The Romblon Marble Festival!
A marble statute denotes accomplishments of Fr. Agustin De San Pedro (Orsa), 1599-1660. From Portugal, Fr. Orsa arrived in Manila in 1623. While in the Islam dominated area of Mindanao, he had a war with the Sultan of Kudarat and was victorious. He was transferred to Romblon, Romblon where he built San Jose Cathedral and the two bulwarks to protect the Island from marauders among an array of structures.
An Enchanted Place
After the great privilege of being taken by my hosts to the Romblon Marble Festival in early 2023, this writer became interested in what has been dubbed Economic Nationalism policy of Philippines. This policy came about upon realization that economic growth following WWII was not necessarily improving living standards for Filipino people; the last thing they needed was for a bunch of international corporations to come in and take over resource development of the country. Certain political leaders began a concerted effort to limit alien control over mining, electricity, commerce and manufacturing, according to Teodoro A. Agoncillo, renowned professor of History at University of Philippines. This policy was meant to assure Filipino benefit of development over Outside interests that long ago might have overrun the political balance of this country without protections.
The census of 1948 shows total foreign assets of the country, while Filipinos owned 51.9% of the total assets…Consequently, the alien traders and businessmen enjoyed a position of privilege which even the Filipino businessmen do not enjoy in their own country. The increase in economic power of any group also increases its political power. Consequently, the aliens in the Philippines enjoy, surreptitiously, a political power that poses a danger to the political independence of the country.
[1] History of the Filipino People, Teodoro A. Agoncillo, eighth edition 1990. P509-510
Under the leadership of Sen. Claro M. Recto the issue of who can invest in Philippine resources gained traction following President Ramon F. Magsaysay who was too polite to American powerful figures to oppose their impositions on the Filipinos. Carlos P. Garcia became president of Philippines in 1957, heralding a resurgence of Filipino Nationalism with Filipino First policy articulated in Resolution No.. 204 adopted by the National Economic Council August 21. 1958. This act specifically gives preference in all matters pertaining to the economic development of the country to Filipinos.
The Marble Festival!
Romblon, Republic of Philippines January 13, 2023–In the heart of the Philippine Archipelago is an island group with pristine white sand beaches and a major deposit of marble, for which the people celebrate each year with a festival! I was privileged to participate in this Filipino celebration and interviewed one of the largest marble factory owners in the country, Napoleon Makino, Jr.
Having already spent some time at nearby San Agustin Island, it cost P72 (About $2.00 USD) for senior fare on the ferry. She was very crowded ship and we traveled a few hours to reach Romblon Island–which is the seat of government for this region. Roosters in cardboard carriers were already bragging aloud on their way to upcoming legal cockfights.
The initial trip to San Agustin from mainland Luzon was at night.
A few days later we took a cross-channel ferry from San Agustine to Romblon Island, which is the seat of government. There we walked and rode tricycle to explore this ancient city, including a fort. We rode a tricycle to the Marble factory belonging to Makino and he graciously agreed to interview with me through an interpreter since he only speaks the Filipino Tagalog language.
We walked off the ferry and were greeted in the night by this structure. Shortly we also came to the Santo Nino Cathedral.
We rode a tricycle to the Marble factory belonging to Makino and he graciously agreed to interview with me through an interpreter since he only speaks the Filipino Tagalog language
We use heavy equipment to mine the marble at a query I own, explained Makino. We bring the big rocks here to be turned into products mostly for building contractors.
Marble boulders in preparation for processing.
Marble forms when a pre-existing limestone rock is heated to such extreme temperatures that the minerals grow larger and fuse together. The dark, foliated bands cutting through the marble are a different kind of metamorphic rock, such as slate.
[1]How Marble Forms
Marble balusters turned on a lathe await purchase.
Square columns are of various lengths and piles of rocks await a creative hand to turn them into works of art.
We have many marble production businesses here in Romblon, continued Makino. I began in this business as a laborer and worked my way up to owning the company. I bought this Romblon Marble Factory in 1997.
Makino started with five employees and has 40 now.
Flooring and wall tiles are stacked after being cut.
Specialized equipment including lathes, cutters, and shapers are used to produce the products for market. Workers are trained onsite.
A variety of specialized tools are used to turn raw material into finished products, continued Makino. We can ship anyplace, including Alaska. We have shipped to Japan, Australia and Germany in the past.
Do you have kids who work in the business?
I have four children but they don’t work in the company, said Makino. They are all professionals on their own.
Do you supply artists who carve things like statutes out of marble?
As you see we sell the marble for any uses.
Some marble artwork is surrounded by random blocks in one part of the yard.
[2] Romblon Marble Industry Facebook page Here:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=romblon%20marble%20industry
Shops in downtown Romblon, Romblon are filled with all manner of beautiful marble products.
[3] The Philippine Marble Group
After our interview I traveled with my hosts to town and enjoyed a meal at an outdoor café before returning to San Agustin .
References:
[2] Romblon Marble Industry Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/RomblomanonCraftsmanship/
[3] The Philippine Marble Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418432902096462/
[4] Romblomanon People of Romblon: History, Culture and Arts, Customs and Traditions [MIMAROPA Philippines]
https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/09/Romblomanon-Romblon-History-Culture-Traditions.html
