DISCOVERING MASBATE

The name Masbate means to mix or to beat in the Tagalog dialect. Legend has it that during the Spanish era, warriors asked a local maiden, who was beating and mixing in her cocoa pot, the name of the island. Instead of saying the name, she told them what she was doing instead. And so, the name of the island came about.
Contents
1 CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL
2 NATURE TRAIL
3 FOOD TRIP
4 LOCAL FINDS
5 BOARD AND LODGING
6 GETTING AROUND MASBATE
Whether you want to experience rodeo history or just bask at a tropical paradise, you have got to visit the 'wild wild west of the Bicol Region. The capital town of Masbate comes alive with excitement and anticipation every May as local cowboys display their prowess over untamed cattle in a festival called Rodeo Filipino.

With its international arena setting, the venue just bursts forth with jubilation at the competitors trying to haul in the bull. This among other things is what differentiate this province from the rest. Adding to that is its clean and white beaches, tropical and verdant landscapes, and exotic species of fish, corals, and other marine life.
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL

Lots of infrastructure and buildings are being built, and restored each day. While masbate City is the capital of Masbate, there are three other islands that comprise the province namely Masbate, Burias, and Ticao.

First on our trip was a visit to the Magallanes Coliseum, built in 2004, this hosts major city celebrations and other recreational activities such as the 1st Agricultural Show in 2009.

Next up was the Coastal Resource Management Interpretive Center, which displays the rich and cultural heritage of Masbate City. This serves not only as an information hub but provides an overview of the history of this province, such as being the first island recorded to have Christianity as its religion.

Next stop was the new city hall in Masbate City built in 2002. Masbate's public market on the other hand is also a commercial district with a total of 256 stalls selling vegetables, seafoods and other goods.

NATURE TRAIL

Bitoon Beach Resort is just aseveral kilometers outside the city. The grand on the way to the resort is just like any other outside the metropolis, trees, shrubs and plains all without the choking traffic and pollution. The facilities are just awesome. Agrand pavilion stands in the middle of this grandiose and spectacular resort.

Another resort you might want to visit is the four kilometer stretch Khokak Beach Resort. To get there you must ride a barge then board a rubber boat. Located in Cataingan, Masbate this beach is actually man made and lies on the flat side of the hill. There are alsosand trapping devices to increase the beach front. The Amenities include a hotel, golf course, shooting range, a wedding gazebo among others.

You can also do forest trekking or make a trip to other islands near the resort such as Sibugay Island, which is part of Samar. A part of the beach resort is also a mountain forest transformed into a tourist destination. Found here are a couple of trees not available elsewhere; coconut, mango trees and mahogany.

Just a word of caution, there is a web of roads going through the forest so when you decide to come here, better bring your own van and experience a mountain safari adventure.

You can also see the view of Mount Bulusan and Mount Mayon from this resort.

You can also check out Magcaraguit Island in Dimasalang, Masbate which offers another slew of white and sandy beaches. diving is also an option to see the multi colored fishes and other marine creatures.

FOOD TRIP

Because you are already in Masbate, why not try the famous Masbate Bulalo offered in most restaurants and dining establishments in Masbate City. Their version is all meat without the vegetables.

You might also want to try these other food finds; inihaw na isaw along Quezon street, or the Calamares at Tio Jose or the bagoong na Bulinaw which is almost similar to the bagoong in manila. The alimango na may gata, durian or century egg is also a must try.

For snacks, there is budin or cassava pudding topped by slices of buko.

LOCAL FINDS
For pasalubong bring home the fresh milk, whether powdered or flavored home baked cookies or beef tapa. You can get this from Fazenda store in the church. Just a bit of a background: Frazenda store in the church. Frazenda store is a rehabilitation center for those with drug and alcohol addiction. The inmates do the farming and other chores.

There are no walls and fences, and all the products sold in the store come from here. If you however fancy something that can be cooked, then head on to the market or the tiangge in the area. Dried seafoods are relatively cheaper there than in the metropolis. Daing na pusit for instance costs around 390 pesos per kilo.
BOARD AND LODGING

There are many hotels that you might want to stay in. For instance if you want to experience being in the lap of luxury without breaking your wallet, try the Seablick Hotel which is two kilometers from the airport. Owned by a German expat who married a local the hotel ant its rooms are functional, clean and the rates are not as high as you might expect from such a nice hotel. This also comes with bed and breakfast There is also the MG Hotel, the Team Centurion Hotel or the Ranchers Hotel with rates ranging from 1,000 pesos to 1,600 pesos per night. Buget hotels like the /sampaguita Inn and Jade Hotel also exist in the area priced at 2,000 pesos for a 3 day and 2 nights stayincluding daily breakfast for you and your family. The Sea Mens Hotel Danao also in the area costs 1,000 pesos a night. There are also different lodges in this province, check out Ticao Lodge in San Jacinto, Ticao Island where the amenities are complete at an affordable budget.
GETTING AROUND MASBATE

from the province of sorsogon you can take the RORO that docks at the Masbate Port. Once in the island, you can take the tricycle for short distance trips and the buses for longer distance.