Marinduque is synonymous to the age-old Moriones Holy Week rites and the iconic “moryon” or Roman-inspired devotees which roam the streets of the island province.
In recent years, it has adopted the moniker “Heart of the Philippines” because of the Luzon Datum, the geodetic center of the archipelago based on the pre-GPS 1911 American-era map. And while not the country’s actual physical center, geodetic surveys are based on the stone marker on a hilltop park in Mogpog town.
With its unique distinction, the heart-shaped province has taken to heart, quite literally, being the heart of the Philippine islands where all motorcycle loop rides should emanate or pass through.
Thus, “PusoMoto: Heart of the Island Marinduque Circuit Motoring Adventure”, a brainchild of Marinduque congressman Lord Allan Jay Velasco, was born as a tourism product.
“Every journey or every loop starts from the heart of the archipelago, and we can surely give visitors a heartwarming experience and a heartfelt hospitality,” says the legislator who is also a motorsports aficionado.
The former House Speaker noted that the island has become a favorite expedition for group and individual motorcycle riders and bikers because of its panoramic countryside, good road network, and roadside and interior attractions, not to mention the small number of vehicles
A recent edition of the PusoMoto took 140 riders around the idyllic island as part of the four-day celebration of the province’s 105th Reestablishment Anniversary. The riders, consisting of 11 groups, 3 moto vloggers, and TV celebrity Antonio Acquitana, took through 140 kms of scenic thoroughfares around the six towns and 13 stations for stamping of the event passport and the obligatory snapshots.
Stations included the must-see landmarks such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Provincial Capitol, heritage homes, National Museum, and Butterfly Farm in Boac; St. Joseph Church in Gasan; Molbog Sulfur Spring in Buenavista; the Dampulan Seawall, Battle of Pulang Lupa Shrine, and Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos; and the Holy Cross Church and the Moryon giant statue in Sta. Cruz.
The riders were also able to interact with the moryon mask craftsmen and earn their last stamp at the Luzon Datum of 1911 before boarding the ferry boat back to Lucena City.
In between the designated pitstops were breathtaking mountainscapes, tempting islands and beaches, and an assortment of exciting stuff which made their hearts skip a beat.
On top of the adrenaline-pumping loop, participants also reveled in the provincial day activities such as the float parade which featured Marinduque’s landmarks, the colorful Festival of Festivals where the six towns showcased their pride of place, and the evening hydro party and concert and fireworks to close the festivities.
But the most heart-warming experience was the traditional “putong” ritual where townsfolk crowned the riders with crowns of leaves and serenaded them with vernacular prayer songs and dances.
Velasco said that more editions of PusoMoto and other motoring events are coming up to promote its magical allure, and at the same time help prop up the local economy through its unique brand of tourism.
Road warriors who missed the fun can look forward to the Moryonan or popularly known as the “Moriones”, one of the country’s oldest and most colorful Holy Week rituals.
On the second half of the year, there’s also the Mimaropa leg of the Philippine Experience, the Department of Tourism’s Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans.
But for those who love to explore the great outdoors on two wheels, any day would just be fine to follow your heart and ride around the heart of the Philippines.
