LET'S GO SA ROMBLON
Romblon–the Marble Capital of the Philippines–as we get to know its attractions beyond the solid rock formations.
The marble sourced in Romblon, Romblon is at par with the world's best, with export quality material giving it high value to sculptures and builders around the world.
What makes its special is that the Romblon marbles are mature making it very tough, unlike the Bulacan version that has the tendency to break up into small parts.
Marble is one of the most sustainable form of mining. The island is blessed with sizable deposits of raw minerals that do not run out because of its inexhaustible supply.
They have a lot of variety of marbles such as the black, green, blue, white, Italian white, century and century-cream.
But the most expensive are the 100-year-old century and the rare Romblon black (Black Onyx) marbles.
Marble Shopping Center
The best place to buy intricate marbles ranging from small to big souvenir items.
You can find keychains, lamp shades, vases, sculptures and etc here at a low price.
Marble Craft Workshops
But if you're looking for much more bigger sculptures, you may venture to small marble craft workshops.The marble sculptures crafted have oriental and religious -themed designs that have a good quality.
WHERE TO GO SA ROMBLON:
FIRST THINGS FIRST GET READY YOURSELF TO AN EXTREME EXPERIENCE HERE IN ROMBLON. Travel first the popular places in Romblon.
Bonbon Beach
Considered as Romblon's best and probably most beautiful sandbar.
Located just 5km away from Romblon town, the beach is a must-go-to-site when visiting the island, with frequent locals and foreigner visitors alike. Besides its beautiful 2km stretch sand, it's unique feature is that it connects all the way to uninhabited Bang-ug island.
The beautiful turquoise water is ideal for swimming.We loved how there are no commercial facilities or resorts around the area.
Romblon Island is the hub of the Romblon Province and home to the famous Bonbon Beach. However, there is a slew of other attractions just waiting to be discovered. Romblon had arguably the best beaches of all the islands in the Romblon Province, which made it a much more relaxing island. However, it also had its fair share of waterfalls, island hopping, and epic viewpoints. I put together this list of the highlights from our stay on Romblon Island.
Fuerza de San Andres (Fort San Andres)
Fort San Andres is an imposing lookout over the Poblacion (Main town) of Romblon Island in Romblon Province. The 17th century Spanish Fortress is now a crumbling reminder of the rich history of Romblon.
The journey up was not incredibly hard but it was a very steep, long set of stairs. Along the way, the gardens on either side of the stairs are magnificent and well manicured. Statues and hedges create a magnificent entrance to Fort San Andres.
The coral and brick structure has once guarded the people of Romblon against Moro (pirates) raids.
The fort is conveniently located beside the town and is accessible by walking or tri bike. Just make sure you can handle the 200 steps to the top.
When we reached the top the guard was just about to close the gates. We had just made it up in time to catch the sunset out over the ocean. You are allowed to climb to the roof of the Fort and from the roof, we sat on the walls and watched the sun disappear into the horizon.
St. Joseph Cathedral and Belfry
Built by the Recollect fathers, the 15th-century limestone and brick church is the oldest church in Romblon. Inside, you can find the oldest replica of Senor Santo Nino de Cebu adorned in gold, who is enshrined in the church for hundreds of years already.
Here are some of the restaurants you shouldn't miss:
Jd&G Italian Food and Real Italian Pizza
If you're craving for Italian food and real Italian Pizza,Jd&G is the best place for you. The owner is married to an Italian, is very hand-on in the restaurant.She's also the head chef and always at the restaurant to entertain the guests. They serve breakfast meals,salads,pasta,sandwiches and pizza.
We got to try their Gnocchi with mushroom sauce (Php 230) and their Romblon Pizza (Php 230) filled with longanisa, mushroom, mozarella cheese and tomato sauce. For desert, their cheesecake is also quite good.
GNOCCHI WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE
ROMBLON PIZZA
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Restaurant Fuji
If you're looking for Japanese and Korean dishes, you should check out Restaurant Fuji. Owned by a Japanese who settled in Romblon, they serve a wide array of Japanese and Korean dishes. We got to try their Chicken Katsu with rice and miso soup for 250 pesos and their Gyoza for 150 pesos. This place is definitely a must-try!
CHICKEN KATSU
GYOZA
ISLAND BISTRO
Surprisingly good Filipino and American dishes are served at Island Bistro. This nice little hole in the wall restaurant also has very friendly and accommodating staff.We got to try their Crispy Pork Belly with rice and cucumber pickles (Php 140) and Mahi-Mahi (Fish Fillet) Burger with fries for 150 pesos. Quiet good food and affordable place to eat in Romblon.
MAHI-MAHI BURGER
CRISPY PORK BELLY
It really depends on where you re coming from but getting around Romblon Province can be quite tricky. The best way to do it is to book while you are there so that way you can ask the locals the best way and route. Obviously, you may need to book your in and our routes beforehand but you can work around those as we did. I wish I could give you more solid advice but it’s a bit hectic and depends where you are coming from.
Now that you know the best places, best marble crafts, and best foods in Romblon why don't you give it a try by yourselves? See the true beauty of Romblon.Enjoy!!
