Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Masbate Province, Philippines

By James Barcelona

Tourist Attractions
Ticao Island
Ticao Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate province in the Philippines. The other two major islands are Masbate Island (3,290 km²) and Burias Island (424 km²).

The island is divided into the municipalities of Batuan, Monreal, San Fernando and its mother-town, San Jacinto.

Sombrero Island
Sombrero Island is the place for those who want to beat the crowds, relax and have an amazing experience in a true paradise. During your stay at Sombrero Island you will be able to relax on a white sand beach, and swim in crystal clear waters. In the evening you can stargaze, have a few drinks and even observe seas turtles. As you will see in the video on this page, Sombrero Island has been featured on national news. It is known as a nature lovers paradise, and it’s here for your enjoyment.
Tinalisayan Islets

Tinalisayan Islets is a islands and is located in Province of Masbate, Bicol, Philippines. The estimate terrain elevation above seal level is -9999 metres. Variant forms of spelling for Tinalisayan Islets or in other languages: Tinalisayan Island, Tinalisayan Islets, Tinalisayan Island, Tinalisayan Islets.

Catandayagan Falls
Catandayagan Falls. It is a picturesque tourist destination where you have to rent a boat from nearby Donsol, Sorsogon or Monreal, Masbate. You can swim underneath the waterfalls itself and legends state that there is a Huge Sea Monster living beneath the waterfall but it is not proven. The legend has been created to scare off kids on a nearby village so that they won’t swim near Catandayagan Falls.

The Buntod Sandbar and Reef Marine Sanctuary in Masbate is definitely a huge part of the region’s allure.

Buntod Sandbar and Reef
Marine Sanctuary
Between the seawaters of Barangay Nursery and Barangay Tugbo lies the Buntod Sandbar and Marine Sanctuary. It is a 250-hectare white sandbar that was first established in 2001 to protect it and the adjacent coral reefs from the illegal fishing that used to be rampant in the area. Now the site is recognized as one of the top marine sanctuaries in the country.

The Buntod Marine Sanctuary is home to unique marine life forms and beautiful coral gardens, making it an ideal diving spot. The sand bar has nipa huts on stilts that serve as cottages that are perfect for guests who want to have picnics. The cooking and dining areas have grills, and also provide a gorgeous view of the sea.

Masbate is an island province located in the Bicol Region and lies at the center of the Philippine archipelago. It consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias. The province is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 1 city which is Masbate City, the provincial capital. Masbate is bounded on the north by Burias and Ticao Pass, on the east by San Bernardino Strait, on the south by the Visayan Sea and on the west by the Sibuyan Sea.

The people of Masbate predominantly speak Bisakol and MasbateƱo or Minasbate, a dialect unique to the province. Some Visayan languages with a unique mixture of Tagalog and some shades of Hiligaynon are also spoken in the province. In Burias Island, the people speak Bicol similar to that of the people of Camarines Sur, due to the island’s proximity to Bicol mainland. The people generally speak fluent English and Filipino.

About 85% of Masbate’s populations are Catholics. Devotional practices such as the rosary, novenas to saints, and other religious manifestations such as processions, the misa de gallo and Holy Week traditional activities are still very much part of the way of life of most parishioners of the province.

Masbate is classified as a first class province. It is endowed with rich natural resources. In line with its agriculture are industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising. Fishing predominates along its coastal areas where all kinds of commercial species of fish swarm in great abundance. Copra is the leading product, followed by rice, corn and rootcrops. Cottage industry, such as furniture and cabinet making, ceramics, garments, handicrafts and metalcrafts, is likewise another source of livelihood for the people.

The province is one of the richest in the country in terms of mineral resources. It is described by geologists as a province sitting on a “pot of gold.” Mineral resources found in the area include copper, silver, iron, manganese, chromite, limestone, guano and carbon.

Masbate is one of the hidden treasures of the Philippines with its undisturbed natural reefs and resorts. Many tourists visit the province and experience the hidden beauty of the natural white sand beaches and clear blue water. There are many beach resorts near Masbate City and Ticao Island. It is truly a tropical paradise for tourist looking for scenic sunsets and tropical gardens and waterfalls.

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