Oriental Mindoro

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, trade already existed with Chinese merchants and early names of the Mindoro island were Mai and Mina. The Spanish discovered the island in 1569 and exploration began in 1570. They named the island Mina de Oro, a contraction of gold mine. Although there have been no major gold discoveries, panners have found small amounts of gold in certain rivers. When the Batangas province (then called Bombon) was created in 1581, it included the entire island of Mindoro, which became a separate province early in the 17th Century. Various missionaries arrived to introduce the Catholic faith to the natives. Moro raids forced some settlements to be abandoned and in 1754, the Moros established a stronghold in Mamburao. The Spanish ended the Moro stronghold and Moro raids stopped towards the end of the Spanish regime in the Philippines. Marinduque became a separate province from Mindoro in 1901 and the latter was a sub-province of the former 1902 - 1921. Oriental Mindoro was created from the division of Mindoro in 1950.

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera was discovered by the Spanish early in the 16th Century. The name means Port of Galleons as it was a safe haven for ships during storms and typhoons. It appears trade was already taking place from the 10th Century, mainly from China but also other parts of Asia. Some historians believe that Mindoro is derived from Minoro or Minola, the name of a trading centre settlement in Puerto Galera. With the arrival of the Spanish, the Mindoro province was created early in the 17th Century with Puerto Galera as its capital. The capital of Mindoro was moved to Calapan in 1903 with Puerto Galera becoming a barrio of the new province capital. Puerto Galera was made a separate municipality on December 7, 1927.

White Beach and Surrounding Area

Arrival at White Beach. The boats are the transportation to reach White Beach from Batangas City and for touring other parts of the area. (May 2004)

This inflatable banana boat is pulled around by a speed boat. The idea is not to fall off or cause the inflatable to capsize! (May 2004)

As the speed boat turns, you have to lean to one side to stop the inflatable banana boat form capsizing. Getting it wrong results in being flung into water! (May 2004)

Scuba diving is another attraction of Puerto Galera. There is a small beach away from the bustling White Beach where first-timers can learn the basics. (May 2004)

Like all new things, scuba diving can be tricky at first. As beginners, the instructor will only allow a depth of several metres. Even so, it's a new and different world below. (May 2004)

Something else to do is to hire a small boat for a quick tour of the other beaches and resorts along the Puerto Galera coastline. (May 2004)

One of the many other beach resorts in Puerto Galera. (May 2004)