Marinduque
A quiet, heart-shaped island that comes alive with masked Roman soldiers every Holy Week.
Quick answer
- Where: an island province between Luzon and the Sibuyan Sea, near the country's geographic centre.
- Nickname: the heart of the Philippines, for its location and its heart shape.
- Festival: the Moriones, held during Holy Week in Boac, Mogpog, Gasan, Santa Cruz and other towns.
- The story: masked men re-enact the legend of Longinus, the Roman centurion at the crucifixion.
- Getting there: ferry from Lucena (Dalahican port) to Balanacan, about three hours.
Why it is a wonder
Marinduque is a small island province close to the geographic centre of the Philippines, and from above its outline looks like a heart, so it calls itself the heart of the Philippines. Most of the year it is quiet and green, with old stone churches, fishing villages and scattered islands offshore.
Then comes Holy Week. Across the island, in Boac, Mogpog, Gasan, Santa Cruz and beyond, men put on carved wooden masks and bright costumes of Roman soldiers. These are the Moriones. For a week they roam the streets, many as personal penance, and towns stage the story of Longinus, the centurion who pierced Christ’s side, was healed of his blindness and became a believer. It is one of the most colourful Lenten traditions in the country.
Beat the crowds
- Visit outside Holy Week for quiet beaches and churches.
- For the festival, arrive early in the week to avoid the worst port queues.
Getting there
Travel to Lucena, then take a ferry from Dalahican port to Balanacan, about three hours. Jeepneys and tricycles run around the island.
A perfect day
- Morning Mass or a visit to Boac Church.
- Watch the Moriones parade through town (Holy Week).
- Visit Gasan and its church.
- Sunset on the west coast.
Through the seasons
- Holy Week (March or April): the Moriones festival.
- March to May: dry and calm.
- Typhoon season: roughly July to November.
Respect the place
The Moriones is a religious tradition. Ask before photographing participants, don’t pull at masks, and respect processions and church rites. See our festival calendar.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What are the Moriones?
Local people who wear carved masks and bright costumes of Roman soldiers during Holy Week, many as personal penance.
When is the festival?
During Holy Week, from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday, so dates change each year with Easter.
What else is there to do?
Old churches in Boac, Gasan and Santa Cruz, islands and beaches, hot springs and diving.
Is it crowded at Easter?
Yes. Book rooms and ferries well ahead, and expect long queues at ports.
Lambug Beach
A long, quiet public beach of pale sand facing the sunset in southern Cebu.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
