MASBATE

It is the only city in the province that serves as its City Provincial Capital. It also serves as the main commercial center and the chief seaport of the Province of Masbate. It is noted for its well-protected port with Ticao Island acting as barrier against the effect of inclement weather from the northeast. Being located at the central part of the Philippine archipelago, the city serves as Bicol Region’s gateway to Visayas and Mindanao provinces. It is accessible through sea and air transportation. The City of Masbate is one of the major cities in the Bicol Region. The City domain is bounded on the northeast by Masbate Pass: on the southwest by the Municipality of Milagros and on the west by a portion of Asid River and the municipalities of Milagros and Baleno. (Source: Wikipedia)

HOW TO GET THERE:

By plane, it takes more or less than an hour to Masbate or you may take from Manila to Legazpi City Airport, If by boat, 16 to 18 hours to ply. Plane fares is a bit expensive if you opt directly to the City, Philippine Airlines is the only aircraft carrier going there which flee once a day. Flight details: Manila-Masbate 5:00AM : Masbate-Manila 7:00AM.

This time we opted to take Legazpi since it is cheapest way to reach the Province. It was my second time to visit here in Masbate and all expenses paid by the company I am working with. Thanks to them. If you are into nature, calm crystal beaches, fresh & cheap seafood's. Then visit Masbate!

From the airport take a cab going to Pilar Port, they usually asks  Php1,000.00 going there but if you think that there rate is too high, ask whose drivers leaving back to Pilar fares is only Php500.00, But if you think that it is too much again there's another way to that, take tricycle from the airport down to terminal, fare is Php15.00 and take Public Van for Php110.00.

A Php15.00 entrance fee will be collected at the Port.

MASBATE CITY

For fares and ferry schedules check this: http://www.masbatetravel.com/montenegro_lines.html

AT THE PLAZA

It was Rodeo Festival when we visited the City. Held every month if April, the Rodeo festival attracts the best cowboys from the different part of the country. It is very exciting with competitions extended to five days from the usual three day festival. The Rodeo Festival is usually scheduled April 1-15 and with other rodeo-related activities scattered until the end of month.

Day 2

RANCHELLE BEACH RESORT

This isn't a normal day for me. I woke up like 5:30AM and starts my work at 6:00AM but it's alright once because I finish all of it I still have time to roam around the Province.

BUNTOD REEF MARINE SANCTUARY

There’s away to tame the rowdy rodeo experience that Masbate is known for. Just add crystalline water, hectares of coral reefs and an islet. A 15 minute boat ride from the city provides a welcome break from Masbate’s cowboy country image of man versus cattle on a dusty rodeo arena, as tourists have discovered at Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary. The reef sanctuary is a refreshing surprise of 234.54 hectares of coral reefs on a shallow shoal of crystal clear waters surrounding a small island of powdery white sand and a mangrove forest. Buntod was declared a protected area BY the DENR in 2001 after an assessment conducted by the Office revealed the presence of the helmet shell(cassinae) locally known as budyong, a threatened species of shellfish seldom seen alive in Philippine waters. Aside from the helmet shell, live giant clams are also abundant in Buntod’s reefs, which are teeming with marine life and clusters of soft hard corals.(source:http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/157591/wild-west-masbates-pristine-marine-gems)

Day 3

MILAGROS

This is an hour to 2 hours motor ride from the City where you can buy Pasalubong like dried Fish at a low price and Carmelados, a candy derived from Carabao's Milk.

B.TITONG

This is an Isolated Baranggay situated northeast of Masbate City. A 30 minutes motor ride, 45 minutes by CAR and a 5 minutes Jetski ride from the City.

We stayed at my Boss rest houses(they have 2 rest house). It has Jacuzzi, swimming pool, huge rooms, beach gadgets name it they have it all, from Kayak  to diving equipment's to Jestki to boats and imported liquors and beers. I've been looking for San Miguel beer and I couldn't find one. Haha One thing I enjoyed most was the unlimited ride with their Jestki. I feel like a rich man even for a day. There's no cellular network and electricity in this barangay. This is run with generator set at night.

The kiddos enjoyed riding  their wood horse toy.

BUGSAYON SANCTUARY

The sanctuary is just a 3-5 minutes walk from my boss's rest house.  However, permission from the local office needs to be acquired before entering the area.

B.Titong sunrise

Enjoy reading my blog!