In the Philippines, we love color. Our umbrellas come in rainbow and pastel colors (with print, nonetheless), our jeepneys are painted with either a patron saint's or the driver's kid, you get the drift. 

In fact, all fiestas and festivals in the country are characterized by banderitas lined up across the streets! And that's just the basic part of it. In Marinduque, the locals look forward to the Moriones Festival, a yearly celebration that draws in tourists from around the world. Since the Festival happens during Holy Week, it is always packed with religious devotees as well as of curious backpackers. 

But what's so interesting about it? What makes it so unique from all the other fiestas and festivals celebrated in the country? 

• It tells of an interesting story. While the rest of the Philippines reenact the crucifixion of the Christ, locals in Marinduque take a different perspective by showing the crucifixion and its importance through St Longinus, Roman soldier who received the gift of sight when blood from the body of Jesus touched his eye.
• The costumes are elaborate. Moriones is a term that comes form the word "morion" or mask. Participants wear masks with faces of Roman soldiers to depict a scene close to the actual event. Masks to make it more realistic? I'd vote makeup, but the masks work just fine. In fact, the masks define the Festival itself! Aside from masks, the soldiers also don full battle gear, which includes armor, gladiator sandals and spears.
• There's loads of fun leading up to the Festival. It's more fun in the Philippines, really! In the days leading up to when the masks will be used to reenact the crucifixion, participants use theirs to scare kids and to poke fun at other people. For that, it is well worth it to get to Marinduque a couple of days before the actual event. 
• It happens in all the towns of Marinduque. Unlike other Philippine festivals wherein you have to squeeze yourself in for a view of the presentations, the Moriones Festival gives visitors five options on where to take part in the event. The towns of Boac, Gasan, Sta Cruz, Buenavista and Mogpog all observe and celebrate the Festival, and not one town skimp on the costumes and the fun.
• Bellarocca. It's just one word, but it says a lot. Bellarocca is one of the top resorts in the country today, and it is located in Marinduque! Since the Moriones Festival happens every Holy Week, you can take a longer break from work and squeeze in a three-day two-night stay in this luxurious resort. Maximize your flight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Marinduque by grabbing the opportunity to check out Bellarocca.