Historical Mangarin Ruins
Our last stop for the day after visiting some Buhid Mangyan Villages was the historical town of Mangarin. Just close to the sea and cut through by a river, the town of Mangarin plays a major role in the history of San Jose, Mindoro. Along with Iling Island, Mangarin is one of the oldest settlement in the island.
Mangarin Ruins by the sea
It didn’t take us long to get to the town. We parked near a river and had to go on foot passing by a suspension bridge to reach the town on the other side. Going through a dirt alley road we reached what they call the Historical Ruins of Mangarin.
Mangarin Entangled Walls
What is left of the ruins are two stone walls entangled by an age old tree. In a certain angle, people could mistake this as part of the famous Ta Prohm of Angkor Wat but this is only a small area. Historical studies believed that this used to be a watchtower was used to warn and ward off pirates including the notoriously-famous, Limahong.
Inspecting the ruins
During the 14th century, Mangarin is a center of trade where Chinese use to drop anchor and trade with the Mangyans, the original settlers of the Island. By 17th century, the start of Spanish colonization, Moro Pirates frequently attacks nearby island Iling and Mangarin causing a decline in population and also forcing the people to flee. But shortly, with the combining force of the Spanish government and the Mangyans they were able to defeat the Moros and bring peace to the land.
Mangarin Crab Farm
It was an interesting bit of history that’s why the San Jose government is bent on preserving these ruins as an important historical site. Studies are still being done as it was believed that there are tunnel connections below these ruins which is also a strategic component in defeating the Moro invaders.
Mangarin Crab Catch
On our way back, we checked out the crab farm nearby which is one of the livelihood in these town. We purchased a few pieces then headed back to San Jose. It was a really interesting day from a visit to the tamaraws, the mangyans and capping off with a historical tour in San Jose.
nice to know about the mangarin ruins. first to know it here. the visit to the crab farm makes me hungry.
Mindoro has lots of church ruins as it was one of the unfortunate islands that were frequented by Moro slavers. At many times, towns have to be abandoned due to fear. In the Oriental side, one area was even a temporary settlement by these raiders that used it as a rest/jump off point for activities within the area as well as a strategic place to launch raids in Luzon.
I’ve never heard of a crab farm before. I’ll try to find out if there’s any within comfortable travel range of my place and check it out.
estan pointed it succintly, mindoro has been frequented by moros, hence the many church ruins. were you able to eat crabs while you were there, amigo? like what dom said, the topic made me all of a sudden hungry for crabs
Oh seeing the crab made me salivate for chili crab. Yeah like everyone else, I hoped you had some crabs for lunch.
Thanks Dom! There isn’t really much information about this ruins in the web.
Many thanks for the additional input Estan! “D
First time I’ve even seen a crab farm here as well Bert.
Og and Photo Chache! Yup, we were able to eat the crabs. Sarap nga nya.
that’s an awesome tree ferdz… love alos the 5th pic. thanks for the referral for the pba…
Amazing. I spent the first 22 years of my life in San Jose and I see and learn these these now, I miss San Jose. Thanks, Mr. Decena.