Masbate
Masbate (Tagalog pronunciation: [masˈbate]) is an island province in the Philippines located near the middle of the Philippine archipelago. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias. Masbate is at the crossroads of two island groups: Luzon and Visayas. Being administratively assigned to the Bicol Region, it is politically part of the Luzon island group. However, from a biogeographic and sociolinguistic perspective, Masbate has stronger affiliation with the Visayas.
History
Masbate was visited by Chinese, who established small settlements during the Srivijaya and Majapahit periods.
Ruins of cave-like dwellings, possibly built by Indians that accompanied the traders, were discovered along the coasts of Aroroy, Palanas and Masbate.
Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at Kalanay Cave in Aroroy town in the 1930s.
Historical accounts showed that Christianization of the Bicol Region actually began in Masbate in 1569. When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored in Masbate in 1569, he found settlements spread along the coastlines with its people engaged in flourishing trade with China.
