History of the Province
The Island of "Mina de Oro"
The Island of "Mina de Oro"
Legend
has it that long before the Spaniards discovered the Philippines, Mindoro was
already among the islands that enchanted pilgrims from other countries. It was
said that vast wealth was buried in the area, and mystic temples of gold and
images of anitos bedecked the sacred grounds of this relatively unknown land.
The Spaniards even named the island "Mina de Oro", for they believed
it had large deposits of gold.
The
history of Mindoro dates back before the Spanish time. Records show that
Chinese traders were known to be trading with Mindoro merchants. Trade
relations with China where Mindoro was known as "Mai" started when
traders from "Mai" brought valuable merchandise to Canton in 892 A.D.
The geographic proximity of the island to China Sea had made possible the
establishment of such relations with Chinese merchantmen long before the first
Europeans came to the Philippines. Historians claimed that China?Mindoro
relations must have been earlier than 892 A.D., the year when the first ship
from Mindoro was recorded to have sailed for China.
Historians
believed that the first inhabitants of Mindoro were the Indonesians who came to
the island 8,000 to 3,000 years ago. After the Indonesians, the Malays came
from Southeast Asia around 200 B.C. The Malays were believed to have extensive
cultural contact with India, China and Arabia long before they settled in
Philippine Archipelago.
"TAMARAW FALLS"
Tamaraw Falls can be found in Barangay Villaflor near the
city of San Teodoro. It is a 423-foot natural wonder because it is found along
the road. It consists of a series of smaller waterfalls which converge to the
main waterfalls cascading down to the waterbed below. This provides one of the
most breathtaking sights to behold.
The falls derived its name from a species of buffalo which
can only be found in Oriental Mindoro. It is among the countrys endangered
species as it is being hunted by people who are after its meat. Proclamation
No. 692, signed in 2004, made October 1 a special working holiday in the
province in celebration of the Tamaraw Conservation Month.
Tamaraw Falls is fifteen kilometers from the town proper.
There is a resort found at the foot of the falls and for a minimal fee, guests
can refresh themselves at its cool and clean waters. Aside from that, there are
recreation halls, picnic huts, and shower rooms that leads down to the foot of
the falls. The entrance fee to the resort is PHP 25 per person.
Tamaraw Falls serves as an alternative to the beaches of
Puerto Galera. Although there are other waterfalls in the island, Tamaraw Falls
provides one of the most breathtaking sights for tourists.
KAWA-KAWA FALLS
TAGUAN FALLS
TUKURAN FALLS
WALANG LANGIT FALLS