Home Sweet Home (Masbate, Philippines)

MASBATE is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias.

Balanguingui Island, Masbate.

The island of Masbate lies at the center of the Philippine archipelago between latitudes 11o43’ north and 123o09’ east and 124o5’ east. It is bounded on the north by Burias and Ticao Pass, east by San Bernardino Strait, south by the Visayan Sea, and west by the Sibuyan Sea. Relative to mainland Bicol, the province faces the southwestern coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. The general surface configuration of the province ranges from slightly undulating to rolling and from hilly to mountainous. In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the northeastern portion and gradually recedes to blunt hills and rolling areas in the southeast, and southwest.

A view from Baslai Island in Cataingan, Masbate.

Demography

The Province of Masbate has a population of 768,939 in the 2007 Census of Population with 397,524 registered voters (as of 2004). It consists of 20 municipalities, 1 component city and 550 barangays.

Baslai Island in Cataingan, Masbate.

Language

The people speak predominantly Bisakol, Masbateño (or Minasbate, the dialect unique to the province), some Visayan languages with a unique mixture of Tagalog and some shades of Hiligaynon (sometimes also known as Ilonggo). In Burias Island, they speak Bicol similarly as the people of Camarines Sur, due to the island’s proximity to the Bicol mainland. The people generally speak fluent English and Filipino.

Native dialect is called Masbateño or Minasbate.

The Main Building of Cataingan National High School.

The Province of Masbate's literacy rate is 95.90%. Its educational institutions consist of effective public and private schools like the Masbate National Comprehensive High School in Masbate City that has three campuses - (MNCHS-Bolo Campus, MNCHS-Main Campus, MNCHS-Annex Campus) and the state-supported Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Osmeña Colleges, Masbate Colleges, Holy Name Academy run by the Augustinian Recollect Sisters in Palanas Masbate and Lucio Atabay Memorial Elementary School ( formerly, Nipa Elementary School ) in Nipa, Palanas, Masbate and many elementary, secondary schools and colleges.

ONLY IN MASBATE. A peculiar coconut tree.

One of the mode of transportation here is by the so-called "pamboat".

Economy

The Province of Masbate is classified as a first class province. Masbate is endowed with rich natural resources. In line with its agriculture are other industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising. Along its coastal areas, fishing industry predominates. Agricultural lands are planted with rice, corn, rootcrops and coconut. Masbate ranks second only to Bukidnon in raising cattle. Abouth 70% of these are sold to Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon.Farming is the main source of livelihood. Copra is the leading product, followed by corn, rice and rootcrops. Fishing is a major industry along the coast. The province is one of the richest in the country in terms of mineral resources that include copper, silver, iron, manganese and chromite. Manufacturing firms are in the copra industry, handicrafts, furnituremaking and fish processing. The province is surrounded with rich fishing areas where all kinds of commercial species of fish teemed in great abundance.Rich minerals are found in the province. Masbate is described by geologists as a province sitting on a "pot of gold". Other minerals found in the area are manganese, copper, silver, iron, chromite, limestone, guano, and carbon. Cottage industry is likewise another source of livelihood. They are: furniture and cabinet making, ceramics, garments, handicrafts and metalcrafts.

Note: the longest road in the Philippines can only be found in San Pasual because in 50 years of constructing the road from San Pascual to Claveria and the feather roads of barangays until now 20 percent only are finished.

Masbate is described by geologists as a province sitting on a "pot of gold".

A glimmer of hope from one of country's Poorest Provinces.

It's where the deep blue summer skies kiss the summer seas.

Like an Indian arrowhead, Masbate lies almost at the center of the Philippine archipelago with its tip pointing towards the north of Asia Gulf extending towards the China sea.

The island province sprawls with verdant rolling hills and green landscape and rich aquatic reserve.

REUNITED. My sibs during our summer vacation in Masbate last April 2010.

Calanay Falls, Masbate

The Rodeo Masbateño

The wild wild west comes alive in the island every year. Every May, the country’s local cowboys flock to the capital town of Masbate to display their power over untamed cattles during its festival called Rodeo Filipino. In this international fair, the arena burst with fun and excitement and shouting.

Part of Cataingan Town Fiesta celebration, April 2009.

Cataingan Idol last April 2009. My uncle is one of the judges.

TRIBU BULANG. One of Cataingan's Pride.

A part of the Khokak Beach.

Masbate is a flourishing island-province. Its three islands (Ticao, Burias and Masbate) are bounded with clean and fine beaches. Its sea waters abound with exotic fishes, corals and many other marine life. Its mainland takes pride of underground rivers, unexplored caves and green landscape.

Masbate’s seaport can accommodate large vessels plying the island of Luzon and Mindanao.

Khokak Beach is owned my Kho family - one of the most powerful clan in Masbate.

Balanguingui Island,  Masbate

CNHS Batch 2003

Cataingan National High School held its Grand Alumni Homecoming last April 2010. This event happens ever after two years to pay a visit to our Alma Mater and also to catch up with our long-lost-batch mates. It was a 3-day activity full of fun and enthusiasm. This year, I was assigned to organize Batch 2003 due to unexpected circumstances. But nevertheless, I can say it was successful! Thanks to Batch 2003 who helped and participated for the said event. Most of all to our very young and visionary Mayor, Hon. Wilton Kho for his generous help as well.

My batchmates with Mayor Wilton Kho at his resort.

Sibugay Island

Calanay Falls - Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate.

Since this was the time of the year where I can spend quality time with my family, we went to the beach and had lots of fun. With my mom and my dad, with my siblings - perfect vacation indeed! First, we had a simple lunch at home together with our family friends; second was at Khokak Beach and lastly was when we went to Baslai Island for a different adventure. Masbate is known for white sand beaches and virgin islands. I call for the local government to put some extra effort to develop and promote these tourist destinations.

Summer 2010 with my siblings at Khokak Beach.

The sea of Baslai Island.

I had fun last summer when I went there for my high school’s alumni homecoming and also to visit my family. I had a 10-day vacation to explore our town – Cataingan and also to spend time with my family. I was able to visit the only place i have in this world.. There were lots of changes and developments, but i was not enough yet. At the end of the day, im still longing for a peaceful and beautiful Masbate and not just tagged as one of the poorest provinces in the country. See the beauty of Masbate!

Cottages at Khokak Beach

A sunset view at Cataingan Port.

I dedicate this blog to my very dear friend whom like me, loves Masbate so much. May you rest in peace.. We miss you.. This is for you - Ryan Joseph Arizala (April 26, 1986 - April 15, 2010). 

" Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in times of sorrow."