Masbate Rodeo

Masbate is the cattle island of the Philippines - large ranches occupy much of the interior, and the province has supplied beef to Manila and the Visayas for generations - and since the 1990s it has held an annual rodeo in April built on that. The events are the real ones: calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, carambola and team penning, contested by ranch hands from Masbate and by teams from other cattle provinces, in an arena in Masbate City. Around it are a parade, a cattle show and the street festivities that attach to any Philippine fiesta. The point of difference from other festivals in the country is that this one grew out of an actual working industry rather than being designed to promote tourism, and the competitors are people who do the work. Masbate itself is little visited - reached by flight or by the ferry from Pilar in Sorsogon - and the island's beaches and the Ticao dive sites are the other reasons to come.

What you actually see

• The rodeo events - roping, wrestling and bull riding.
• The ranch teams - working hands competing.
• The cattle parade - livestock and riders through the city.
• The arena crowd - the province's main annual gathering.

When to go

April, usually in the second week - confirm dates with the province, as they move. Accommodation in Masbate City is limited and fills for the event.

Honest expectations

Masbate is not on most travel routes - flights are limited and the ferry crossing is weather-dependent. Accommodation is basic and books out. Rodeo is rough on animals and competitors alike; go with that understood.

Nearby

Ticao Island and the Manta Bowl are across the pass; Masbate's beaches are around the main island.