Galloping High in Masbate

This year’s national elections is considered as one of the most peaceful especially in the Bicol Region, which used to have quite a number of harassment and election-related violence.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as an election lawyer at a place I have never been to before, a place considered as one of the consistent hot spots in the country during elections—Masbate.

I have to admit, those days that we were in Masbate were accompanied with heart flutters and nervous anticipation. However, the rodeo capital of the Philippines proved that there’s more to the province than warring political candidates and private armed groups during election period.

Rodeo capital of the Philippines

I was in Masbate for more than a week. We went there via a propeller plane of Philippine Airlines, the only airline which have flights to
Masbate Airport. From the airport, you would have an overall view of Masbate City. We passed by the Rodeo Grand Arena, provincial capitol
building, downtown Masbate City, St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, and Gaisano Mall.

St. Anthony of Padua

I was assigned to appear at the municipal canvassing in Uson, Masbate. The municipality of Uson is about 45 minutes away from Masbate City.

The view on the way to Uson is already a stunning excursion. We literally traveled near Masbate coastline. The view of calm waters, plus the small islands definitely calmed my somewhat frazzled nerves. By the way, Masbate consists of three islands, the biggest one is the Masbate island itself. The other two islands are  Ticao and Burias islands, which are emerging tourist destinations due to its virgin beaches.

The view on the way to Uson, Masbate

Municipal Hall of Uson, Masbate

Aside from participating in the municipal canvassing, I was also assigned to appear at the provincial canvassing in the Capitol Building. Outside the Capitol Building there is a huge sign of the province of Masbate. Perfect spot for tourists like me for photo ops. 🙂

My more than a week stay in the island province also gave me a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of Masbatenos. Although part of the Bicol Region, Masbate is situated also near the vicinity of Visayas islands. Thus, Masbatenos speak a hybrid of Bicolano and Visayas language. Whatever language that they speak, they are consistently supportive of one another and entertaining to their visitors.

I love the fresh seafoods which were served to us on a daily basis. I also love the crispy boneless dilis and dried squid. And how I also love their version of tinola, native chicken cooked with papaya, and a bit sour, like sinigang. And up until now I still crave for their Carmelado pastillas.

There were times during the trip when I honestly felt paranoid. Masbate is an election hotspot after all. However, what I have read from Google is far from what I have experienced. It made me realize that it’s possible to change a situation. While there were numerous cases of election-related violence before, it is now possible to prevent, if not, minimize these incidents. I salute Task Force Masbate, who did their part in maintaining a more orderly election.