Boac, Philippines
Region: Marinduque
Geographic Coordinates: 13.450000, 121.833000
Climate: Boac, Philippines experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
Population: 57283
Language: Filipino
Boac is a captivating town nestled in the heart of Marinduque Island, Philippines. It serves as the capital and cultural hub of this small province, Offering visitors a unique blend of history, Natural beauty, And warm hospitality. Boac’s rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and the vibrant cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the Boac Cathedral or Immaculate Conception Parish Church. This stunning centuries-old church features intricate details on its facade and houses religious artifacts dating back to the Spanish era.
Exploring its grand interior provides a glimpse into Boac’s deep-rooted Catholic faith. Beyond its historical charm, Boac boasts breathtaking natural landscapes that will captivate nature enthusiasts. The Malbog Sulfur Spring Park offers visitors a chance to soak in hot springs surrounded by lush greenery while enjoying therapeutic benefits from the sulfuric waters. Another must-visit destination is Kawa-Kawa Falls, Where cascading waterfalls create an enchanting backdrop for swimming or simply immersing oneself in nature’s tranquility. For those seeking adventure, Mount Malindig stands tall just outside Boac town proper.
This majestic mountain offers hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to conquer its summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of Marinduque Island. Boac also hosts several festivals throughout the year that showcase local culture and traditions. One notable event is Moriones Festival, Held during Holy Week when locals dress up as Roman soldiers depicting biblical characters from Jesus Christ’s passion story—a unique spectacle that draws both locals and tourists alike.
Food lovers will be delighted by Boac’s culinary offerings which include traditional dishes like sinaing na tulingan (slow-cooked tuna), Sinugba (grilled meat or fish), Pancit palabok (rice noodles topped with shrimp sauce), Among others. Exploring the local market is a must to experience the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh produce, Seafood, And delicacies unique to Marinduque. Boac’s warm and welcoming locals add to the town’s charm. Their genuine hospitality creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors, Making them feel at home in this quaint Philippine destination.
Whether you are seeking historical landmarks, Natural wonders, Cultural experiences, Or simply a serene escape from city life, Boac has something for everyone to enjoy.
- Boac Cathedral (Cathedral Parish of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception) – A historic church built in 1666 with a beautiful façade and intricate interiors.
- Boac Museum – Located within the cathedral complex, it houses various artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Marinduque province.
- Kawa-Kawa Falls – A picturesque waterfall located in Barangay Hinapulan, known for its refreshing waters and lush surroundings.
- Malbog Sulfur Spring – A natural sulfur spring believed to have healing properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.
- Poctoy White Beach – A popular beach destination with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of nearby islands.
- Moriones Festival Museum – Showcasing costumes, masks, props, and other materials related to the annual Moriones Festival held during Holy Week.
- Balar Events Place & Resort – An events venue set amidst a scenic landscape offering recreational activities like swimming pools, zip lines, ATV rides etc.
- Mount Malindig (Marlangga) – An extinct stratovolcano that offers hiking opportunities for adventurous visitors seeking panoramic views from its summit.
- Ulong Beach Resort – Known for its long stretch of white sand beach lined with coconut trees; it offers various water sports activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
- Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa – Although technically not located in Boac but nearby Buenavista municipality; this luxurious resort features Mediterranean-inspired architecture on an island setting.
- Agriculture: The town’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with rice being the primary crop grown. Other agricultural products include corn, coconut, banana, vegetables, and livestock farming.
- Fishing: Being located near the coast, fishing is an important industry in Boac. Many residents engage in small-scale fishing activities to support their livelihoods.
- Tourism: Boac has started to develop its tourism sector due to its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, mountains, and historical sites like the Boac Cathedral and Kusina sa Plaza (a food park showcasing local delicacies).
- Handicrafts: The production of handicrafts is a significant industry in Boac. Local artisans create various handmade products like baskets made from bamboo or rattan materials.
- Retail and Trade: There are several retail stores, markets (such as Talipapa Market), and small businesses that cater to the daily needs of residents.
- Services Sector: As with any town or city center, services such as banking institutions (e.g., banks like Landbank of the Philippines), healthcare facilities (e.g., Marinduque Provincial Hospital), educational institutions (e.g., Marinduque State College – Main Campus), transportation services (tricycles for local transport), and government offices are present in Boac.
It’s worth noting that while these industries play a vital role in Boac’s economy; they might not represent all economic activities within the town as there might be smaller-scale or informal businesses operating as well.
- Battle of Paye (1663): Boac played a significant role in resisting Dutch invasion during the Battle of Paye. The Dutch forces were defeated by local Filipino defenders led by Datu Kalantiaw.
- Moriones Festival: Boac is famous for hosting the annual Moriones Festival during Holy Week. This colorful festival reenacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who converted to Christianity.
- General Maximo Abad: Born in Boac on April 26, 1866, General Maximo Abad was one of the prominent figures during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
- Jose Rizal’s Visit: Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero of the Philippines, visited Boac on September 21-23, 1881 while conducting research for his novel Noli Me Tangere. He stayed at Casa Real de Boac (now known as Museo ng Marinduque).
- Battle at Pulang Lupa (1900): During the Philippine-American War, Filipino revolutionaries led by Colonel Maximo Abad fought against American forces in Pulang Lupa near Boac on September 13-15, 1900.
- Presiding Bishop Alfredo Maria Obviar: Born in Lipa City but raised in Buenavista town within Marinduque province including his studies at Marinduque High School (now Marinduque National High School) before becoming a bishop and later canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on November 16th, 2018.
- Vicente Sotto Sr.: A prominent senator and statesman from Cebu was born to parents from this town.
These are just a few notable historical events and people associated with Boac, Philippines. The town has a rich cultural heritage and continues to celebrate its history through various festivals and events.
- Boac Cathedral – Also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, it is a beautiful church with a Baroque-style façade and intricate details.
- Boac Museum – Located inside the historic Boac Town Hall, this museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that depict the history and culture of Marinduque province.
- Kusina sa Plaza – A culinary museum that offers a glimpse into traditional Filipino cooking methods and utensils.
- Malbog Sulfur Spring – A natural hot spring known for its therapeutic properties, located in Brgy. Malbog.
- Moriones Festival Museum – This museum displays costumes, masks, and other materials related to the famous Moriones Festival celebrated during Holy Week in Marinduque.
- Bell Tower Ruins – The remains of an old Spanish-era bell tower located near Boac Cathedral, offering panoramic views of the town.
- Ulong Beach – A serene beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or relaxing under coconut trees.
- Gaspar Island Lighthouse – Situated on Gaspar Island near Boac Bay, this lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding seascape.
- Balanacan View Deck – An elevated viewpoint overlooking Balanacan Port and providing picturesque vistas of Marinduque’s coastline.
- Paadyao Cascading Falls (Poctoy White Beach) – Located in Torrijos municipality but easily accessible from Boac, this series of cascading waterfalls is surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for nature lovers.
- Boac, Philippines is a small town and does not have any professional sports teams.
- However, there might be local amateur teams or school-based teams that participate in various sports competitions.
- Unfortunately, information about their specific histories may not be readily available online.
- It would be best to inquire locally or contact the local government or schools in Boac for more information on any sports teams and their histories in the area.
- Boac Town Fiesta – Held every 29th of September to honor the town’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcangel. The festival features street parades, cultural shows, beauty pageants, sports competitions, and religious processions.
- Moriones Festival – Celebrated during Holy Week (usually in March or April), this festival reenacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who converted to Christianity after witnessing Christ’s crucifixion. Participants wear colorful masks and costumes depicting biblical characters while parading through the streets.
- Kakanin Festival – Held annually on May 15th as part of the celebration for Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of Abandoned), this festival showcases various traditional Filipino rice cakes or kakanin.
- Palarong Pambansa sa Boac – An annual sports event held in May that gathers athletes from different regions across the country to compete in various sports disciplines.
- Foundation Day Celebration – Commemorated every 25th of February to celebrate the establishment of Boac as a municipality back in 1572. The day is marked with cultural presentations, parades, beauty pageants, and other activities showcasing local talent and heritage.
- Lambayok Festival – A month-long celebration held from December to January that highlights Marinduque’s unique culture through street dancing competitions featuring traditional dances like putong (headgear) dance and malalim na salakot (wide-brimmed hat) dance.
Local Cuisine
- Pancit Marinduque – a local specialty dish made with noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
- Kakanin – traditional Filipino rice cakes like bibingka and suman.
- Sinigang sa Bayabas – a sour soup made with guava as the main ingredient.
- Adobo – a classic Filipino dish of meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Popular Restaurants in Boac
- Cafe Mamita – known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Filipino dishes like pancit palabok and halo-halo.
- Kusina sa Plaza – offers a variety of local dishes including sinigang sa bayabas and crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg).
- Balay Paragua Restaurant – serves authentic Marinduque cuisine such as binagoongan (pork stewed in shrimp paste) and sinaing na tulingan (braised tuna).
- Mang Inasal Boac Branch – part of a popular fast-food chain that specializes in grilled chicken served with unlimited rice.
These are just some examples of the local cuisine and restaurants available in Boac, Philippines; there are many more options to explore!
- Boac Plaza – A public park located in the heart of Boac town where locals and tourists gather to relax, enjoy the scenery, and socialize.
- Kawa-Kawa Falls – A popular natural attraction where visitors can swim in refreshing waters surrounded by lush greenery.
- Balar Eco Park – A nature park that offers various activities such as hiking trails, camping, bird-watching, and zip-lining.
- Poctoy White Beach – A beautiful white sand beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like kayaking or snorkeling.
- Tres Reyes Islands – These three small islands located off the coast of Marinduque offer opportunities for island hopping, swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling or diving to explore vibrant marine life.
- Malbog Sulfur Spring – Known for its therapeutic hot springs with sulfuric water believed to have healing properties for various skin conditions.
- Torrijos Mangrove Forest Reserve – Visitors can take a boat ride through this mangrove forest reserve while learning about its ecological importance and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
- Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary – This sanctuary is home to various species of birds and animals; visitors can observe wildlife while exploring nature trails.
- Mount Malindig – Ideal for adventurous hikers who want to climb this mountain which stands at 1,157 meters above sea level offering panoramic views of Marinduque Island.
- Moriones Festival – Held annually during Holy Week (Easter), this festival showcases colorful parades depicting the story of Longinus (a Roman centurion) who converted to Christianity after witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion.
Note: It’s always a good idea to check local regulations or contact local authorities before visiting these places as availability may vary due to COVID-19 restrictions or other factors.
