects.

FAQ

Have Fun!

@hetaliahappenings @heta-on-the-books @nsfhetalia

[thiziznotrein]

Locate a Paradise: Marinduque

A heart-shaped island that lies in the southwestern part of the Philippines, also known as “The Heart of the Philippines,” is one of the provinces in Region IV-B MIMAROPA, which is surrounded by a crystal-like ocean and centered by the magnificent mountain of Mt. Malindig. It is a good escape in the summer because of its white beaches, like Poctoy White Beach and Maniwaya Island, and by savoring the beauty of its sand bars at Pallad Bar or doing island hopping within the small islands of Tres Reyes and Elephant Island. Explore the hidden caves of Bathala, Bagumbungan, and more; feel the breeze of water in the river or even at the falls. It holds a historic and mesmerizing architecture of churches, and you can immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Marinduqueños. But no popular destination in Marinduque can be more famous than their Mariones festival, held every holy week. Marinduque is truly wealthy in natural beauty, its culture and traditions, as well as its people. It is a perfect destination for travelers.

To reach this paradise, you need to travel by land and across the ocean, approximately 9–12 hours from Manila, including transfers and traffic. There are bus terminals at Kamias, Cubao, Buendia, and Turbina; once you get to one of these terminals, take the bus bound to Lucena Port or Talao-Talao Port in Lucena, Quezon Province; this will cost 300-500 pesos per head. Once you’ve touched down at the port, pay for a ferry ticket for only 400 pesos if you're a student, PWD, or senior, and 470 pesos for regulars, which will take you to the island province. It will take about 2–3 hours of travel on the water. Right after you get off the ferry, you’ll find jeepney and tricycle drivers, and even drivers of vans (door-to-door) that are going to the towns of Marinduque. You'll pay for the fare, which is about 70–400 pesos depending on the public vehicle you want to ride and to your destination. Fetch the one that has a sign board of the town you’ll go to, if it is Buenavista, Gasan, Boac, Mogpog, or Sta. Cruz, or Torrijos, and that is appropriate for you. There is also another way, which is by air, which will take about an hour of travel from the airport in Pasay to the island, which was only 1000 pesos the last time I checked, but this is not advisable right now because the airport at Masiga, Gasan, is unfortunately under construction. If you want to travel with your car, it is very necessary and hassle-free because ferries can accommodate vehicles. I can also suggest a door-to-door, which is a van that is very convenient now to use when going to Marinduque, for only 1,300–1,500 pesos per head. It is also hassle-free travel because this van will fetch you to your house wherever it is in Manila or other provinces near NCR and will put you down right in front of your house or accommodation booked in Marinduque.

Locating this paradise is way easy and straight. The journey may be long, but it is all worth it once you witness the true beauty that this paradise holds. Now that you have the knowledge and are eager to witness this mesmerizing island with your own eyes, what are you waiting for? Grab your things and visit Marinduque, a truly tropical paradise that you never knew existed.

Article type: Travel mode

Target audience: First time travelers

Topic: A Go To Place: Marinduque

#travelwritingandphotography #travelmode #marinduque