PUERTO GALERA

Puerto Galera is located in the northern part of Mindoro. "Mindoro" is a contraction of the Spanish phrase "Mina de Oro," meaning gold mine. It was called "Mai" by early Chinese traders. The significance of Mindoro dates back to pre-Spanish times. Due to its favorable geographic location, it served as an important trading center of Chinese goods. As early as 872 A.D., Mindoro traded with Canton because of their proximity to each other. A Chinese chronicle of 1225 A.D. gave the first documented evidence concerning the island of Mindoro. Following the existing sea routes during the ancient time, the ships sailed to Mindoro's north and west coasts, which were then the densely populated urban centers. For local products like beeswax, pearl, sandalwood and tortoise shells, the Chinese traders bartered porcelain, silk and tea.