The flight was freaking early and we were half-awake when we reached the Domestic Airport. Immediately, we checked in Zest Air and by 7am we were on board a turbo prop with less than 50 passengers on board. Barely thirty minutes after Marinduque beckoned us.

From there we were met by a smiling lass named Marie. She is one of the 100 administrative staffs of Bellarocca and started to fire away with facts and figures of Marinduque (which I learned came from a story between two lovers Marina and Duque) and Bellarocca (beatiful rock) formerly known as Elefante Island. Impress with her knowledge, we didn’t realize that we were already at the port that will bring us to Bellarocca proper. From afar, viewable from the port, was the Santorini inspired architecture. It is like being transported to Greece. Less than 10 minute boat ride, the welcoming committee, general manager, Ramon Martinez, and all the staff, singing a folk song, welcomed us. Leis were given to us and a golf cart was ready to bring us to the Pavilion. We just learned from the GM that there are only 12 guests in the island and 7 of them were us. Our designated golfcart driver was Tricia, their Food and Beverage Manager. She is likewise just barely 6 months on the job and described how she fell in love with the island. She also told us that we can call her anytime in case we need anything prepared — talk about true customer service. In the pavilion, welcome drinks were given. From there, we were told by the GM that there will be cocktails sponsored by him around 630pm.

After the usual pleasantries, we were whisked to our Villa, one of the only six in the island. Our’s is named Xanadu. The villa was a sight to behold. The architecture is Mediterranean inspired and the amenities were truly exceptional –

- flat screen LCD TV (3 units)
- sound surround system (in each room)
- wall mounted DVD player
- wall-mounted aircondition in ALL rooms
- iPOD dock
- our own jacuzzi and infinity pool – even lighted at night
- kitchen (with oven/refrigerator and coffeemaker)
- bathtub in all bathrooms
- so on and so forth

Nothing is left to chance. The entire place was well though off. We could have brought Gio and Paulo’s yayas and they will have their room and bath…. imagine.

Enough with this story. Here are photographs that will transport you to this place.

It’s just our first day, and so far so good.