History

THE HISTORY OF CATANDUANES

There are several legends that explain the origin of the name of “Catanduanes.” One
legend states that Catanduanes comes from the word tandu, a native click beetle that was
once abundant throughout the island. “Katanduan” was the reference made of this island
that means a place where tandu abound. When the Spaniards came, it was Hispanized to
Catanduanes (notice the phonological similarity, except for the additional es in the
Spanish version that was probably added to become a pluralist). Another story says that it
comes from the word samdong, a tree that abounds this paradise island to which the
people would call kasamdongan, meaning a place of samdong. Just like the former
legend, the word was Hispanized. The phonological error traces to the Spaniards’
difficulty to pronounce certain words, particularly those ending in ng; hence, from
kasamdongan and katandungan, it gradually metamorphosed to Catanduanes. Still some
historians point that katandungan is a Malay word that means “a place of refuge in time
of danger,” for indeed, this island has always been the refuge of mariners during stormy
weather.

GASTRANOMY
Latik

Latik

If you still haven’t got a taste of Latik, then this is the place to go. This famous
kakanin is a sticky rice treat made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and
additional malunggay juice to enhance the flavor and color. It is usually bought
in a box, perfect for pasalubong. Oftentimes, it is served for breakfast,
afternoon snacks, and dessert.
CULTURE

Catanduanes is famous for its waves; however, the province has beautiful beaches with
cream-colored sand and calm glass-like waters for swimming and beach bumming

FESTIVAL

Abaka Festival

Abaka Festival is an annual cultural celebration of the province to recognize the

importance of abaca in the local economy and to showcase its versatility as a
major source of livelihood. Highlights of the festival are Padadyaw Ginamlangan
or Padadyaw kan Abaka, Pinukpok Fashion Show, Urag Catandungan sports
competitions, Kantang Catandungan or Musika kan Isla, Festival Dance
Competition, Binibini and Ginoong Bikol, Hagyan sa Kabitoonan and Jobs Fair.
It occurs every 4th week of May.

TOURIST DESTINATION

HIKE UP AT THE BINURONG POINT

Binurong Point in Baras town is a place that offers equally jaw-dropping views of the

open ocean crashing against rocks.

Be prepared for a bit of a hike as you will be passing forest trails, hiking up former

pasturelands, skipping through boulders, and walking on narrow paths. But the view

from the top of the cliff. especially during sunrise, will be worth the hike.

Other viewpoints near Virac that are also worth visiting are the Balacay Point, and the

PAGASA Weather Radar Station.

MASBATE

History
The islands of Masbate, Ticao and Burias were explored by Captain Luis Enriquez de
Guzman in 1569. This exploration work was continued by Captain Andres de Ibarra.
Ibalon (Albay) Province assumed jurisdiction over Masbate Islands, and Masbate was
named the town’s capital village; for security reasons, the seat of government had to be
moved time and time again. It was first moved to Mobo and then again, to Guiom. It was
later transferred to Palanog near the mouth of Lumbang River to make it more
accessible to Bicol mainland and to the islands of Burias and Ticao. However,
government records were kept inland in Cagay.

The political history of the town dates back to the 1850s when the Spaniards
established their government under a Spanish Gobernadorcillo. The Masbateños’
vassalage to Spain ended sometime in the early part of 1898 as an offshoot of the
libertarian campaign waged by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

GASTRANOMY

Kandingga
Kanding-ga is the Bicolano’s way of preparing bopis, made with pork offal
such as heart, lungs, spleen and other offal cooked in vinegar and coconut
milk, spiked with chillies

CULTURE
It has a mixture of Bicolano and Visayan cultures. Most of people in Masbate speaks
Masbateno which is a Bisakol blend of Bikol, Capiznon, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray-
Waray, Romblomanon, and Tagalog. Other languages spoken in the island are Bikol,
Tagalog, Cebuano, and English.

FESTIVAL
PANGUMAGAT FESTIVAL

The fiesta is part and bundle of Filipino culture. Pangumagat festival is a yearly
celebration of Balud Masbate. It held in 2nd week of April and had been an attraction to
tourists. The word “pangumagat” means “panguma” and “panagat” which are the mean
source of income in this place. In this festival, people can witness different kinds of
performing arts like street dancing competition, singing competition and the famous
Mutya ng Balud.

TOURIST DESTINATION

Buntod Sandbar and Reef Marine

Sanctuary
Butod Sandbar and Reef Marine Sanctuary is one of the best tourist spots in
Masbate, a 250-hectare reef and marine sanctuary off the coasts of the capital city. The
main attractions of the sanctuary is its iconic sandbar and planted mangroves. This site
is a famous picnic ground in the province where kiosks can be found for some shades.
The thick and long stretch of sandbar is surrounded with clear and calm waters teeming
with corals and marine life such as giant clams good for swimming and snorkeling. It
can be reached through a 20-minute boat ride from the wharf at the Rendezvous Hotel.