MASBATE CITY, Philippines — The “Rodeo Capital of the Philippines” reached a new level of prestige as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and presidential son Vincent Marcos headlined the opening of the 30th Rodeo Masbateño Festival on Monday evening, April 13, 2026.
The First Family’s attendance at the milestone 30th edition underscores the festival’s transformation from a regional tradition into a nationally recognized cultural phenomenon and a point of state pride.
The festival kicked off with a grand display of cowboy heritage, featuring over 300 participants organized into 26 teams from across the Philippines.
- The Torch Lighting: Vincent Marcos signaled the start of the festivities by riding a horse to light the festival torch, a gesture symbolizing the continuation of Masbate’s rugged traditions.
- Competitive Lineup: The event features 14 professional teams and 12 school-based squads competing in eight high-intensity disciplines, including carambola, cattle wrestling, and lassoing.
- Centerpiece Event: Bull riding remains the most anticipated competition, where riders test their willpower against massive, unpredictable beasts.
Adding a layer of world-class expertise to this year’s arena is David Alvarado, an intercontinental rodeo champion and Hollywood stuntman from South Texas. His participation positions Masbate as a premier destination for rodeo enthusiasts in Asia and elevates the competition to an international standard.
The First Lady was joined on stage by the province’s top leaders, including Governor Richard Kho, Rep. Antonio Kho, and Mayor Olga Kho, as well as Philippine Reclamation Authority Chair Alex Lopez.
The presence of the nation’s top leadership and media establishment emphasizes the government’s support for preserving authentic Filipino cowboy traditions. Organizers describe the 30th anniversary as a “watershed moment” for the province, effectively cementing its status as the undisputed rodeo capital of the country.
The Rodeo Festival is the centerpiece of Masbate’s tourism calendar, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Beyond the arena events, the festival includes:
- Livestock Parades: Showcasing the province’s rich cattle industry.
- Street Dancing: Celebrating the intersection of cowboy culture and local Bicolano traditions.
- Trade Fairs: Featuring local products, beef delicacies, and artisan crafts.
As the province celebrates three decades of the festival, the focus remains on passing the torch to the next generation of Filipino cowboys and cowgirls, ensuring that Masbate’s unique identity continues to gallop forward.