Rodeo Masbateño opens in Masbate with showcase of local festivals

MASBATE CITY – Tourists and visitors gathered at the Masbate provincial capitol compound in Barangay Ibingay here on Monday to witness the showdown of local festivals.
Maria “Nini” Ong Ravanilla, Department of Tourism regional director in Bicol, said the activity, which is one of the highlights of the province’s Rodeo Festival, was joined by eight towns.

Showcased during the street dancing parade were the Panugway Festival of Uson town, Pamasayan Festival of Mandaon town, Pasaway sa Leon Festival of Palanas town, Pagdangan Festival of Milagros town, Pangumagat Festival of Balud town, Himag-ulaw of Placer town, Sayaw Dayaw Panisito Festival of Mobo town, and Pagdulang Festival of Aroroy town.

“This is the second time Masbate is doing it. This will mark another milestone for Masbate capturing another title not only as the rodeo capital of the Philippines but as a festival street dance capital of Bicolandia,” Ravanilla said.

Masbate’s street dancers, she said, had won in various competitions, like Cebu’s Sinulog, the Gayon Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown and the Aliwan Fiesta.