Riding a Carabao (Kalabaw)

Known as the Pinoy farmer's best buddy in the rice field, a carabao, or kalabaw in Tagalog, is a domestic swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) endemic to the Philippines. Considered the national animal of the Philippines, the carabao represents the Filipinos' hard work and perseverance. For the Filipino farmer, the carabao is his beast of burden. It was his draft animal that helps him till and cultivate wet paddies so that he can farm rice and transport his goods to the market. Because of its economic significance, the carabao became an important part of Filipino farming culture.