Ex-bokal Dindin Mercado, pumanaw na

BOAC, Marinduque -- Pumanaw na si dating first district board member, Bernadine Opis-Mercado o mas kilala bilang Bokal Dindin.

Ayon sa post ni Teacher Romelie Mangui, "May your soul Bokal Dindin Opis rest in peace. Nakakabigla naman po. Isa sa napakabait na parent ng aking estudyante sa ICC before, napakalambing at 'di makalimot."

Nagpaabot din ng pakikiramay si dating Vice Governor Adeline Angeles, na nagpahayag ng pasasalamat sa naging serbisyo ni Opis-Mercado sa lalawigan. Ayon sa kanya, mahalagang bahagi ng pamana ng 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque ang mga makabuluhang panukalang batas na inakda ni Bokal Dindin.

"Thank you Bokal Bernadine "Dindin" Opis-Mercado for your service to our province and communities. As part of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque, the numerous important provincial legislations you authored are important part of the legacy of our leadership," wika ni Angeles.

Samantala, sa isang opisyal na pahayag, sinabi ni Boac Mayor Armi Carrion, “Sa ngalan ng pamahalaang bayan ng Boac, lubos po ang aming pakikiramay sa pamilya, kaibigan, at lahat ng minamahal ni Bernadine ‘Dindin’ Opis Mercado. Isa siyang tapat at masipag na lingkod-bayan na buong pusong naglingkod sa lalawigan at bayan ng Boac.”

Nahalal si Opis-Mercado bilang bokal ng unang distrito noong May 2022 national and local elections. Bago ito, nagsilbi siya bilang barangay captain ng Mataas na Bayan at kalaunan ay naging konsehal ng bayan ng Boac.

Ang kanyang malasakit, integridad at dedikasyon sa serbisyo-publiko ay mananatiling inspirasyon ng bawat Marinduqueno at ang kanyang iniwang halimbawa ng tapat na paglilingkod ay hindi malilimutan ng mga mamayang kanyang pinaglingkuran. -- Marinduquenews.com

Diamond route sea network set to transform inter-island travel in Mimaropa

BOAC, Marinduque — Traveling across the islands of Mimaropa may soon feel as seamless as island-hopping in the Caribbean, following the formal endorsement of the proposed Diamond Route Inter-Island Sea Transport Network by the Regional Development Council (RDC).

The initiative was presented by Marinduque Governor Melecio Go during the RDC Full Council Meeting, where he serves as chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee. The proposal received full backing from Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, RDC Chair, and unanimous support from all Mimaropa provinces.

“Ito ang maagang pamasko ng RDC sa Mimaropa," Governor Go said, describing the project as a timely and transformative gift for the region.

The Diamond Route aims to address long-standing challenges in inter-island travel, which residents and businesses have long described as slow, costly, and poorly connected. By creating a seamless maritime loop linking Batangas–Marinduque–Romblon–Oriental Mindoro; Batangas–Oriental Mindoro–Romblon–Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro–Marinduque as well as Occidental Mindoro–Palawan, and vice versa, the project envisions faster ferries, coordinated schedules, and modern vessels that will significantly improve mobility, trade, and tourism.

Under the proposed network, travel time between islands could be cut dramatically—making it possible, for example, to visit relatives in Mindoro in as little as two hours instead of six, or to deliver fresh produce from Marinduque to Palawan within the same day.

The plan was formally endorsed to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) during the 2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Mimaropa RDC on June 11 in Pasay City. The proposed expansion is designed to reinforce regional integration under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and further stimulate economic growth, tourism, and trade across the region.

Governor Go said the Diamond Route will utilize modern, world-class vessels capable of ensuring safe and efficient travel even amid challenging sea conditions. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s transport modernization agenda and was recently discussed in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“This is about connectivity and unlocking the full economic potential of Mimaropa," Go said. “Reliable, modern inter-island transport means better market access for our farmers, safer travel for our residents, and greater tourism opportunities across all four provinces.”

Go also revealed that several major shipping lines have already expressed interest in participating in the project, signaling strong private-sector confidence in the initiative.

Senator Zubiri voiced his support for transport, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism programs aimed at accelerating regional development. He invited Governor Go to attend the opening of the Senate session on January 26 to further discuss regional priorities. In response, Governor Go welcomed the senator to visit Marinduque to see firsthand the province’s development initiatives and tourism potential.

Once implemented, the Diamond Route is expected to complement existing maritime transport systems, offering more frequent, reliable, and integrated services. Regional leaders believe it will redefine Mimaropa—from a collection of isolated islands into a dynamic, interconnected growth hub, often described as the “Caribbean of the Philippines.” -- with reports from April Pagaling and Romeo Mataac Jr./Marinduquenews.com

Young performers shine as Mogpog hosts Tubungan and Kundiman competitions

MOGPOG, Marinduque — In a strong effort to preserve and promote local heritage, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mogpog, through its Tourism and Cultural Office, successfully held the Tubungan (Putong practice) and Kundiman competitions on December 30, showcasing the island’s rich musical and performing arts traditions.

At least 17 participants joined the Kundiman competition, while the Tubungan contest featured eight groups—five from the high school division and three from the elementary level—who competed for well-coveted cash prizes. The events drew enthusiastic participation from various schools across the municipality.

According to the Mogpog Municipal Tourism and Cultural Office, the competitions highlighted the creativity, discipline, and cultural pride of young performers. “Through this event, students are given the opportunity to express their artistry while preserving and promoting the traditional music and performing arts deeply rooted in local culture,” the office stated.

The Tubungan Competition began with the High School Division at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Elementary Division at 6:00 p.m., giving both age groups the opportunity to shine in their respective categories. The performances reflected not only talent and teamwork but also a deep appreciation for Mogpog’s cultural heritage. LGU Mogpog emphasized that the Tubungan Competition serves as both a contest and a celebration of tradition, encouraging the youth to value their roots while building confidence and stage presence.

In the evening, the municipality also presented Himig Mogpog: Season 1, a Kundiman Competition held at 6:00 p.m., celebrating the timeless beauty of Filipino music and the emotional depth of the kundiman. Based on the municipality’s official social media page, the event aimed to preserve and promote the kundiman as a treasured musical heritage, reflecting themes of love, patriotism, and Filipino identity.

Participants were required to wear Filipiniana or Barong attire, symbolizing elegance, respect for tradition, and pride in Filipino culture. The combination of visual grace and soulful performances created a meaningful and memorable experience for both performers and the audience.

Himig Mogpog: Season 1 served as a platform for local talents to shine, foster cultural appreciation, and strengthen community pride. The public was invited to witness an evening of heartfelt melodies, cultural expression, and artistic excellence as voices came together in celebration of the municipality’s musical heritage. (Photo: Yen Logmao Garcia) - Dr. Randy Nobleza, Marinduquenews.com

Pampasaherong bangka mula OrMin, nagkaaberya; 50 indibidwal pa-Marinduque nailigtas ng PCG

GASAN, Marinduque -- Mabilis na rumesponde ang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Gasan sa isang pampasaherong bangka matapos magkaaberya ang makina habang bumibiyahe mula Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro patungong Gasan, Marinduque bandang 12:00 nitong Biyernes, Enero 9.

Ang MBCA Emarsan, na may sakay na 50 pasahero at 250 sako ng bigas, ay nakaranas ng engine trouble sa layong humigit-kumulang 5.5 nautical miles mula sa baybayin ng Barangay Bachao Ibaba, Gasan. Ayon sa ulat ng purser ng bangka, nagkaroon ng sira sa mechanical transmission na naging sanhi ng pagkamatay ng makina ng sasakyang pandagat habang papalapit sa Gasan Pier.

Matapos matanggap ang ulat, agad na isinagawa ng PCG ang beripikasyon at rescue protocols. Isang rescue team na may kasamang motorbanca ang ipinadala sa lugar at matagumpay na nahila ang MBCA Emarsan patungong Gasan Port. Isa pang motorbanca ang nagbigay-tulong upang masigurong ligtas ang operasyon at ang pag-asikaso sa nasirang motorbanca.

Ligtas at nasa mabuting kalagayan ang lahat na mga pasahero habang nanatiling buo at walang pinsala sa mga kargamento. Kinumpirma ng kapitan ng bangka na ang aberya sa makina ay sanhi ng pagkasunog ng clutch lining, na nagresulta sa pagkawala ng propulsion. Inatasan ng PCG ang may-ari ng bangka na tiyaking maisagawa ang kinakailangang pagkukumpuni at siguraduhing magkaroon ng sea trial bago muling pahintulutang bumiyahe ang MBCA Emarsan.

Patuloy na pinananatili ng Philippine Coast Guard ang mahigpit na pagbabantay at mga operasyon sa kaligtasan sa karagatan upang matiyak ang proteksyon ng mga pasahero, kargamento, at sasakyang pandagat sa katubigan ng bansa. -- Marinduquenews.com

59 year-old mula Marinduque, 11 beses nag-try kumuha ng bar exam ngayon abogado na

Sa loob ng mahigit tatlong dekada, ang Bar Examination ay nanatiling pangarap at pagsubok para kay Eduardo Rivera Regio, isang 59-anyos, tubong Marinduqueño na pinatunayan na ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi nasusukat sa bilis, kundi sa tibay ng loob.

Noong 2025, matapos ang ikalabing-isang pagtatangka, tuluyan nang nakamit ni Regio ang matagal niyang inaasam—ang maging ganap na abogado. Sa panahong marami ang sumusuko dahil sa edad, pagod, o paulit-ulit na kabiguan, pinili niyang magpatuloy.

“Sa mga iba diyan, try lang. Hangga’t buhay, may pag-asa,” ani Regio—isang simpleng pahayag na ngayon ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa libo-libong Pilipino.

Tatlumpung Taon ng Pagsubok

Unang kumuha ng Bar si Regio noong 1993, nasa edad 20-anyos pa lamang. Ayon sa kanya, noon ay kinuha lamang niya ito “for the sake of taking.” Mula 1993 hanggang 2005, limang beses siyang sumubok—ngunit palaging kapos.

Matapos ang ilang taong pahinga, muling bumalik ang kanyang pangarap. Noong 2015, muli siyang nagtake ngunit nabigo sa iskor na 72.93%. Sinundan pa ito ng isa pang halos pasado na marka noong 2023—73.94%, isang kabiguang masakit ngunit hindi sapat upang tuluyan siyang pahintuin.

“Sabi ko, bibigyan ko ng last try. Hindi ako masyadong nakapaghanda noon. Kaya nagrequest ako sa PUP, nagreview ako doon, at ipinagkatiwala ko na sa Diyos,” ani Regio.

Pananampalataya at Huling Laban

Ang 2025 Bar Examination ang itinuring niyang huling laban. Sa pagkakataong ito, mas handa siya—pisikal, mental, at espiritwal. Hindi na lamang ito personal na pangarap, kundi isang misyon: ang magbigay-inspirasyon sa kanyang mga anak at patunay na ang pagsuko ay hindi kailanman opsyon.

Sa araw ng paglabas ng resulta, bumalik si Regio sa Supreme Court headquarters—isang lugar na matagal na niyang hindi napupuntahan—bitbit ang pag-asang matagal nang sinusubok ng panahon.

At sa wakas, dumating ang sagot sa kanyang mga panalangin. Isa siya sa 5,594 na pumasa sa 2025 Bar Examinations.

Higit Pa sa Personal na Tagumpay

Hindi lamang sarili ang iniisip ni Regio. Bilang dating barangay kagawad at barangay chairman, iginiit niya ang kahalagahan ng disiplina at integridad sa serbisyo publiko.

“Kailangan talaga ang public servant may disiplina. Ang pagiging makasarili ng mga namumuno ang dahilan kung bakit nawawala ang tiwala ng tao,” pahayag niya.

Sa kasalukuyan, siya ay isang empleyado ng Land Bank of the Philippines, at ngayon, isa na ring ganap na abogado—dala ang karanasan, pananampalataya, at aral ng paulit-ulit na pakikibaka.

Isang Paalala sa Lahat

Ang kwento ni Eduardo Rivera Regio ay patunay na hindi hadlang ang edad, hindi kaaway ang oras, at hindi wakas ang pagkabigo. Ang tunay na sukatan ng tagumpay ay kung ilang beses kang bumangon sa kabila ng pagkatalo.

Para sa mga Marinduqueño at sa buong bansa, ang kanyang pangalan ay hindi lamang nasa listahan ng mga pumasa sa Bar. Ito ay simbolo ng katatagan, tapang, at pananampalataya.

At para sa mga nag-aalinlangan kung “huli na ba ang lahat,” malinaw ang mensahe ni Regio: Hindi pa huli hangga’t may buhay, may pag-asa.

56,550 pasahero dumating sa Marinduque nitong holiday season

MOGPOG, Marinduque — Umabot sa 56,550 pasahero ang dumating sa lalawigan ng Marinduque sa kasagsagan ng holiday season, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)-Balanacan Port Management Office.

Batay sa datos ng PPA, mula Disyembre 20 hanggang 31, 2025, naitala ang 214 barkong dumating at 210 barkong umalis sa rutang Balanacan Port, Marinduque–Talao-Talao Port, Lucena City. Sa nasabing panahon, umabot sa 49,770 ang bilang ng mga pasaherong dumating, habang 24,922 naman ang lumuwas.

Sa bilang ng mga sasakyang lulan ng barko, naitala ang 7,914 rolling cargoes o malalaking sasakyan at 3,215 motorsiklo na dumating sa lalawigan habang 4,730 malalaking sasakyan at 1,115 motorsiklo ang naitalang umalis.

Samantala, mula Enero 1 hanggang Enero 4, iniulat ng PPA na may 58 barkong dumating at 59 barkong umalis sa Balanacan Port. Sa panahong ito, umabot sa 6,780 pasahero ang dumating sa Marinduque, habang 16,702 pasahero naman ang lumuwas patungong Lucena.

Sa bilang ng mga sasakyan, 953 pribadong sasakyan at truck at 143 motorsiklo ang dumating mula sa Talao-Talao Port, habang 7,939 malalaking sasakyan at 2,718 motorsiklo ang naitalang umalis.

Sa kabuuan, mula Disyembre 20, 2025 hanggang Enero 4, 2026, umabot sa 272 ang bilang ng biyahe ng mga barko na dumating at 269 ang bilang ng biyahe ng mga barko na umalis sa Balanacan Port. Tinatayang 56,550 pasahero ang dumating sa Marinduque, habang 41,624 pasahero naman ang lumuwas palabas ng lalawigan.

Sa aspeto ng rolling cargoes, umabot sa 8,867 pribado at commercial vehicles at 3,358 motorsiklo ang dumating, habang 7,939 sasakyan at 2,718 motorsiklo ang naitalang umalis.

Ipinapakita ng mga datos na ito ang mataas na daloy ng mga pasahero at sasakyan sa Marinduque sa panahon ng kapaskuhan at bagong taon, patunay sa patuloy na pagdagsa ng mga umuuwing residente at mga turistang bumibisita sa lalawigan. -- Marinduquenews.com

Barko mula Marinduque patungong Lucena tumirik, dangerous cargo vessel to the rescue

MOGPOG, Mariduque -- [UPDATED] Nagka-aberya habang bumibiyahe ngayong Linggo ng hapon, Enero 4 ang isang barko ng Starhorse Shipping Lines na nagmula sa Balanacan Port, Mogpog patungong Talao-Talao Port, Lucena City.

Kwento ng isang pasahero, tumirik ang kanilang sinasakyang barko na M/V Peñafrancia 7 kaya nagpalutanglutang sa karagatan.

Aniya, mabuti na lamang at nakasalubong nila ang dangerous cargo vessel na Viva San Lorenzo Ruiz na s'yang umaagapay ngayon sa Starhorse 7 para makarating sa pantalan.

Hindi na ibinalik sa Balanacan Port ang Starhorse 7 bagkus ay hinila na lamang patungong Talao-Talao Port dahilan para maging mabagal ang pag-usad ng nasabing mga barko.

[Update as of 5:20 pm]

Ligtas nang nakarating sa Talao-Talao Port, Lucena City ang mga pasaherong sakay ng naturang mga barko. -- Marinduquenews.com

Hosting skills ni Michael sa MMFF pinuri, pinag-usapan ng netizens

MAKATI CITY, Metro Manila -- Hinangaan at naging usap-usapan ng mga netizen ang ipinamalas na husay sa pagho-host ng Kapuso star at PBB Diligent Wonderson ng Marinduque na si Michael Sager sa katatapos lamang na 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal na ginanap nitong Sabado, Disyembre 27 sa Dusit Thani sa Makati City.

Marami sa mga manonood ang nagpahayag ng positibong reaksiyon sa social media, kung saan pinuri ang natural na karisma, malinaw na pananalita, at kumpiyansang pagdadala ni Sager sa prestihiyosong pagtitipon ng industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino.

Ayon sa ilang netizen, kapansin-pansin na kayang-kayang makipagsabayan ni Sager sa mga batikang host tulad nina Enchong Dee at KaladKaren, na kapwa nagsilbi ring emcee sa naturang okasyon. Dagdag pa nila, maayos ang kanyang timing, mahinahon ang delivery, at may mahusay na pakikitungo sa kapwa hosts at mga panauhin.

Dahil dito, marami ang naniniwala na bukod sa kanyang kakayahan bilang aktor, may malaking potensiyal din si Sager bilang isa sa mga bagong hahangaan at maaasahang host ng kanyang henerasyon sa mga malalaking programa at espesyal na okasyon sa telebisyon at entertainment industry kagaya ng PBB at national pageant competition.

"Michael Sager carried himself like a true master of ceremonies at MMFF 2025. His presence was calm yet commanding, effortlessly guiding the audience with clarity and confidence throughout the event," pahayag ng isang netizen sa Facebook.

"Can I just say I really admire @michaelsager_'s hosting skills? Like ang gaan niyang panoorin, super natural, walang pilit, and he really knows how to connect with the audience," komento ng isang netizen sa X.

Samantala, lubos naman ang kasiyahan at pasasalamat ni Sager na nabigyan s'ya ng pagkakataon na maging kabahagi ng MMFF Gabi ng Parangal 2025.

"Earlier this year I prayed to be a part of the MMFF. God gave me more than I prayed for. Super grateful to have hosted the premiere nights for all eight films and Gabi ng Parangal," post ni Sager sa kanyang Facebook.

Nagdarasal naman si Michael na sa susunod na taon ay nais muli n'yang maging kabahagi ng MMFF na hindi lamang host bagkus ay bilang artista at cast member ng isang pelikula. "Praying next year, may entry na rin." (Photo from PEP) -- Marinduquenews.com

Dolphin, natagpuang patay sa dalampasigan ng Tigwi

TORRIJOS, Marinduque — Isang araw matapos ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko, isang dolphin ang natagpuang wala nang buhay sa dalampasigang sakop ng Sitio Yamog sa Barangay Tigwi, Torrijos, ngayong gabi ng Biyernes, Disyembre 26.

Sa Facebook post ni Roberto Macdon, hepe ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), gabi na ng maipabatid sa kanilang tanggapan ang sinapit ng kaawa-kaawa at duguang lumba-lumba.

Makikitang duguan ang kaawa-awang lumba-lumba. (Larawang kuha ni Roberto Macdon)

Agad namang rumesponde ang mga kawani ng MDRRMO kasama ang Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), gayundin ang mga opisyal ng barangay, upang magsagawa ng paunang assessment at wastong disposisyon sa nasabing hayop-dagat.

Sa kasalukuyan, inaalam pa ang sanhi ng pagkamatay ng dolphin kasabay ng pagpapaabot sa mga mamamayan ng babala na kapag may namataang buhay na dolphin sa karagatan ay huwag itong sasaktan bagkus ay iingatan at aalagaan sapagkat endangered o nanganganib ng maubos ang kanilang uri o species. -- Maridnuquenews.

Coral Geographer makes fourth port call in Marinduque, showcasing province as emerging cruise destination

BOAC, Marinduque — For the fourth time, Australian-based Coral Expeditions returned to the Heart of the Philippines as its cruise ship Coral Geographer visited Marinduque on Thursday morning, December 18, further strengthening the province’s growing presence in the international cruise tourism market.

Around 120 cruise passengers, together with ship crew members, arrived at exactly 7:52 a.m. aboard two tender boats at Cawit Port in Boac. A light drizzle briefly welcomed the guests, but it soon gave way to bright sunshine and the rare sight of double rainbows—setting a memorable tone for the day’s activities.

Tourists were greeted with a vibrant cultural welcome organized through the coordination and support of the Marinduque Tourism and Cultural Office and the Provincial Government of Marinduque. The reception featured the iconic Moriones (Moryons), traditional putong rites performed by students of Marinduque National High School, musical numbers by the Capitol Choir, and performances by the unique Pangkat Kalutang band of Barangay Bangbang, Gasan.

Accredited tour guides trained by the Department of Tourism from the Marinduque Tour Guides Association, along with local tour operator Dream Favor Travel and Tours, facilitated the excursion. The visitors were transported by approximately 14 air-conditioned vans and divided into two groups to ensure a more relaxed and uncrowded experience at each destination.

The tour highlighted Marinduque’s rich cultural heritage and scenic countryside. Stops included live demonstrations of Moriones mask carving, armor making, and accessory crafting at the parish church patio in Mogpog, prepared by the Mogpog Tourism Office and the Local Government of Mogpog. Guests also enjoyed views of vast rice paddies and coconut groves along the Mogpog route before proceeding to Boac.

In Boac, the visitors explored the historic Immaculate Conception Cathedral and its patio, joined a walking tour of select ancestral houses, visited souvenir shops and the Marinduque Museum, and sampled local delicacies. The Boac Tourism Office and the municipal government offered light snacks such as fresh buko juice, special bibingka, and traditional panganan cookies. The group later made a brief stop at the Provincial Capitol Complex before returning to Cawit Port ahead of their 11:50 a.m. departure.

One of the tourists, Barry from Australia, shared his positive experience and revealed that many were impressed by the grand welcome, the serene provincial atmosphere, the richness of local traditions, and the warmth and hospitality of the locals—despite the limited time of their visit.

“Everybody here is so friendly, and it’s good to see how the locals interact with us and demonstrate their skills—from weaving to pottery. The food preparation and the opportunity to taste island cuisine made it a very happy and enjoyable experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, Susan Nace, president of the Marinduque Tourism Association and owner of Dream Favor Travel and Tours, said the visitors were deeply moved by the reception.

“We are truly delighted that Marinduque is now emerging as one of the preferred destinations for cruise ships, opening our province to the global market. We sincerely hope that this momentum continues to grow, attracting even more visitors, and we eagerly look forward to the time when larger cruise ships will grace our shores and make Marinduque a regular port of call,” Nace said.

After departing Boac, the Coral Geographer made a stop offshore at Natangco Island in Brgy. Silangan, Mogpog, where guests delighted in the islet’s unspoiled natural beauty and powdery white sand.

Coral Expeditions is set to return to the province as the Coral Geographer is scheduled to make another port call in Marinduque on December 21, underscoring the island’s growing appeal as a cruise tourism destination. (Photo by Toby Jamilla) -- Marinduquenews.com