Masbate – Rodeo Country of Bicol
The province got
its name from a simple misunderstanding between some
Spanish explorers and a couple making chocolate. When
the visitors asked them the name of the place, the couple
thought the former wanted to know what they were doing
and answered "Mas bati" meaning "mixing
vigorously", so the Spaniards recorded it as "Masbate".
But it is no mistake to take time and see the wonders
of this province. It is blessed with unspoiled natural
beaches, falls, and rich flora and fauna. Communing
with nature is a rewarding experience for any visitor.
Also, one can experience the unique ‘cowboy life’
in Masbate by witnessing the Rodeo Masbateño
Festival. It celebrates the cattle raising industry
as its main source of livelihood through different competitions
and activities.
Demographics
1. Population –
768, 939 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4,151.8 sq. km
3. Capital – Masbate City
4. Language/Dialect – Masbateño, Bikol,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (20)
Famous For ...
Rodeo Masbateño
Festival
Like rodeo event held in other countries, the festival
is highlighted with activities such as bull riding,
calf wrestling, and other fun-filled events.
Limestone
Hills
The hill served as the settlement area of the first
inhabitants of Masbate – the Kalanays. Remains
were found on the hill during an excavation mission.
Catandayagan
Falls
This is said to be one of the most beautiful falls in
the province. Its base serves as the habitat of numerous
marine species.
Underwater
Cave
The cave served as a burial site for the early settlers
in the province. Some of the remains found dates back
500 years ago.
Cultural
Limestone
Hills
Location: Brgy. Kalanay, Aroroy, Masbate
It is believed to have been inhabited by the Kalanay
tribe. To prove this, excavation in the area revealed
human bones. It is said that the Kalanay tribe practiced
jar burials.
Underwater
Cave
Location: Brgy. Boca Engañio, Claveria, Masbate
Inside the cave are will-sealed human caskets carved
out of solid wood believed to be 500 years old that
still contain human remains. Each caskets measures 24
inches in length and 12 inches in width. To get inside,
one has to take a short dive.
Man-Made
Bugui Point
Lighthouse
Location: Brgy. Gumahaang, Aroroy, Masbate
This lighthouse was constructed during the Spanish era.
It remains operational to this day.
Jintolo Lighthouse
Location: Jintolo Island, Balud, Masbate
This structure is picturesque in its 19th century architecture.
Colorado
Lighthouse
Location: Aroroy, Masbate
It is believed to have been built during the Spanish
era but was renovated during the American Regime
Natural
Catandayagan
Falls
Location: Tical Island, Masbate City, Masbate
It is branded as one of the most beautiful falls in
the province. It cascades from 60 feet to its base where
multi-colored fishes thrive.
Kalanay
Falls
Location: Brgy. Nabingig, Palanas, Masbate
It is famous for its theatrical structure, a family
haven for horseback riding and exotic entertainment
of the barangay folks.
Alta Vista
Falls
Location: Brgy. San Fernando, Ticao Island, Masbate
City, Masbate
It is one of the most unique falls in the country. It
is a zigzag cascade from 45 feet to its base. Like Catandayagan
Falls, several colorful fishes live in the area.
Aroroy Beach
Location: Aroroy, Masbate
Blessed with unspoiled natural beauty, the white sand
beach of Aroroy has started to attract beach lovers
from the Philippines and abroad. Cambatang and Cangcayat
beaches in Aroroy are also gaining popularity.
Ki-Albay
River and Beach
Location: Claveria, Masbate
This beach extends east-southeast from the town proper
with an approximate length of one and a half kilometers
of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending on Ki-albay
River, a place believed to have been inhabited first
by people from Albay.
San Isidro
Island
Location: Claveria, Masbate
This paradise is endowed with fine and silvery white
sand. The bottom of the sea is clear and sandy extending
some one hundred meters from the shoreline with a gradual
depth of 5 to 7 feet during high tide. Extending further
from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral
reefs which are inhabited by a wide variety of fishes.
Pawa Mangrove
System and Wildlife Park
Location: Brgy. Pawa, Masbate Cit, Masbate
It offers beautiful sight for bird watching, fishing
and family picnic. It has also a 1.3 kilometer wooden
bridge connecting Barangay Pawa and Sitio Daang Lungsod
of Barangay Usab.
Rodeo Masbateño
Festival
Place: Masbate City, Masbate
Date: March 18
The festival is the highlight of the Masbate Livestock
Week. It showcases ten competitive events for cowboys
with their calves. Events include the "figure of
eight" competition where the cowboy criss-cross
around a group of barrels. Women participate as well
in heart stopping event like calf wrestling, bull riding,
calf lassoing and carambola.
Bantigue
Festival
Place: Brgy. Bantigue, Masbate City, Masbate
Date: August 10
Residents from Barangay Bantigue celebrate the feast
in honor of Saint Felomina. Highlight of the event is
the Lapay-Bantigue Dance which originated from the graceful
movements of the lapay (seagull) and the harmonious
relationship it has created to the lives of the fisher
folks
By land-sea:
From Manila, take a bus that travels from Bulan
in Sorsogon province. From there, one can take
a ferryboat to Masbate.
By Air:
Manila to Masbate flights are available daily,
landing at In Masbate City. Travel time takes
about hours.