LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — When Rico Calleja slips beneath the waters off Ticao Island in Masbate province, he knows there is always a chance of a breathtaking encounter. For the diving instructor, each descent into the sea near the famed Manta Bowl brings the possibility of seeing one of the ocean’s most graceful giants—the

March 18, 1901 The province of Masbate was officially created by virtue of the Philippine Commission Act No. 105. This significant event later served as the basis for the declaration of March 18 of each year as the foundation day of the province. Today, Masbate is a first-class province in the Bicol Region, recognized as

Despite being divorced for over a decade, the late Soli Philander praised his ex wife, Toni, on his death bed...