Why Retire in the Philippines/Marinduque Vacations: Biniray Festival of Romblom

Planning to Retire Soon!

If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Friday, December 3, 2010

Biniray Festival of Romblom

One of the Philippines' colorful festivals is the Biniray Festival which is annually held in the town of Romblon, Romblon. The town's fiesta is observed in conjunction with the festival's celebration which consists of several days. The festival is held in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Biniray Festival is one unique festival with an atmosphere filled with music, dancing and festive activities which feature the rich culture of the Filipino people and that of the Romblon citizens' strong Christian faith.

One of the highlights of the festival is the flotilla of vessels which commemorate the Spanish galleons' attempts to take away the Santo Niño, the patron saint of the town, during the Spanish occupation. Waves and strong winds prevented the invaders from accomplishing their purpose. Believers said that this happened according to God's will. The fluvial procession circles Romblon Bay seven times in a reenactment of the Spaniards attempts.

The image of Santo Niño is then carried around town in a carriage filled with beautiful flowers and is accompanied by the people in different costumes with paints on their faces and bodies.

The residents of Romblon share a common liking for fiesta celebrations and faith to God. The Biniray Festival is their way to enjoy and honor both preoccupations.

Note: This is no.6 of a series of articles on Philippines Festivals and Fiestas

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Fruit Trees in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

The Mango Tree-I have three varieties in my Garden-The Indian, Guimaras and Carabao Mangoes My caretaker/gardener informed me last month that due to the El Nino drought in Marinduque, two of my Durian trees died in spite of his vigilant watering. One of the tree was attacked by insects that looks like a big fly but yellowish in color that sucks the sap of the seedling. The roots of the other tree was attacked by ants residing in the soil. However, my other fruit trees, the rambutans( 2), the lanzones(2) and the jack fruits ( 2) trees are doing well. The above eight fruit trees were given to me by Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento of Boac and Lucena., about three years ago. General Sarmiento is the “atid” of my wife. “Atid” is the colloquial term for brother. Evidently, Macrine's father, the late Bernardo Jambalos was the Godfather of General Sarmiento during his baptism and comfirmation. Gen Sarmiento's hobby is orchard planting, reforestation and farming. The other fruit trees in my garden are guayabanos, cashew, avocados, starapples, duhats, ates, guavas, mangoes( 3 varieties) and papayas as well as several varieties of bananas . Of the above fruit trees, my favorite is the guayabanos, also known as soursop tree known for its anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties . The following are photos of the fruit trees. The Durian photo is from the web. Note that it almost look like a jack fruit tree, except that the leaves are bigger and shiny. My desire is to have a passion fruit tree in the near future. You are welcome to visit my orchard and flower gardens any time, if perchance you are in the vicinity of The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center.

The Rambutan Tree and Fruits

The Lanzone Tree and Fruits

The Jack Fruit Tree

The Durian Fruit Tree