Young Filipino women are challenging gender stereotypes through competition at the Rodeo Masbateno in Masbate province [1].
This struggle highlights a systemic gap in the sport, as the lack of a professional category for mature women forces athletes to retire prematurely. While these women prove their skill in the arena, the structure of the event prevents them from sustaining long-term athletic careers.
The Rodeo Masbateno is recognized as the only Western-style rodeo in Asia [2]. Each year, cowgirls such as Rizza Matutino compete in the event, utilizing skills like lassoing and steer wrestling to break traditional expectations of gender roles in the Philippines [1].
Despite the visibility of these athletes, the competitive pipeline is limited. Current regulations offer no professional division for women once they graduate from university [1]. This means that for many, the end of their formal education also marks the end of their competitive rodeo journey.
Family support often plays a role in the early development of these skills. One father said he introduced his daughter to the lifestyle by taking her to farms to treat sick animals and then combined those visits with lassoing [3].
These athletes continue to compete annually to maintain the tradition and visibility of women in the sport [1]. However, the absence of a professional pathway remains a primary obstacle for those wishing to transition from student-athletes to professional cowgirls [1].
“The Rodeo Masbateno is recognized as the only Western-style rodeo in Asia.”
The situation at the Rodeo Masbateno reflects a broader tension between the cultural desire to break gender stereotypes and the institutional failure to provide professional infrastructure. By limiting competition to university-aged women, the event treats the sport as a youthful activity rather than a viable professional pursuit, effectively capping the growth of women's athletics in the region.
