An isolated volcanic mass surrounded by coral reefs, Marinduque lies between Tayabas Bay to the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is west of Quezon Province’s Bondoc Peninsula; east of Mindoro Island; and north of the island province of Romblon.

This small heart-shaped island is famous for its colorful Moriones Festival, the unique and imaginative reenactment of a Roman centurion’s conversion to Christianity and his subsequent beheading. For over 200 years, the province is home to one of the oldest religious festivals of the country featuring masked men colorfully dressed in the likeness of roman soldiers. It is celebrated annually every Holy Week.

Marinduque’s original settlers were Mangyan and Malay people. Evidence from Sung dynasty pottery dates contact with Chinese traders to between 920 and 1289.

The Marinduque Museum has interesting displays, including some pieces found in the ancient Chinese junk (over 500 years old) that is submerged…