The Bambanti Festival (“bambanti” is the Ilocano word for “scarecrow”) was introduced in 1997 during the term of then-governor Benjamin Dy, and the first festivals were held in May, the province’s founding month. Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, who assumed the governorship in 2011 and is the current vice-governor, drafted the resolution that moved the festival to January.
Isabela, located in Luzon’s Cagayan Valley, at 12,414 sq kilometers, is the country’s second-largest province. It is known for its agriculture and is considered the corn capital of the Philippines, so the Bambanti Festival is a celebration of the previous year’s harvest. The annual festival aims to foster unity among the province’s residents, promote and preserve its cultural heritage, and promote its local products and industries.
Street dancers at the Bambanti Festival 2023 Street dancers at the Bambanti Festival 2023
Street dancers at the Bambanti Festival 2023
Newly crowned queens of Isabela from left, 2nd Runner-Up Ms. Cherry Lee Garlijo from the municipality of Alicia, Queen Isabela Culture and the Arts: Ms. Johanna Trisha C. Cinco from the municipality of Ramon, Queen Isabela 2023: Ms. Catherine Joy L. Legaspi from the municipality of San Manuel, Queen Isabela Tourism: Ms. Julie Mae Villanueva from the City of Cauayan. and 1st Runner-Up: Ms. Jaycel Lumauig representing the Indigenous
Carabao Island is locally referred to as “Hambil” by locals or its fancier Spanish-derived name Isla de Carabao. It’s a small island under the province of Romblon.
There are various theories as to why it’s called Carabao Island. Locals told us there used to be lots of carabaos (water buffalos) in the island. Others say that the island topography resembles a carabao, but there are others that say the shape resembles an “anvil” hence the local name Hambil.
It’s possible to visit here on a day tour, which is what most tourists prefer especially those who are staying in Boracay. Other spend more days since Carabao Island offers a more relaxing option compared to other nearby places. 'How to get there'
The island is accessible via a pump boat from either Tablas or Caticlan where the nearest airports are located. In early 2017, Cebu Pacific launched its Tablas flight, the only airline flying directly from Manila to the area.
Carabao Island is also a perfect side trip for those already in Boracay since the town is a mere 30-minute boat ride from the world-famous island.
From Poblacion, San Jose, visitors can take a habal-habal for a trip around the lush island or rent a boat to visit its sprawling beach coves and cliff diving points
Visitors to Carabao Island take a scheduled boat from Sambiray Port, near the Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay.
Ocean’s Edge Resort. is one of the luxury resorts being developed in Carabao Island on top a hill with a stunning ocean views.
Inside Muni-Muni Villa,Ocean Edge Resort
The new luxury boutique resort, a destination by itself, draws inspiration from the rawness of the island with its cogon-roofed villas blending fittingly with its natural surroundings. The breathtaking site accentuates a 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean.
Kalinaw Studio Villas,Oean Edge Resort
Sunset view at Ocean Edge Resort, Carabao Island, Romblon
Tinagong Dagat Wet Land has electricity and water as there are residents in the area. It is said that when one is noisy, one won’t be able to catch sight of seashells here. Amenities such as comfort rooms, cottages, paddle boats, etc., will be provided in the future for travelers’ use
Tinagong Dagat Wet Land has electricity and water as there are residents in the area. It is said that when one is noisy, one won’t be able to catch sight of seashells here. Amenities such as comfort rooms, cottages, paddle boats, etc., will be provided in the future for travelers'use
Guindawahan, a drumstick-shaped island where dawa – a small-seeded cereal plant that is delicious when cooked in coconut milk – has been planted by the first settler named Bendoy, is home to various fishes and many corals. Guindawahan has no electricity, water and cottages yet. While working on these, the municipality also plans to build a tourism outpost for travelers’ concerns and protection.
Tan- Agan Picnic Grove, Carabao Island, Romblon
Tan- Agan Picnic Grove, Carabao Island, Romblon
Bantigue Resort, Looc , Romblon
Bantigue Resort, Looc , Romblon (Eiffel Tower & Big Ben)
Cliff diving is a popular activity at Cathedral Cave in Carabao Island.
The Cathedral Cave on Carabao Island
Cliff diving is a popular activity at Cathedral Cave in Carabao Island.
Cliff diving is a popular activity at Cathedral Cave in Carabao Island.
Looc Fish Sanctuary, Looc, Romblon
COVE AURELIO BEACH, Calatrava, Romblon
Grotto De Banloc, Looc, Romblon
Grotto De Banloc, Looc, Romblon
The Media Group
One of the most famous beaches on Carabao Island is Said beach which is only few meters away from the main port of the island. The white sand beach stretches for miles, so clean and quiet. There are also cottages, transient houses and small restaurants around the area. If you love the sun and just want to sun bathe and enjoy the beach without too much of a crowd, this place is for you!
Lapus-Lapus Beach, hidden behind limestone cliffs, is picturesque with its rocks looking like solitary islands during high tide. Calatrava, Romblon
Bantigue Resort, Looc , Romblon (Eiffel Tower & Big Ben)
Newly crowned queens of Isabela from left, 2nd Runner-Up Ms. Cherry Lee Garlijo from the municipality of Alicia, Queen Isabela Culture and the Arts: Ms. Johanna Trisha C. Cinco from the municipality of Ramon, Queen Isabela 2023: Ms. Catherine Joy L. Legaspi from the municipality of San Manuel, Queen Isabela Tourism: Ms. Julie Mae Villanueva from the City of Cauayan. and 1st Runner-Up: Ms. Jaycel Lumauig representing the Indigenous 
