Ruptly
"The Rodeo Masbateno Festival marked its 30th anniversary on Tuesday, drawing crowds to the central Philippine province known as the country’s 'Cattle Capital' for a showcase of traditional ranch skills turned into a competitive sport. Footage shows contestants wrestling cattle and lassoing bulls in the arena as one rider is thrown off and later evacuated by medics. Enthusiastic crowds cheered with every daring ride and near miss during the high-octane festivities. The festival, founded in 1996 to revive a declining cattle industry, remains the Philippines’ only rodeo-style athletic event. "Rodeo Festival was born to encourage the growth of cattle raising in the entire Philippines," says Rembrandt Adel Monte, rodeo judge. "The uniqueness is that this is the only festival in the Philippines that has an athletic tournament, and is based on the traditional games in our farms or in our ranches," he added. For many participants, rodeo is more than just competition; it is a way of life rooted in family tradition and years of experience. "Our family is raising cows and horses, and we are used to this kind of game. As a matter of fact, thank God it is my fourth year now joining the competition," Dave Sabuero added. The 30th Rodeo Masbateno runs from April 10-19, with this year's event featuring the Rodeo Finals, where crowds can enjoy various competitions, including bull riding, lassoing, and carambola."
Go to News Site