Manila to Marinduque via Cebu Pacific + Traditional Putungan Welcome

May 1, 2019 Ruth Dela Cruz

Manila to Marinduque via Cebu Pacific + Traditional Putungan Welcome Experience

I never realized that Marinduque would be my next summer destination for 2019.

Philippines, being an archipelago is composed of many different islands – and to get to these beautiful destinations, you have to take long bus rides or boat rides.

It is exciting to know that visiting the Heart of the Philippines – Marinduque is just a 30-minute flight from Manila via Cebu Pacific.

Marinduque is a beautiful heart-shaped province right in the center of the Philippines. It is part of MIMAROPA region in Luzon and the home of Moriones Festival. I have many friends whose hometown is Marinduque.

Truth be told, the thought of a long bus ride and boat ride already makes me feel tired. I remember my first real travel (in Bantayan Island, Cebu). I was still very young and able at that time. I think as I grow as a person, my travel style has changed and I go for something that is more convenient (but I am always up for new things and challenges).

So a quick flight from Manila to Marinduque is ideal for (aging) travelers like me. 😀😀😀

I got invited to explore Marinduque with travel bloggers and lifestyle influencers for a 3-day trip. In this blog, I will share my experience, things to do, where to stay and things that make Marinduque a beautiful summer destination.

Manila to Marinduque via Plane: Cebu Pacific Flight DG6007

Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Marinduque 3x a week: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with the earliest flight at 6:30 AM.

Manila to Marinduque via Cebu Pacific + Traditional Putungan Welcome

photo grabbed from @angelotheexplorer

The new Cebu Pacific route is truly historical and revolutionary for locals and Marinduquenos because it cuts down the grueling 8-hour travel time from Manila to Marinduque.

Imagine if you are a local traveling back to Marinduque, it means more time to spend with your loved ones.

Total flight time is only 30 minutes. You would have guessed that after my snacks were served, the pilot already announced that we were landing in a few minutes!

A 3-day trip to Marinduque is just perfect to explore the city. We were able to experience the sights, sounds and taste of Marinduque.

Love this crew!

@shaihabon, @angelotheexplorer, @louiedenver @travel360 @thepinaysolobackpacker, @nbaguinaldo, @chardeocareza, Domenic Contreras, Erika Garcia, @celineism, @jpsium, Kristine Francisco

The Traditional Putungan in Marinduque

As soon as we landed, we were already welcomed with the warm smiles of Marinduquenos.

Check out the short video I created:

We were then gathered inside the arrival area of the airport where elders in Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog entered to welcome us, and men in masks (Morions) served as sentry guards.

The music then started playing, and we witnessed the traditional Tubong or Putungan. It is a ceremony indigenous to the island of Marinduque. It is commonly performed to welcome guests and to wish them good life, health and luck.

The beat of the song started slow, until it peaks up (partly made me more excited what would happen next). But I got a hint that I would be crowned! We would all be crowned!

… and we were crowned! 👑👑👑

The dancers then threw fresh flowers and coins – which we all eagerly collected! These symbolize affection and wishes of good luck and prosperity.

The performance ended with us dancing and laughing. It was so much fuuuun!

I have experienced different welcome dances and traditions in the past, but the Putungan is the warmest and loveliest so far. THANK YOU! 💓

Of course, part of a good travel is a gustatory discovery of local food and snacks

(more on that in the coming blogs)!

We had heavy breakfast composed of danggit (so crispy like Piattos!), omelette, adobo and longganisa.

After breakfast, we started exploring Marinduque’s rich culture and traditions that are still observed in the province.

The Dream Favor Travel and Tours van has become our second home as we traveled around the heart of the Philippines.

… to be continued.

This is part 1 of #CEBfliesMarinduque travel blog series. Thank you to Cebu Pacific Air, Department of Tourism MIMAROPA, and Dream Favor Travel and Tours for taking care of us.