The Peaceful Island: Banton, Romblon

Have you ever been to Romblon? Maybe yes, maybe not. Romblon is known for having friendly people and being known for having good "marmol". Romblon is consist of many islands. One of it is called, "Banton" which is my mother's province.

You can get to Banton, Romblon by first driving all the way to Lucena, Quezon then ride a RORO boat to get to the pier of Marinduque, next, ride a jeepney to Buenavista, Marinduque for about two hours then lastly, ride a motor boat to take you to the island of Banton. When you get there, you will first recognize the big rocks surrounded in the island. You will also be mesmerized of how clean and green the island is. What I love about in this island, is not just about it is my mom's province, but it's also the wonderful experience that I have encountered there. I've been in there few times already. Yet, I really love to come back any time during summer. This island can bring you relaxation, smile and many different experiences. 

What I love in coming back there are:

First, the people. The people or resident of Banton, Romblon are all genuine and kind. They are really accommodating when new faces or visitors came to their province. They are also friendly to all. The island is small, that's why most people there know each other. Even though the other barrio is far from the other, they know and greet each other. The people there loves to smile which are contagious. They also love to helped each other especially when in need. What I also love about the people there are their honesty. How did I know that? Well, there is a situation when my uncle left his wallet in one of the beaches there. When we left, we didn't recognize it. When we reached home, one of the beach caretaker brought it back to my lola's house even though it's really far from the beach. Isn't that amazing? Why would a person put an effort just to give back a wallet, right? Anyway, what's unique in these people are their surnames. Most of the people there, their surnames start with the letter "F". For example: Fegalan, Fabrero, Fonte, Fesalbon, Fallurin, etc. I don't know how that thing happened, but it really amazes me.

Second, the events. What always bring me back in Banton is because of the events happening there. Every event is fun and really different from the parties here in city. You will get to know more the people and the culture of the residents there when you joined in their events/party. 

Next, the place. What can I say in this island is, it is beyond PERFECT. The clean, peaceful and relaxing environment and the beaches are really jaw-dropping. When you stroll around the whole island through motorcycle or motorboat, your eyes will be amazed of how God created such beautiful island like this. Then, experiencing will really make you feel so good. In beaches, like Tabunan beach, Balogo beach, Macat-ang beach, etc. you will be happy that you can experience swimming in a beach that you and your family are the only one there. Which means you are solo. You can do anything you want there, and that's what I loved about it especially in a city girl like me. And yet, there are lots of beaches to choose from, which tourists will really love. The sands of the beaches there are also like the ones in Boracay or in Palawan. I suggest also to people who has an asthma, the clean air that you will inhale there can help you recover.

Catarman:

Tabunan Beach:

Cambonga Beach: 

Lagang:

Balogo:

Poblacion:

Macat-ang Beach:

Lastly, the living. Why? The simplicity and the basic of living of the people out there are really inspiring. Why simple and basic? Money in Banton, Romblon is basically not of their priorities and concerns. Without it, they can live. They can eat fresh foods from the sea or from the forest there. If you want fresh exotic foods (or the unusual foods you can't see in the metro), you can easily find it there. And they are all tasty. Really! They can live happily and contented of what they have. Also, the electricity there has a time limit. You can only use it from 4:00am-6:00am, then 5:00pm-11:00pm. The only transportation existed there is riding a motorcycle. Exciting, isn't it? Or if you want to have an exercise/adventure, you can walk from one place to another. Warning! It's really tiring! HAHAHA :D 

How they can live with that? Simple. They are just contented and happy of what God has given to them.

These are the reasons why I love to go back to that province. Even though its so far from the city, it is really worth travelling. I'm pretty sure to share it to my friends so that they are also willing to experience the beauty of Banton. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and be ready to be amazed and have a peaceful and relaxing vacation in the beautiful island, Banton.