Pinamalayan

Welcome to Pinamalayan, the sunny heart of Oriental Mindoro where golden coastlines meet fertile rice plains, and heritage dances to the beat of Mangyan rhythm! If you’re dreaming of a perfect balance of nature, tradition, and island charm, Pinamalayan is your next must-visit destination.

Pinamalayan, also known as the “Rice Granary of Oriental Mindoro,” is a first-class municipality that effortlessly blends coastal serenity with rich agricultural charm. Its name comes from “ipinamalay na,” meaning “it was made known,” a term rooted in a dream that supposedly led settlers to this bountiful land.

This town serves as a commercial hub and a cultural melting pot, surrounded by lush rice fields, river systems, and the sparkling waters of Tablas Strait

• Bahaghari Beach – A peaceful strip of sand perfect for picnics, sunsets, and reflection.
• Pinamalayan Mangrove Forest – A haven for nature lovers and eco-tourists looking to kayak and birdwatch.
• Bato-bato Falls – A hidden natural cascade ideal for a refreshing dip after a short trek.
• Isla Paraiso – A charming island nearby with crystal-clear waters, great for day tours and snorkeling.

• St. Augustine Parish Church – A beautiful structure with classic Filipino-Spanish colonial influence.
• Municipal Plaza and Boulevard – A vibrant public space where community events and street food galore await.
• Pinamalayan Watchtower Ruins – A symbol of the town’s historic defense against pirates and foreign invaders.

Pinamalayan celebrates unity in diversity. From the indigenous Mangyan communities to Tagalog-speaking lowlanders, the town showcases a blend of traditions through colorful clothing, crafts, and communal values. Locals are friendly and famously hospitable, always ready to offer a story or a home-cooked meal.

The primary language spoken is Tagalog, but you’ll often hear Mangyan dialects in the upland areas and a sprinkle of English in schools and businesses.

• Sinaing na Tulingan – A Mindoro staple of slow-cooked tuna with kamias and fat.
• Latik and Suman – Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, often served with coconut caramel.
• Pako Salad – Fresh fern leaves tossed with salted egg and tomatoes.
• Nilupak – Mashed cassava or banana with margarine and grated coconut.

Street food lovers, don’t miss the town’s pancit stalls and fried fishballs along the boulevard!

• Bahaghari Festival – Celebrated every April, this rainbow-themed festivity honors unity, prosperity, and local heritage. Street dances, parades, beauty pageants, and eco-awareness events fill the town with color and life.
• Town Fiesta – Held in honor of Saint Augustine every August, the fiesta mixes religious processions with funfair rides and overflowing food.

Local music is a blend of folk songs, lively drumbeats, and Mangyan chants that echo the spirit of the highlands. Guitars and bamboo instruments often accompany storytelling sessions and town gatherings, making music an integral part of daily life.

• Agricultural productivity (especially rice and coconut)
• Warm and peaceful coastal life
• Colorful Bahaghari Festival
• Rich Mangyan heritage and crafts
• Gateway to southern Mindoro’s eco-tourism gems