A closer look at our islands, our people and our culture

Masbate: “the Philippine Heartland”

In the center of the Philippine archipelago lies the beautiful province of Masbate. The three main islands of the province are endowed with excellent natural attractions such as pristine beaches, vast agricultural landscapes, untapped ecological sites, amazing underwater marine sanctuaries and dive sites and home to warm and hospitable people. Masbate serves as a vital transit point for tourists in the central Philippines. It has consistently ranked 3rd among the six provinces in the Bicol Region in terms of tourist arrivals during the last three consecutive years and just recently, Masbate was listed number eleven in the survey on Major Tourist Destinations in the Philippines conducted by the Department of Tourism. It has direct air travel to and from Manila and sea travel connections to Lucena, Cebu, Panay islands and other parts of the Bicol region.

Masbate: “the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines”

The Provincial Government of Masbate launched the first Rodeo Masbateño in 1993. Its objective was to increase revenues, promote tourism and gain international recognition for the province. On September 2, 2002, her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 120 declaring the province of Masbate as the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines and effectively granting the province the exclusive rights to hold the National Rodeo Final Competitions and the supervision over local rodeo competitions in other provinces. Since 1993, the province has held fourteen Rodeo Festivals.

Masbate: an emerging eco-tourism destination

Masbate will pursue a sustainable agri-ecotourism development with agriculture particularly livestock-raising as the dominant source of livelihood in the province. Its main service center is Masbate City where facilities and services are available.

Choosing the right path to development

The Provincial Government of Masbate recognizes Tourism Development as one of the key programs that will bring economic growth for the province. The development of our tourism industry is still in its initial stage, yet, we have already made achievements in terms of establishing the tourism potentials and making known the rich and diverse culture of the province. This can be attributed to the collective efforts of the local government units, the private sectors and the support of Masbateños. The different festivals of every municipality not only reflect the richness of our own culture but more importantly it helps us to understand our local traditions that are truly unique and wonderful.

While we are looking at the positive aspect of tourism development, we are also aware of its negative effects. We are looking at the different social and environmental issues and its implications. We don’t want our beloved province to be “just another white beach spot in the map”, what we want is to showcase what we have right now, a place of unspoiled natural environment and the blend of different cultural influences that shaped us into what we are… Masbateños. That is why appropriate environmental and social measures are to be considered in every aspect of tourism development so that the policies and directions will truly lead us toward sustainable progress.

Promoting tourism in our province should mean showing the whole world that here... in the little corner of this planet lies a place where one can truly experience the beauty of nature.

Masbate: an intimate experience with nature[1]

Ticao Island Eco-adventure

Manta ray Dive – Tacdogan Reef, Monreal, Masbate

Minalayo Islet Sea snake, Bat and Bird Sanctuary – Gibraltar, Batuan, Masbate

Cagpating Island Wall Dive – Monreal, Masbate

Guinlatayan Bird Sanctuary - Monreal, Masbate

Bongsanglay Mangroove Reserve – Royroy, Batuan, Masbate

Catandayagan Falls – Monreal, Masbate

San Miguel Island Coral Garden Dive – Monreal, Masbate

Masbate City CRM Package

Bontod Reef

Bogsayon Marine Reserve

Pawa Mangroove Park

Ranch Safari

Rancho Enriqueta – Milagros, Masbate

Crown B – Calanay, Aroroy, Masbate

Fazenda da Esperanca – Bangad, Milagros, Masbate

Spelunking Adventure

Diwata Cave – Ipil, San Fernando, Masbate

Buho Cave – Monreal, Masbate

Macamote Cave – Osmeña, Claveria, Masbate

Mata Cave – Matungog, Aroroy, Masbate

Bat-ongan Peak and Cave – Mandaon, Masbate

Dive Adventure

Mintac Japanese Warship dive – Mintac, Cataingan

Matabao Channel Manta Ray Sanctuary – Batuan, Masbate

Balangingi island Coral Dive – Pio V. Corpus, Masbate

Royroy Batuan Shipwreck Dive – Batuan, Masbate

Other attractions

Busay de Gracia - Baleno, Masbate

Bugui Point Lighthouse - Aroroy, Masbate

Festivals

 Rodeo Masbateño - Masbate Province

March 12 - 18

Bagat-Dagat - Masbate Province

June 22-24

Lapay Bantigue - Masbate City
Sept. 27-30

Pagdayaw - Masbate City
June 10-13

Pagdulang - Aroroy
Sep.

Lumbaleno - Baleno
Aug 15 -19

Bulang - Cataingan
April 24-26

Naro - Dimasalang
June 18-22

Inasal - San Pascual
May 16 - 18

Dayaw Dalan - San Jacinto
May 1 - 4

Cawayan
March 10-12

Coco [Lobi] - Claveria
May 10 -15

Pasapasa - Monreal
April 14 - 17

Himag-ulaw - Placer
Feb. 19-22

Uma-Doma - Palanas
May 21 - 23

Pamasayan - Mandaon
March 1-3

Pangumagat - Balud
March [ 3rd week ]

Bakhawan - Batuan
May 8 – 10

Kasalinggayahan - San Fernando
May 15 – 17

Esperanza
Aug. 22 – 23

Pio V. Corpus
Aug. 13 - 15

Pagdangan - Milagros
May 14 - 16

Panugway - Uson
June 28 – 29

Panesito - Mobo

Sept. 9 - 10 

Note:

Having trouble attaching pictures. will post more pictures soon.

References:
[1] Masbate Provincial Tourism Office