That Poctoy is the midpoint of the republic is a legacy of Spanish colonialism. If Spain didn’t invade these islands, Luzon could have been part of Taiwan or Mindanao a member of the Malaysian Federation. But because of Spanish colonialism, and the subsequent resistance to it, we were able to imagine and build a nation out of these 7, 107 islands.

Another Spanish legacy can be seen in the surnames of Romblon citizens. The most common family names in the province start with letters F, M, G, and R. (I am related to the Fabriquiers of Odiongan).

Romblon is an island province. It has island barangays. It is composed of 20 islands. There are 7 major islands in the province. A banca or motor boat is used by politicians if they are campaigning in the province.

Tablas is the biggest island of the province. Odiongan, the economic and trading center of Romblon, is located in Tablas. Tugdan airport is also in Tablas. It used to be the entry point to Boracay in the 1980s. It is only 30 minutes away from the world-famous island resort. But Caticlan beat Tugdan in the 1990s. An international airport is being built in San Jose Island in Romblon to transport Boracay-bound tourists.

Romblon Island is the political capital of the province. The first-class marble deposits of Romblon are mined on this island. Black marble is found on Alad Island. Sibuyan Island is simply one of the most captivating islands in the country.

Romblon is part of the Southern Tagalog Region – MiMaRoPa. But it used to be part of Region 6 – Western Visayas. It was transferred to the jurisdiction of Region 4 in the 1980s to make regional administrative coordination more efficient. The case of Romblon illustrates the arbitrary classification of provinces and regions in the country. Masbate is officially a Bicol province but it can pass as a province located in Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas or even Western Visayas. Mindoro and Palawan can be described as Visayas provinces.

Romblon is a mineral-rich province; it is blessed with abundant and unique natural resources. The sweetest atis in the country is harvested in Nagoso. This atis variety can’t grow on other soil in other islands.

Romblon is a ‘rich’ province but its people are poor. Romblon is one of the poorest provinces in the country. Is it poor because its size and (voting) population are too small to capture the interest and attention of national politicians and big entrepreneurs? Is it poor because of its remoteness and detachment from the Luzon mainland?

As an island province, Romblon is also dependent on fishing. The province supplies the marine products required by the many restaurants and resorts in nearby Boracay. Imagine the economic impact of the three-month ban imposed on Romblon marine products when the MV Princess of the Stars sank off the coast of Sibuyan in 2008. It destroyed the livelihood of small fisherfolks. It worsened the poverty and hunger incidences in the province.

Marble quarrying is a major economic activity in the province. But marble dollar profits are deposited elsewhere. Decades of marble quarrying didn’t improve the lives of Romblon citizens. Romblon’s experience disproves the national government claim that the Philippines can become a First World nation by aggressively promoting mining exploration in the islands.

Romblon is a microcosm of the Philippines. It is an island paradise. It has charm, mystery, and warmth. But poverty is like a plague that spreads quickly in the islands. It is a beautiful place but why are the people suffering? Is it fate? Curse? Truly, Romblon is a province of contradictions.

Did you know?

1. Manila-Tablas daily flights are available through SEA Air and Zest Air. PAL used to operate in the province but it left due to the financial non-viability of the route.

2. Odiongan comes from the word odiong, which means harrow. Harrow is an agricultural tool.

3. Romblon comes from the word lomlon, an act of a hen nesting to warm her eggs. Again, blame the Spanish colonizers for mistaking the word as the name of the island.

4. There are almost no private schools in Romblon. Meanwhile, majority of schools in nearby Mindoro Island are privately-owned.

5. Asuran is an Asi word which means tulungan.

6. When the Catholic Church abandoned the province, particularly Odiongan, during World War II, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente stayed behind to provide religious service in the islands.

7. According to a local source, marble quarrying has barely scratched the surface of marble deposits in Romblon.

8. There are 46 varieties of cassava in the country. Romblon State University is cultivating 40 varieties. Congratulations to Romblon State University for being recognized as a state university last October.

9. The late great writer and activist Julius Fortuna hails from Odiongan, Romblon.

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2. What to bring. Don’t forget these lifesavers: short umbrella, slippers, light jacket, cap, shorts, hand sanitizers, pen, notebook, Good Morning towels. Pack extra calling cards and political pamphlets. Don’t bring bottled water, snack food, condoms (if you’re married like me). Wear a facemask if you’re sick. Bring only decent underwear. Aba kung ma lost baggage ka, o kaya pag-initan ka sa custom at buksan ang bag mo, di ba nakakahiya kung butas ang brief o panty na dala mo?

3. Airport sanity. Be at the airport on time: one hour before time of departure for local flights and two hours for international flights. For smooth security inspection, keep your coins, phones, belt inside your handcarry bag. Expect long lines at the check-in counter. If you don’t have a check-in bag, proceed to the express lane. If you’re annoyed by the slow moving line, don’t lose your temper by holding on to a happy thought. It’s hassle to be accosted by the airport police. Always smile and hide your anger. Request a window seat for the view or an exit row for more leg room. During boarding time, don’t panic. Don’t join overeager passengers who want to be the first to board the plane. Remember, you won’t lose your seat because you have a seat number.

4. Money. Store the money needed for the taxi fare and terminal fee for your return trip in the hidden pocket of your bag. Don’t buy pasalubong items in the airport. Don’t buy pasalubong on the first day of your travel. Don’t be too excited, marami pang mas mura kang mahahanap. Don’t buy goods which you can already buy in your home city. Do you really need to buy pasalubong for everybody? Exchange your foreign currency at the airport. Sometimes, it is not unwise to buy duty-free products. But don’t buy chocolates. Sa mall ka na lang bumili.

5. No to fastfood. You’re a stranger in a strange city, province, or country. You’re hungry. You’re afraid to eat street food. Then you see McDonalds. What will you do? Don’t ever think about it. Resist! Ask locals for restaurant tips. Do your online homework. Research the recommended local food stores. Enjoy the native delicacies. Eduardo Galeano was right when he described fastfood as a “violation of cooking’s right to self-determination.” Bakit ka nga naman kakain sa Chowking kung may La Paz Batchoy naman sa Iloilo.

6. Don’t be an ignorant and arrogant tourist. Strive to know more about the places you visit. Talk to people. Read the local papers. Get a free copy of the local map. Respect the local traditions. Don’t overdress. Ask permission before taking pictures. And is it really important to take facebookable pictures? Sometimes, the picture-perfect moments are best left in our memories. Keep a travel diary. Explore the countryside. Use public transport.

7. Water transport. If you have a big delegation and you’re going to Visayas or Mindanao, a ship transport is a fun way of travelling. If there is enough time, consider riding a ship. Sea travel allows us to appreciate the archipelagic beauty of the Philippines. Yes, Manila Bay is polluted. But we must not forget that we are surrounded by clean sparkling waters. Visit these natural wonders, visit the islands (hindi lang Boracay ha). But I guess this mode of transport is no longer popular among urbanites like us who need to reach our destination fast so that we can immediately update our facebook status. It’s also unfortunate that maritime disasters often occur in the country.

8. Bus ride. If the ride is 5 hours or more, it is better to take the midnight trip. You can ride a bus to reach Visayas and Mindanao. Try it sometimes. It is a thrilling experience. Are there RoRo bloggers?

9. Railways. It is tragic that I can’t offer some tips on rail travel. How can I do that? We only have the MRT, LRT, and PNR – which are all located in Metro Manila.

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From Laoag airport, we travelled to San Juan, Ilocos Sur. I attended the flag ceremony and delivered an inspirational talk in a public high school. Then, we went to the Vigan campus of the University of Northern Philippines. I visited the provincial capitol first before proceeding towards Candon. I met the SK officials of Candon and nearby municipalities. I also attended a forum in UNP-Candon.

I arrived in San Fernando, La Union to meet the SK officials of the province. I also gave a lecture in St. Louie University. We went to a surfing site to swim. Two days before, I was in Cagayan State University.

I went to UP Baguio a week before the State of the Nation Address. Later, I met student leaders from various schools at Oh My Gulay resto.

I spoke at Tarlac State University, Gordon College in Olongapo, Bulacan State University, and Baliaug University. I went to the wrong St. Mary’s College in Meycauayan but fortunately, we made it in time for the closing of the forum.

I was invited to address the convention of youth leaders from the Iglesia Filipina Independiente at Maryhill School of Theology in Taytay. I participated in an Asian Youth Day workshop at Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite. I’m impressed with the Cavite campus of the Adventist University of the Philippines. A provincial assembly of Kabataan Partylist was held in Philippine Christian University – Dasmarinas. Southern Tagalog student council officers met at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. We tested the Comelec-Smartmatic voting machines at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Calamba. After attending an assembly of youth leaders, I bought a bag of kapeng barako in Lipa, Batangas. Campus journalists from the College Editors Guild invited me to speak in their Congress in Lucena.

I was at the Ateneo de Naga University last July. I visited the Legazpi campus of Bicol University twice this year. I was invited by UP Ibalon during their annual Padunungan event in Guinobatan, Albay. I joined new voters when they registered at the Comelec office in Sorsogon.

I visited three schools in Iloilo: West Visayas State University, West Visayas College of Science and Technology, and UP Iloilo. I explained our opposition to Con-Ass during a Sunday mass in an Iloilo City church. I was surprised to discover that the cityhall is located inside a Robinsons mall. I saw an abandoned Lopez Jaena shrine in the city.

West Negros University hosted a meeting of campus journalists in Negros. I saw the imposing but controversial Bacolod City Hall. I met the incumbent mayor who is Pacquaio’s lucky charm. Siya yung may hawak ng belt ni Pacquaio. I visited a “liberated” farm village in Bago City.

I was in Davao City not once, not twice, but thrice this year. I was finally able to set foot on Samal Island. Durian and Marang are my preferred pasalubong items from Davao. I was at the provincial capitol of North Cotabato. I sang during the flag ceremony in the provincial capitol of Misamis Occidental. Nakakahiya ang boses ko pero mas nakakahiya naman kung hindi rin ako kumanta kasi lahat ng bisita kumanta. Ang aking inawit: More than words. I went to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan too. Cagayan’s pastel is a favorite of my wife. I visited the ancient city of Butuan. The cost of a movie ticket in the city is only P40.

I gave a lecture on leadership at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College in Marikina and Polytechnic University of the Philippines Taguig. I presented the anti Con-Ass position in Rizal Technological University Pasig, Miriam College, Philippine Normal University, College of St. Benilde, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, St. Paul Manila, Adamson University, and University of the East. I discussed the role of the youth in the 2010 elections in Miriam High School, Philippine Women’s University, College of Holy Spirit, De La Salle Araneta, Univesity of Makati, UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Integrated Schools, and Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology. I joined a fellowship of youth leaders and parishioners at the United Methodist Church in Pandacan and a catholic church in Novaliches Bayan.

Through our Tulong Kabataan campaign, I was able to participate in clean-up operations in Pasig, Sta. Mesa in Manila, Tumana in Marikina and Lapaz in Tarlac.

I visited Taiwan in June, Canada in November, and Thailand this month. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office sponsored and organized the trip to Taiwan. I joined a Congress delegation which visited Taipei, Kinmen Island, and Kaoshiung. The Canada trip was an official trip. It means my plane ticket, visa, and hotel expenses were shouldered by the government. I met Filipino-Canadian students and migrant groups in Toronto. I spoke at the University of Toronto. Thanks Diwa for taking me to the majestic Niagara Falls. I gave a lecture on Globalization and Philippine Education at the Student Christian Center in Bangkok. The trip was sponsored by the Asian Students Association. I cut short my Bangkok trip because of the joint session of Congress.

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