Oriental Mindoro – The Island's Loveliest Harbor
Like Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro has its own set of natural treasures. These are in the form of white sand beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, and dive sites. Its foremost asset is Puerto Galera, endowed with one of the most beautiful natural harbors all over the world. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.
The Mangyan settlement areas is another treasure of Oriental Mindoro. Amidst modernization, this ethnic tribe has managed to protect and preserve their cultural identity and keep their ways. Now, the Mangyans have become a respected community in the province and serves as the primary protector of Oriental Mindoro's natural treausres.
Demographics
1. Population –
735, 769 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4,238.4 sq. km
3. Capital – Calapan City
4. Language/Dialect – Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (14)
Famous For ...
Puerto Galera
The town of Puerto Galera is blessed to have one of
the most beautiful natural harbors in the country and
in the world. It is also gifted with pristine beaches,
numerous coral reefs, and stunning dive sites.
Manyan Tribe
They are the aborigines of the people of Occidental
and Oriental Mindoro. They are described as gentle and
withdrawn people, and skilled weavers and craftsmen,
producing intricate tribal finery, including baskets,
mats, and other items, both functional and aesthetic.
Mt. Halcon
It is the third highest peak in the country. It has
attracted numerous mountain climbers and trekkers due
to its lush greenery and scenic summit.
Cultural
Mangyan
Settlement
Location: Oriental Mindoro
The Mangyan tribe is composed of seven ethnic groups
residing in different parts of Oriental Mindoro. These
tribes are also found in Occidental Mindoro.
Excavation
Museum
Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
The museum houses multitude of relics, dating as far
as the 15ht to 19th century. Relics include Chinese
and Siamese pottery, shell collections, and Ming Dynasty
burial jars.
Historical
Kuta
Location: Brgy. Anilao, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro
It is the oldest Spanish fortress in the countr. Built
during the 16ht century by the Jesuits, it has Spanish
cannons and a boat.
Baluarte
in Lumang Bayan
Location: Naujan, Oriental Mindoro
Another fortress in the province, . It has a watchtower
on top of a hill, overlooking the bay. It was built
by the Christian settlers to warn the townspeople of
Muslim raiders.
The Cross
at Muele
Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
It was erected to commemorate the sinking of the battleship,
Canonero Mariveles, at the Manila channel on November
18, 1879.
Natural
Mt. Halcon
Location: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
With a height of 8,488 feet above sea level, it is the
third highest peak in the country. Mangyans call Mt.
Halcon as ‘lagpas ulap’ or ‘beyond
the clouds’ because of its height. A popular area
in the mountain for mountain climbers is the ‘Knife’s
edge. It is a .
Alibatan
Island
Location: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
The five-hectare white sand beach island is a known
breeding grown of turtles and seagulls. Corals and oysters
are abundant around the island.
Tamaraw Falls
Location: Brgy. Villaflor, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road,
is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading
to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below.
Puerto Galera Beaches
Religious
Simba Bato
Location: Brgy. Bancuro, Naujan
This is an ancient church with a chapel constructed
on its original site
Banana Festival
Place: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Date: March 18 - 19
The festival serves as the town’s celebration
and thanksgiving for the abundant harvest of their main
agricultural product – bananas. During this three-day
celebration, locals dress up for a banana-inspired street
dancing competition and beauty pageant.
Bahaghari Festival
Place: Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
Date: April 25
From the local folkore story of salvation in the presence
of a bahaghari (rainbow), locals stage colorful street
dancing competitions, float parades, and a beauty pageant.
Lechon Festival and Gabi ng Pakulo
Place: Pola, Oriental Mindoro
Date: June 24
The fiesta coincides with the feast of St. John the
Baptist. Pagoda, banquet, and other activities are held
throughout the day. Highlights include the parade of
lechon (roast pig) and the Gabi ng Pakulo (Night of
Suprise) where locals prepare different street dance
and other cultural presentation.
Sanduguan Festival
Place: Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Date: November 15
The feast recalls the barter trade between China and
Mai, the old name of Mindoro. Activities include trade
fair, cultural presentations, and the re-enactment of
the Sanduguan.
By land-sea:
Take a bus bound for Batangas Pier. From there,
ferry boats and Roll-off-roll-on (RORO) are available
that will dock at Calapan City or Puerto Galera.
Common Philippine modes of transportation bound
for other municipalities of Oriental Mindoro are
available at the pier.
By Air:
There are scheduled flights from Manila to Oriental
Mindoro, landing at Calapan Airport. From here,
jeeps and buses bound for other municipalities
are available.