Romblon – Next in Line

MANILA, Philippines - Romblon is a province of potential. It has been dubbed as the next Palawan, even the next Boracay. Some even take a stroll on Romblon’s beaches and reminisce about the Boracay of the past – before Bora and #Laboracay – quiet, quaint, pristine.

Yes, Romblon seems to be everything that Boracay once was, everything that those in the know lament has been lost in all the partying. Romblon teaches one the art of slowing down, the beauty of taking it easy. Do not expect a strong signal from your cell service, or WiFi at most of the resorts or restaurants, but one can look forward to an uninterrupted stroll around the lazy towns, or a dive into the ocean to find even deeper peace.

Of course, the province at the heart of the Philippines is attached to its main industry – marble, mostly found in the capital – Romblon, Romblon. While local officials say that the marble industry is waning because of cheaper tiles sourced from China, artisans in Romblon have instead opted to concentrate on sculptures and other specialty pieces. Be sure to leave space in your luggage for the quintessential Romblon pasalubongs – mortar and pestle, engraved paperweights and marble keychains in all shapes imaginable.

But, Romblon offers much more than marble. Exploring further into the province yields even more precious treasures.

Declared the Heritage Province in 2012 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Romblon’s cultural treasures include the St. Joseph Cathedral and twin forts Fuerza de San Antonio (San Andres) and Fuerza de Santiago.

From atop Fort San Andres, which is being renovated to bring back its former glory, one can see the entire town center of Romblon below. The only of its kind in the Philippines, the 17th century twin forts once made Romblon one of the safest ports in the country.

St. Joseph Cathedral, on the other hand, was built in the 15th century and is the province’s oldest church. It houses the Sto. Niño of Romblon, a 12-inch image adorned in gold that was modeled after the Sto. Niño of Cebu.

The image was to be shipped to Madrid, but each time a galleon would try to take it from Romblon, a typhoon would stop the ship from leaving.

In 1991, the image was stolen and deemed lost for good until it was found in nearby Aklan last year, some 22 years later.

When asked to give his top three favorite tourist attractions in Romblon, Governor Eduardo Firmalo quickly loses count – beaches in Ferrol, Odiongan, and Binucot; the marine sanctuary of Looc; marble factories in Romblon, Romblon; climbing Mt. Giting-giting; diving and discovering an underwater paradise; firefly watching in Sibuyan… the governor goes on and on, easily naming 10, 15, 20 and even more destinations.

In fact, the governor urges everyone to stay five to seven days to fully enjoy all that Romblon has to offer: “Stay longer. We still have a lot of secrets that you have to discover.”

Mayor Jun Mayor (also known as “Mayor2”) of Ferrol says that access roads are currently being fixed in support of the province’s tourism bid. Firmalo agrees, “Some places are difficult to reach by road, but traveling by boat is also interesting.”

2GO Travels has realized the growing popularity of Romblon as well, adding the port to its regular destinations. Firmalo adds that they are likewise working on better roads, water systems and resorts.

Already, tourism has been thriving in Romblon. In 2010 the tourism office recorded 62,000 visitors, while in 2013 the number spiked to 102,000.

On our last day in Romblon, we take a speedboat to Caticlan – an exhilarating 30-45 minute ride. From Romblon’s immaculate, untamed beaches to Boracay’s lively, developed beachfront – the differences between the two are distinct.

Yes, Romblon may be the next Boracay, but one hopes that it manages to keep its own rustic ambience. “Continue developing the destination,” says DOT Region 4 director Rebecca Labit. At the same time, she urges local resort owners and businessmen to preserve what makes Romblon unique. She adds, “Romblonons have so much to look forward to.”

Ultimately, travelers are not looking for another Palawan, or the next Boracay, but a destination that is uniquely Romblon.