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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)
Masbate City
Municipalities (20)
- Aroroy
- Baleno
- Balud
- Batuan
- Cataingan
- Cawayan
- Claveria
- Dimasalang
- Esperanza
- Mandaon
- Milagros
- Mobo
- Monreal
- Palanas
- Pio V. Corpuz
- Placer
- San Fernando
- San Jacinto
- San Pascual
- Uson
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.
Places of Interest
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.
Festival
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.
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