| Buenavista | |||
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| — Municipality — | |||
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| Map of Marinduque showing the location of Buenavista. | |||
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Buenavista
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| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Philippines | ||
| Region | MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) | ||
| Province | Marinduque | ||
| District | Lone District of Marinduque | ||
| Founded | November 9, 1918 | ||
| Barangays | 15 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Russel Madrigal | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 78.60 km2 (30.3 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2007) | |||
| • Total | 24,100 | ||
| • Density | 306.6/km2 (794.1/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP code | 4904 | ||
| Income class | |||
Buenavista is a 4th class municipality in the province of Marinduque, Philippines. According to the 2010 census conducted by the Rural Health Unit, it has a population of 24,110 people in 3,868 households.
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Buenavista is politically subdivided into 15 barangays.
The incorporated areas of Bagacay, Libas, Sihi, Tamoc, Bubo, Kauakaua are privately owned by the Pe Family.
The town was named by Don Cornelio Sadiua. According to Sadiua family legend, Don Cornelio was deeded the land by Queen Isabella of Spain. He called it "Buenavista", due to its "good view." Its former name was Sabang, which is the river that runs through it. The majority of Buenavistans trace their ancestry to the Don Cornelio Sadiua family. Surnames of the extended Sadiua family include Pe, Sarmiento, Sotto, and Arevalo. However, Sadiuas can be found in Lagim Manok in Quezon (Tayabas) because it was to there, the Sadiuas evacuated when Malindig erupted.
In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces landed in Buenavista at Patay Ilog before making their way to the capital. Due to its rugged terrain, relative isolation, and fierce pro-American sentiment, Buenavista was the headquarters for the resistance movement. Japanese forces and the Resistance and guerrillas frequently engaged in skirmishes within the town borders. Occupying Japanese forces burned the school and municipal building, after holding captives composed a member from each Buenavista family. Guerrilla forces eventually re-captured the town.
The Libas Ambush, known locally as Pinag Labanan, was a joint guerrilla-Buenavistan effort in which Filipino guerrillas and Buenavistans ambushed and killed a troop of Japanese soldiers. After which the Japanese commandant issued a proclamation that for 1 Japanese soldier killed by the Filipinos in Buenavista, 10 Filipinos will die within a 5 mile radius.
In spite of the Japanese threats the Buenavistans heroically continued their crusade against Japanese occupation throughout the war, including rescuing and hiding several the combined Filipino and American military personnel during the war. One such rescue occurred shortly after the fall of Bataan, when the lighthouse keeper found an American seaman hiding among the shoreline rocks. These rescued Filipinos and Americans were clothed, fed and hidden by the Buenavistans, even though they risked execution if the Japanese found out about it.
In 1945, the combined U.S. and Allied Philippine Commonwealth military forces landed in Buenavista, Marinduque and attacked from the Japanese Imperial forces in the Battle of Marinduque during World War II. The Buenavista Campaign was the first major offensive fought during the Battle of Marinduque. The Buenavista Campaign culminated in a bloody firefight between the Japanese and a joint Allied- Filipino guerrilla offensive. The Japanese, who were headquartered in the Municipal building and elementary school, were soundly defeated.
Buenavista was chosen as the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the U.S. Army Signal Corps due to their record of anti-Japanese actions during the war. The U.S. Army Signal Corps and the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army were quartered in Pablo Pe's bodega in the town.
The Palengke Seaside Cultural Arts and Entertainment Pavilion: A local gathering place for Buenavista events, parties, and exhibitions.
Gold Barrel Resort and Hotel: A 5-star hotel and resort located in Lipata.
Malbog Hot Springs: Located in the Malbog district. These are hot sulfur springs, heated by the volcanic Malindig. They reputedly have therapeutic and healing properties, similar to the springs at Bath, England and Hot Springs, Georgia.
Isla Perro (now called Elephant Island): Located off the coast of Buenavista in the shadow of Malindig. It plays a role in the legend of Marina and the Duke. The island was a dog that led the Duke's boat and the boats of 3 other princes to Marina. The dog was turned into an island. The other three princes were also turned into islands---the Tres Reyes off the coast of Gasan and Buenavista. In the 1970s the island was for sale at a price of 3000 pesos.
Inuman Bato (Drinking Rock): Located in Suk'an district. It is a tidal pool on the beach that is submerged in the sea during high tide. At low tide, the pool is filled with drinkable, fresh water. It was reportedly featured in the popular "Ripley's Believe It or Not" newspaper serial during the 1950s.
Pablo Pe's Bodega AKA The United States Army Signal Corps Headquarters, Marinduque Island 1945-1946: Located on Don Cornelio Street, next to the Pe House. This humble structure served as the headquarters of the United States Army Signal Corps during the Liberation. The names of some of the US servicemen were Murray Hammond of Alabama, Farina and Mataisik.
Santo Nino Festival: A four-day festival of food, fun and family-friendly activities and events. It is held annually in January. A great way to experience Buenavista hospitality, culture and traditions.
Flores de Mayo: This colorful celebration is held yearly from May 1 through May 31. It is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The children of Buenavista give gifts of bouquets and wreaths of native flowers to the Blessed Virgin.
Below are some specialities, Buenavistans are exceptionally expert. Buenavista has a strong tradition of using locally grown and harvested products in a sustainable, organic way.
Kalamay-hati: A type of coconut jam made from coconut cream and sugar or molasses
Maja blanca: A type of coconut pudding
Suman: A dessert/snack made of sticky rice and coconut steamed in leaves.
Puto: A steamed rice cake.
Bagoong: A traditional fish paste made using fresh local/sustainable ingredients.
Marina of Malindig: Marina is the fairy who lives in Malindig Mountain. Her helpers/slaves are the Puggots. In addition to the Marina and the Duke Legend, Buenavistans have tales of townsfolks who befriend Marina. These friends lapse into catatonic states. During the catatonia, they are with Marina. Invisible to all humans, they travel through Buenavista and the rest of Marinduque and even going to Manila! However, Marina is very choosy about her friends and not everyone has the honor. Don Angel Sevilla was rumored to be her boyfriend.
The White Deer of Malindig: A white deer is said to roam the slopes of the Malindig. It is said to be the pet of Marina.
The Puggots of Malindig: The puggots are small, dark-colored, supernatural helpers/slaves of Marina, the fairy of Malindig. They also frequent the rivers and streams of Buenavista and are fond of the Bukal area of Bagakay. For centuries the puggots and the Buenavistans have had a love-hate relationship. While the puggots can be helpful, the stories often portray them as naughty mischief makers.
The Seven Priests: In the early 20th century, a Buenavistan dug a trench near the beach. He found a large eathern vessel. Within it were seven headless, skeletons, chained hand to foot, to each other. The rotting clothing on the skeletal remains were long sleeved robes, similar to that of priests. It was thought these unfortunates were victims of the legendary pirate Lee Mah Ong. Shortly after the discovery, the people heard the sound of chains dragging through the streets of the town at night. The ghostly chain dragging continued until the Second World War.
Coffin on the Bridge: In the old days, there was a little wooden bridge outside of the town. On that bridge a child's coffin with four candles on each corner would appear every evening. The Buenavistans believed it to be an aswang.
The Walking Santo Nino: The Aglipay Santo Nino also patrols the town at night. Every morning, his clothing is covered with bits of amor seco seeds and other debris.
The Santo Nino and the Pirates: In the years before the Spanish-American War, Buenavista was terrorized by pirates who periodically pillaged the town. On one particular day, the townspeople watched a pirate ship appear. Bracing for an attack, they were surprised when the ship turned away quickly. One of the pirates fell overboard. Upon his rescue, he told the Buenavistans that they couldn't attack the town because on the beach was a tall rock wall. Walking on top of that wall was a little boy carrying a huge sword. The pirates took that as an omen and turned away. The captured pirate described the boy's clothing. The Buenavistans were amazed, because the boy's description matched that of the Santo Nino.
The Santo Nino escapes fire: The Aglipay Santo is dark. He caught on fire but did not burn.
The Santo Nino's Revenge: During the Flores de Mayo celebration, a brash youth began to insult and tease the Santo Nino. While he was eating supper, he suddenly fell off his chair, broke his neck and died. The Buenavistans attributed his death to his rude behavior.
The Giant Squid: After a fierce naval battle during the Second World War, a giant squid washed up on the beach at Kaiaganan. The squid was said to be 9 horsecarts long and smelled of amnonia.
Don Cornelio Sadiua: He was a man with a rather eccentric sense of humor. He planted one of his many plots of land with mango trees. Every year his descendants would gather there at the height of mango season to pick the mangoes. The rule was whatever you picked belonged to you and you alone. So young and old alike would good-naturedly squabble with one another over the mangoes: just as Don Cornelio wanted.
The Lost Deed: According to legend, Don Cornelio obtained the deed for the town from Queen Isabella of Spain. The deed was made of sheepskin parchment and kept in a bamboo container. Sadiua family members remember seeing the fancy deed with the ornately, flourished signature of the Queen. At the start of World War II, the family hid the deed. Unfortunately, the deed was too well-hidden for when the war was over, no one remembered where it was hidden. Some say it was kept in Buenavista. Others say it was sent to a Sevilla relative in Gasan. Where it is only now is known but to God.
Sea Salt: Due to the constant threat of Puggot mischeiviousness, Buenavistans will often warn people to carry bags of sea salt whenever they travel through Puggot territory. Puggots hate salt, especially sea salt. So to rid an area of Puggots, the salt must be thrown over spots travelers walk. Otherwise to step on a Puggot or to injure it in any way will incur its awful wrath.
Buenavista Mayors: The longest serving Mayor was Recaredo Sarmiento. His term was interrupted during World War II. The first Chinese-Filipino Mayor was Wilfredo Sadiua Pe.
World War II: No Buenavistan was tried in the Manila War Crimes Trials for collaborating with the Japanese occupying forces.
Caigangan: After the Allies shelled Manila and Tayabas, they landed at Caigangan beach. The landing heralded the liberation of Marinduque island.
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