ABW June 2018

2018 COMMODORE’S CUP REGATTA 

PUERTO GALERA EASTER REGATTA 

ZAMBALES LIFE SAVING CHALLENGE 

FEAR SHARKS? NO, REVERE THEM 

AN ANCIENT SEAFARING NATION 

SWIM SAFE 2018 

PHILIPPINE HOBIE CHALLENGE 

2018 WOMEN’S HELM REGATTA 

PRINCESS 62 Experience the Exceptional Performance page 26 

Destination 

MASBATE ACTIVE 

JUNE 2018 Vol. VII Issue 2 

BOATING & WATERSPORTS PhP150 

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2

3

2018 

Commodore’s 

4

Cup Regatta 

I 

by Stephen Whiting 

was lucky enough to be invited to observe the 

11th Commodores Cup Sailing Regatta 2018, 

being run here in Subic Freeport Zone, by Subic 

Sailing and the Lighthouse Resort. Both these 

groups have been working hard to turn Subic Bay 

into the number one spot for sailing and related 

activities in the Philippine’s, and from what I have 

seen they are well on the way to succeeding with 

that goal. 

Competitive sailing is one of 

the fastest growing sectors 

in any area of water-based 

sports, the sport has much 

to offer, both in terms of fun 

and confidence building in the 

youth of the Philippines and 

provides an exciting platform 

for spectators and competitors 

alike, and the additional 

positive aspects associated 

with the sport of sailing. The 

Commodore’s Cup Regatta has 

been attracting hundreds of 

top notch sailors from all over 

the globe as they converge 

in this extreme sailing action 

from the yacht racing capital 

of the Philippines. 

I was extremely 

impressed with the 

level of organizing, 

in short, the event 

has been truly world 

class. 

Sailing enthusiasts and most especially, grand prix 

race boats have been attracted to the challenges 

that this race brings. The shifting winds in Subic 

Bay may cause headaches for the unwary, but 

opportunities for the observant and make hard 

work for the crews. 

I was extremely impressed with the level of 

organizing, and the variety 

of different activities that 

have been presented over 

the 4 days of the event, 

in short, the event has 

been truly world class. The 

organizers have refined a 

formula for success that they 

tweak every year to further 

enhance the experience not 

just for the competitors but 

the spectators as well. 

The Subic Sailing Club is the 

primary organizer of this 

premier international yacht 

racing event that has helped 

put the Philippines on the 

sailing map in the local 

and international sailing 

community for more than a decade. 

Words by 

STEPHEN 

WHITING, 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

It is one of the most anticipated races in Subic Bay. 

It comes after the Hong Kong’s famous Rolex China 

Sea Race which finishes in Subic every second year 

and the San Fernando Race that finishes in San 

Fernando, La Union every other year. 

The 11th Commodores’ Cup Regatta on April 2 to 

7, 2018 is part of the 2018 Asian Yachting Grand 

Prix Circuit involving 12 events across 6 countries 

with 75 inshore races and 3 offshore races. It is 

participated by 245 yachts from across the globe. 

5

Young people play an 

integral part of the event 

with kids as young as 8 

years old sailing in races 

especially geared for 

kids. 

6 

Subic Bay Freeport Zone has become the premier 

destination for yacht racing. As a sailing haven, 

regular regattas are held in Subic Bay to enhance 

yachtsmanship for 

international competitions 

and foster camaraderie 

among sailors. It has 

become a playground for 

grand prix keelboats from 

various countries as they 

compete in the prestigious 

international regattas 

hosted here. Of course, 

there are many hotels, 

restaurants and bars for entertaining –indeed many 

of the daily awarding parties of the Commodore’s 

Cup will be held in different hotels or bars in the 

vicinity. However, the Welcoming Party and the 

Awarding Ceremony will be held at The Lighthouse 

Marina Resort. 

The Commodore’s Cup Regatta this year will hold 

special events at the RACE VILLAGE including 

workshops with the most accomplished sailors in 

the sport here to help participants become better 

sailors, seminars on Philippine Maritime Heritage, 

Watersports Exhibitions, Dragon boat Racing and 

other fun activities for spectators and participants. 

There is an art exhibition by local artists depicting 

a maritime and oceans theme with paintings 

available for purchase. A water sports display by 

Networx that includes the use of ‘Hover Boots’, 

activities for the kids like face painting and henna 

tattoo’s, food and drink stalls and much more. 

The event is not just about racing, but also the 

future of sailing in the Philippines, young people 

play an integral part of the event with kids as 

young as 8 years old sailing in races especially 

geared for kids. The organizers want young people 

to realize their heritage and history with the sea 

and want to promote sailing as a sport for people 

from all backgrounds, just as one might promote 

Basketball. It is through these young people 

that awareness of the environment, a love of the 

oceans and the future of sailing will be ensured for 

generations to come. 

The highlight for me, apart from the sailing, is the 

arrival of the historic sailing vessels the ‘Balangay’. 

The Balangay (formerly synonymous with Butuan 

boat) is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out 

plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first 

mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles 

of Pigafetta and is known as the oldest watercraft 

found in the Philippines. In 2009, the Kaya ng 

Pinoy Inc. that conquered Mt. Everest in 2006 

announced plans to re-construct the Balangay 

boat, with the help of Badjao and other tribal 

members. The Balangay was sailed, tracing the 

routes of the Filipino Ancestors during the waves 

of Austronesian settlement through Maritime 

Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The special wood for 

construction came from the established traditional

DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS 

7

It was also very pleasing 

to see 5 of the Hong 

Kong yachts that had just 

finished the Rolex China 

sea race from Hong 

Kong, competing in the 

Commodore’s Cup. 

8 

source in southern Philippines, specifically Tawi- 

Tawi. The team have pinpointed Badjao master 

boat builders, whose 

predecessors actually 

built such boats, and used 

traditional tools during 

the construction. The 

Balangay was constructed 

at Manila Bay, at the 

Cultural Center of the 

Philippines Complex and 

will be here in Subic bay at 

the Lighthouse Resort for 

members of the public to see and even experience 

a sail on these historic craft. 

The Cup by Barry Dawson 

This year the Commodore’s Cup like every event 

staged by Subic Sailing was again a complete 

success and another step in promoting superior 

sailing in the Philippines. 

The only thing not to go as planned was the opening 

ceremony, with a beautiful table arrangement on 

the foreshore at the Lighthouse Marina, everything 

was in place for an evening to remember, but 

unfortunately the weather gods were unkind, 

with unexpected torrential rains arriving before 

the evening ceremonies had started, forcing the 

organizers to abandon the ceremony and settle for 

a dinner undercover. The weather might have put 

a dampen on the ceremony but had no effect on 

the sailors who were all chomping at the bit to get 

started early next morning. 

The first day of racing, seen some excellent starts 

with, some fair winds to assist in some excellent 

racing. This year the committee boat was “Lost 

in Asia” generously supplied by Mr. Peter Baird, 

managing director of Broadwater Marine, a major 

sponsor of sailing events in the Philippines. 

There were 16 starters in total competing in four 

classes, IRC1, IRC2, Cruising Class and the newly 

introduced to Subic Sailing the Fareast 28’s. It was 

also very pleasing to see 5 of the Hong Kong Yachts 

that had just finished the Rolex China sea race from 

Hong Kong, competing in the Commodore’s cup. 

Each day of racing over the entire week brought 

something different to the event with some great 

sailing by all those who competed in the regatta. 

The week’s events culminated in a fabulous awards 

dinner, again hosted by the Lighthouse Marina, an 

avid and staunch supporter of Sailing in Subic Bay. 

After a sumptuous meal, that was enjoyed by 

all. Awarding got underway in earnest, firstly 

acknowledging those who support sailing in the 

Philippines and the Commodores Cup, like Air

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 

Wow! Already halfway through 2018, time marches on and waits for 

no man. In this issue we have so much for you to enjoy and great 

places to visit, like our feature destination, Masbate. This beautiful 

part of Bicol has so much to offer we decided to outline many feature 

attractions of the Island as well as leave many to find for yourself 

as you discover the many faces of this magical place. With the help 

and assistance of the Department of Tourism Regional Director 

Mr. Benjamin Santiago and his staff of region five we were able 

to discover and write about in better detail some of the magic of 

Masbate, a place we know you will enjoy. 

Provinces all over the Philippines should all take notice of what 

happened to Boracay as they completely disregarded or protected 

their environment, and are now paying the price. They must take 

the protection of their environment very seriously, because if they 

neglect any of these important issues they will eventually suffer the 

consequences. Protecting the beautiful beaches of the Philippines 

must take precedence over making big profits. This was the major 

downfall of Boracay. 

Also a must read is our article on swim safe on page 46, please take 

the time to read this very important article. 

In our next issue we are looking at revisiting Marinduque. 

WHAT’S INSIDE? 

2018 Commodore’s Cup Regatta 4 

Puerto Galera Easter Regatta 12 

Standard Insurance 20 

Zambales Life Saving Challenge 

PRINCESS 62 Experience the 26 

Exceptional Performance 

SEA KISSED The History of an Ancient 30 

Seafaring Nation 

Fear Sharks? No, Revere Them 36 

Boase Cohen & Collins 42 

Inter-School Sailing Festival 

Swim Safe 2018 46 

Destination - MASBATE 50 

18 For The 18th 74 

Philippine Hobie Challenge 

Sailing Tips - Handling the Mainsail 78 

Taal Lake Yacht Club’s 80 

2018 Women’s Helm Regatta 

Barry Dawson Editor 

Destination MASBATE 

PRINCESS 62 

Cover photo courtesy of Rayomarine 

Published quarterly by: ABW PUBLISHING 

House 16, Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City 

Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON 

Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER 

Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ 

Advertising: 551-4587/ 0928-714-4461 

Email: info@activeboatingwatersports.com 

Website: www.activeboatingwatersports.com 

Printed by: House Printers, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines 

Active Boating and Watersports is a copyright© production 

No part can be copied or reproduced without the express 

permission of the publishers. 

The views expressed and advertisements published in Active Boating & Watersports 

are those of the authors and advertisers, and not ABW Publishing. 

ABW Publishing does not accept any liability whatsoever for errors or omissions. 

9

Juan, Broadwater Marine, Active Boating and 

Watersports and many more who rightly deserved 

the accolades of the organizing committee. 

In the final results the winners were; in IRC 1 

Mandrake III (Nick Burns & Fred Kinmoth) took 

first place convincingly, while the ever popular 

Martin Tanco’s Centennial II came second and 

Phoenix (David Ho & Victor Huk) was third. IRC2 

Division was won by Jo De Ros (George Hackett), 

While always present at the awards Jun Avecilla’s 

Selma Star taking second place and Gordon Liu & 

Cowen Chiu on Kings Man secured third spot. The 

cruising class winners 

The speedy Fareast 

28’s, the newest 

introduction to Subic 

Sailing had 6 boats 

competing over the 

course of the regatta. 

were Li Jian and crew 

secured first place on 

Apsaras, while Peter 

Sherman on Selma 

was placed second 

and Philippe Grelon 

on TBS Aya was third. 

The speedy Fareast 

28’s, the newest 

introduction to Subic Sailing had 6 boats competing 

over the course of the regatta with, Standard 

Insurance PSA with Emerson Villena taking out 

first place honours, while its counterpart Standard 

Insurance PSA 1 with Ridgley Balladares coming 

second, while Sean Mitchell skippering SMC Go 

Pro Subic Sailing Team came third. 

Overall the week was a fantastic success and 

another first for Subic Sailing and overall sailing in 

the Philippines. 

10

L E O P A R D 

Welcome the newest addition to the 

award-winning fleet 


11

PUERTO 

Easter 

Regatta 

12

GALERA 

Each year Puerto Galera holds a number of well 

patronized regattas, Like the Easter Regatta 

held on Holy Week. This year 

sponsored by The Philippine 

Retirement Authority (PRA). 

With Fifteen entries ready to 

battle it out in the waters of 

Puerto Galera the weekend 

was full of promise and 

with the event again being 

well organized no one was 

disappointed. 

There was seven entrants in the 

PYC class consisting of Aragorn 

(Gundolf Ahrens), Xiao Long 

(Paul Leggatt), Neptunus III 

(Mark Petrie), Forever Young 

(Frank Radstake), Princess 

Arieta (Dale Godkin), Wild 

Honey (J & V Villareal) and 

Ichiban (Lorenzon Lewis), racing in the four Multihulls 

were Kerida (Garry Kingshott), Magayon II 

One thing about 

sailing when it’s 

in your blood, 

it takes a lot to 

prevent you from 

competing. 

(Martin Grummert), Zenity (Ricky White) and 

MYG 2 (Vincent Ruais), with Anthea (John Quirk), 

Sandoway (Alan Burrell), Red 

Shift (Hans Woldring) and a 

very pleasing return in Dany II 

again racing and skippered by 

Mel Smit making up the four 

in the racing class. 

One thing about sailing 

when it’s in your blood, it 

takes a lot to prevent you 

from competing, like Hans 

Woldring for instance, on 

his way from Subic to be in 

the regatta, snapped the 

halyards, not to be denied 

the chance to compete a 

few late night frantic calls to 

Broadwater Marine and the 

problem was solved with new 

rope waiting for him when he 

limped into Puerto Galera, working through the 

night and Red Shift was ready to race. 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

13

Albeit there are no 

exciting starts at Puerto 

Galera, because of 

the staggered starting 

system they use. 

The rogue of the Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Peter 

Stevens was master of ceremonies and got things 

under way at the skippers meeting in his usual 

cheerful way, and then handed over to the racing 

officer and handicapper to outline the courses 

for the days racing. There 

was some great racing once 

the boats were out on the 

course. Albeit there are no 

exciting starts at Puerto 

Galera, because of the 

staggered starting system 

they use. Staggered starts 

are not everyone’s cup of 

tea, especially the media 

who like to photograph all 

the boats together at the starting line vying for pol 

position and a good start, but it works well for the 

handicap system used by the club. 

After the days racing everyone enjoyed the buy 

one take one happy hour provided by the club, 

and in the evening the most mouth-watering BBQ 

Ribs were served while all the crew reminisced 

14

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about what they did or should have done in the 

races. Before everyone enjoyed the delicious meal 

awaiting them the traditional Tanduay awards for 

the days winners were given out, giving most some 

extra rum to have with their meal. 

Over the next two days there was some great 

racing enjoyed by all, with the ever changing winds 

keeping everyone on the alert. 

The final day’s racing culminated in a awards 

ceremony and a delicious meal, before everybody 

had to start heading home after a fantastic Holy 

Week Regatta of great sailing and comradeship 

amongst the sailors, The final overall winners 

Over the next two days 

there was some great 

racing enjoyed by all, 

with the ever changing 

winds keeping everyone 

on the alert. 

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ANTIBES :: AUSTRALIA :: CHINA :: FORT LAUDERDALE :: HOLLAND :: HONG KONG :: LOS ANGELES :: MALAYSIA :: NEWPORT :: NEWPORT BEACH :: NEW YORK :: PALMA :: PHILIPPINES :: SAN DIEGO :: SINGAPORE :: THAILAND :: VIETNAM

of this most enjoyable weekend were; Martin 

Grummert and crew on Magayon II taking the first 

place honours, while Paul Leggatt and his crew 

sailed Xiao Long into second place with Vincent 

Ruais and his crew claiming third spot on MYG 2. 

Needless to say everyone went home with smiles 

on their faces, looking forward to the next regatta 

held at one of the most popular yacht clubs in the 

Philippines. So why not come to Puerto Galera 

next holy week and enjoy being part of the Easter 

Regatta. One never knows, even the thrill of 

sailing might just make its way into your blood. 

Watch out for other top events from Puerto Galera 

like the famous All Souls Regatta, held end of 

October Each Year. For more details on the Puerto 

Galera Yacht club events you can check them out 

at https://www.pgyc.org. 

One never knows, 

even the thrill of 

sailing might just 

make its way into 

your blood. 

18

19

StandardIn 

Zambales Life SaS 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

The importance of water safety while having 

fun on any of the many pristine beaches 

throughout the Philippine Archipelago would have 

to be a top priority for anyone, 

and to know your family is safe 

while enjoying a day at the 

beach is re-assuring. So with this 

in mind the Zambales Surf Life 

Saving, headed by Roger Bound 

each year hold a challenge 

so our young life savers can 

further hone their skills with 

the challenge. Sponsored by 

Standard Insurance, and fully 

supported by, Elton Cummings 

of Lifesaving Development in 

Australia, Broadwater Marine, 

RDH Marine, Palmera Gardens 

Resort, Active Boating and 

Watersports Magazine, were 

“One of the most 

valuable was that of 

riding a rescue board, 

something none of us 

had done before, and it 

was a joy to experience 

and learn this part of 

lifesaving.” 

some of the other sponsors, this annual event is now 

getting international recognition with teams from 

Malaysia and Singapore competing in this year’s 

challenge held at the beautiful 

rustic Palmera Gardens Beach 

Resort. The resort, which, fully 

support the event, and again 

this year opened their facilities 

to the challenge to make the 

weekend a memorable one. It 

was gratifying to welcome with 

open arms the international 

teams competing here for 

the first time. The Team from 

Malaysia Consisting of Nickly 

Dasan (39), Dalton Dale Leo 

(35), Royzems Bin Selutan (32), 

Christinus Bin Jonal (29) and 

Masuari Bin Mini (27) had this 

to say about the event and the 

20

Insurance 

aving Challenge 

organizers. “This was an awesome experience for us all, 

we learnt so many new skills that we are able to take 

back to Malaysia with us. One of the most valuable was 

that of riding a rescue board, something none of us had 

done before, and it was a joy to experience and learn 

this part of lifesaving. As for the organizers of this event, 

they had everything so well organized for us it was 

heartwarming to be here and make many new friends. 

We hope to see the Zambales team one day at our events 

in Malaysia ”. Likewise, Eunice Chan (24), Yong Zhi Pan 

(25) and Bi. Xun Thng (24), the team from Singapore 

had this to say “This was our first time to the Philippines 

and we enjoyed it so much, with the challenge, there 

were so many different types of challenges here that 

we learnt a lot of new techniques we can take back 

with us and share with our friends. The experience and 

new friends we made while here is something we will 

cherish for a long time. ” Elton Cummings of Lifesaving 

Development, was a great asset to the event and is a 

powerful force in Australia in obtaining equipment for 

underprivileged countries so they can be a major player 

in saving lives in their own countries. 

Held over two days, with the senior teams competing 

on the Saturday and the junior teams on the Sunday, 

with 8 events for the seniors and six events for the 

juniors it was a full on weekend. The events for the 

seniors were – rescue board and transfer relay where a 

team of 2 players, and a victim. At the signal of start, 

number 1 player runs to pick up the rescue board and 

paddle towards the victim and load the unconscious 

victim to the board and paddle to the shore line waving 

his hands for assistance as he approaches the shoreline 

the 2nd player runs to assist player 1 with the victim. 

Players 1 and 2 carry the victim using two man carry 

technique to the finish line and place the victim in 

recovery position and players raise their hands. Run- 

Swim-Run Medley Relay consists of a team of 2 Players. 

The first player from start line runs, swims breaststroke 

then runs and touches his team player next who runs 

21

then swims front crawl stroke back to shore and runs 

to the finish line. 

Rescue Tube & Transfer Relay– Team of 2 players, with 

weak victim coming from the organizer. 

Player one runs and picks up the rescue tube and does 

a beach entry and swims towards the victim, strapping 

the tube to the victim and tows victim to the shore line 

waving his hands for assistance, then the second player 

runs to the victim and players one and two carry the 

victim using two man carry to the finish line, placing the 

victim in recovery position and players raise their hands. 

Rescue and resuscitation assessment relay – Team of 

2 Players with unconscious victim coming from the 

organizer. Player one runs and swims towards the 

victim and carry/tows the victim towards the shoreline 

and waves for assistance, Player two runs towards the 

victim and players one and two carry the victim with 

two man carry to the designated area and perform 

two rescuer DRS-ABC, until advised by the observer 

to stop, then place the victim in recovery position and 

raise their hands. 

Lifeguard Challenge Relay – Team of two Players. Player 

one runs, player two swims, player one paddles, player 

two runs to the finish line. 

Beach flags; This is an elimination event; heats will 

consist of maximum 12 players. 

Course length, maximum 15 meters, minimum 10 

meters. Under 7 may be shorter. 

Rules; This is a 

game of reaction, 

observation and 

running skills. 

Player one runs and 

swims towards the victim 

and carry/tows the victim 

towards the shoreline and 

waves for assistance. 

Players will lay 

face down, feet 

together, facing 

away from the 

flags, with hands on top of each other under their 

chin. Start procedure will be in this position with head 

raised. Start command will be, feet together, heads 

down (on hands) followed by the start signal. 

Upon start signal, player will raise and turn and run to 

recover the flag (plastic tubing) from the finish point. 

There will always be less flag than competitors, those 

who do not claim a flag are eliminated. 

Each player possessing a flag will report to the judge to 

be directed back to the start line. 

22 

If 2 player grasp the flag at the same time, judge’s 

decision will decide the situation.

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23

There will always 

be less flag than 

competitors, those who 

do not claim a flag are 

eliminated. 

Depending on the number of entries, heats may be a 

fast elimination system, example; 12 to 8, 8 to 5 then with 

elimination to the final 2 or 3 (depending on entry numbers) 

to go to the final, final will be maximum 10 players. 

Fair play will prevail, no blocking, hands of a player 

may not pass in front of an opposition player with 

intent to delay the other player, but shoulder charging 

is DQ. Shoulder contact is permissible 

False start, 1 warning, 2nd. false start DQ. Snatching 

the flag from another player DQ. 

Run – swim – run. 

Just as it says, run, swim and again run. Number per 

heat to be determined. 

Course length, run, maximum 

15 meters, swim, minimum 

50 meters, run, maximum 15 

meters. 

All heats will be finals, with 

winners determined by time, 

first 6 players report to the 

timers for their names and 

numbers to be recorded. 

Rescue Board run – paddle – run. Junior styro rescue 

boards. (Max 5 players per heat) 

Course length, run, maximum 15 meters, swim, 

minimum 50 meters, run, maximum 15 meters. 

Run pick up board, paddle the course upon reaching 

the shore abandon the board and run to finish. 

All heats will be finals, with winners determined by 

time, players report to the timers for their names and 


Run – swim – run with rescue tube. This will be run 

with maximum 10 players per heat. 

Course length, run, maximum 20 meters, swim, 

minimum 50 meters, maximum 20 meters. 

Upon the start signal, player will run to the waters 

edge, pick up a rescue tube and, towing the rescue 

24

tube, swim the designated course, upon reaching the 

shore the player can either abandon the rescue tube, or 

carry it and run to the finish. Dragging the rescue tube 

on beach, when running will be a DQ. 


time, first 6 players report to the timers for their names 

and numbers to be recorded. 

Run-Swim-Run medley surf race. This will be run with a 

maximum of fifteen players per heat. Course length, run, 

maximum 20 meters each, swim, minimum 50 meters, 

maximum 100 meters. Upon the start signal, player will 

run to the waters edge, swim breast stroke until the first 

marker and upon turning the marker can change to any 

preferred stroke, upon reaching the shore the player will 

run to the finish. All heats will be finals, with winners 

determined by time, first 6 players report to the timers 

for their names and numbers to be recorded. 

Iron-kid. This event will be for only the top players from 

overall results of each division, it will be a run – swim – 

paddle – run event, course will be maximum 300 

meters, encompassing run, swim and paddle. 

Number of players will be determined by number of 

boards available. 


time, players report to the timers for their names and 


The official results after a weekend of well-organized 

competition, resulting in a fun weekend where new 

friendships were made with international teams, fun 

and enjoyment were: 

SENIOR TEAMS 

1 Zambales Lifesaving Sth. Issac Emanuael Daylo Mark Anthony “Tonton” Jereza 

2 Team Hammerhead. Russel Baltazar Rydnar Dee Alzona 

3 “Torpedo Lifesaving team”, Singapore Thun B Xun Al Jeraeu Ladiero 

4 Team “Lucky Dingo”, Singapore. Pan Yong Zhi Eunice Chan Wan Qing 

5 Zambales Lifesaving Nth. Donell Wayne “Arweng” Sanchez Arnold Abad 

6 LGU. San Narciso (MAYOR) . Adonis Belecina John Mark Gruspe 

7 Team Sullivan. Bebbing Daniel Villenuva 

8 Iba LGU Team Ebdane. Jiyos Jenius R. Sadernas Dios Fred 

9 Team Sabah, Malaysia. Christinus Bin Jonal Dalton Dale Leo 

10 Team Sabah 2, Malaysia. Royzems Selutar Masuari Mini 

FEMALE TEAM 

1 Zambales Lifesaving 

JUNIOR TEAMS 

1 Zambales Lifesaving. Miguel Villamin Sylvern Bound 

2 Zambales Swim Team 1. Daniel Tapado Heather Coleen Sanguyo 

3 LGU Iba Team Ebdane. Christian Paul Vasquez Ivy L. Bernal 

4 Zambales Swim Team 2. Rayne Japhet R. Salin Liana Alexa T. Aguila 

5 LGU. San Narciso (VICE MAYOR) . Vincente R. Anamonce Marichris B. Jimenez 

For further information regarding lifesaving in the 

Philippines and swim safe programs contact Roger 

Bound on 0918-922-2863 or email Zambales 

Lifesaving Inc. at slszambales@gmail.com. 

25

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29

Sea Kissed 

Words by 

BRUCE 

CURRAN 

Photographs 

as credited 

T 

he Philippines stretches 2000 kilometres from 

north to south, and 1000 kilometres from west 

to east. Within this vast realm of ocean lie its 7000 + 

islands, but the fact remains that for every one part 

of land there are seven parts of water, making this 

archipelago indisputably a water country. This is the 

essential geographical background to a nation that 

has long been ruled by its maritime nature. 

An archipelago spread out across an open sea is 

reached by new arrivals on boats. The ‘habagat’ 

winds blowing in from the south west brought 

traders and migrants from Indonesia, Borneo, and 

the Malay peninsula. The ‘amihan’ winds, that blow 

from out of the north east, between October and 

April, carried traders and raiders back to these lands 

to the south. These summer winds also brought in 

people from China, Taiwan and Japan in the days 

when wind-power was the only choice. 

The great traders of Asia passed through these 

islands over a thousand years ago, when China was 

the most powerful sailing nation on earth. The legacy 

of China is to be found in the many wrecks of junks 

that litter these sea beds, many still undiscovered. 

The National Museum in Manila has some fantastic 

displays of artifacts. The Pandanan Chinese-style 

wreck dating from the 15th century was discovered 

in 1993 south of Palawan. This was a remarkable 

find and 4,722 items were recorded after 947 dives, 

Balangay 

30

The History of an 

Ancient Seafaring Nation 

including North Vietnamese ceramics, Chinese Ming 

plates, Chinese copper coins and crocodile teeth 

pendants up to four inches long. 

Islamic traders brought with 

them items from as far away as 

the Middle East, and way before 

Christianity washed ashore 

with the Spanish. Islam had 

established a stronghold in the 

very south by 1380, some 141 

years before the first Spanish 

Christian Mass on Philippine 

soil. 

Asia was already interlinked 

by sea trade well before the 

European Nations arrived on the 

scene, an event which changed 

the face of the Philippine 

archipelago forever. The British, 

the Dutch, and the Portuguese 

were soon basing in the Asian 

region, and then Magellan 

sailed into the Visayas. On board his ship was a 

Filipino slave bought in the slave markets of Malaca 

on the Malaysian peninsula. This man Enrique had 

been taken to Spain, and sailed with Magellan 

on his epic journey, had arrived off Cebu, 

and suddenly recognized his Cebuano 

home-tongue, thus becoming one of 

the first men on earth, perhaps the 

very first, to have sailed around 

the world. 

The leg from Acapulco 

to Manila could take up 

to 3 months, depending 

on weather, and 

typhoons came and went 

randomly, inflicting 

losses along their way. 

Trading - Treasures and Pirates 

The Spanish set up a remarkable trade rout linking 

their territories in Mexico with the Philippine 

archipelago. Spanish galleons 

were soon being built in these 

islands, with Chinese and 

Philippine labour and crewed 

by these and Europeans of 

several nations. 

The Chinese brought silk 

and ceramics from the China 

mainland, as well as other 

items like precious stones, and 

these were traded for Mexican 

silver, Philippine gold, as well 

as forest and sea products. 

Honey, sea slugs, swallow 

nests, tortoise shells, camphor 

wood, mother of pearl, and 

the beautiful south sea pearls 

were all to be found in these 

exotic tropical islands and 

were much sort after in China. 

The Spanish Galleon Trade, as it became known, 

was a reflection of the peak of the centuries of 

long distance sailing. The trade flourished for 250 

years, and hundreds of thousands of sea miles were 

sailed by master mariners who were exposed to the 

unrelenting dangers of the open seas in the vastness 

of the Pacific Ocean. The leg from Acapulco to 

Manila could take up to 3 months, depending on 

weather, and typhoons came and went randomly, 

inflicting losses along their way. It is estimated that 

up to 50% of the Spanish ships that were lost, sank 

within 50 miles of the St. Bernardino Strait, which 

runs between southern Luzon and northern Samar. 

A typhoon reaching shallower waters will buildup 

vicious seas, and the very fast currents around this 

Strait would add to a cauldron of hell in confined 

waters. Some Spanish galleons were swamped at 

sea, some were thrown onto coral reefs and rocky 

shores, and many lie still in the darkness of the deep 

ocean with their treasures as company for fishes. 

31

On the other side of nature, when winds failed 

altogether, galleons would be swept by fast currents 

on to coral reefs, where they sank, releasing their 

rich cargoes into the shallower waters of eastern 

Luzon and north and eastern Samar. Other ships 

foundered within the complicated islands of the 

Sibuyan Sea en route to Manila. 

The Maritime trade with Latin America began in 1565 

when several Spanish ships sailed from Acapulco, 

and the ‘San Lucas’ was the first of these to return 

to Mexico in October 1565. The ‘Magallanes’ was 

the last to sail to Manila arriving in 1815. 

250 years of trade saw some of the most lucrative 

maritime cargoes of their day ever shipped, and they 

called the vast Pacific Ocean the ‘Spanish lake’. At 

one stage 25% of all the annual production of silver 

mined in South America found its way to Asia on 

these Spanish ships. The galleons would set out 

from Acapulco in January to pick up the ‘amihan’ 

north easterly winds. In Manila the merchants 

It was a disaster when 

the Spanish charting 

vessel ‘Argo’ sank off the 

Cavite coast with most 

surveys on board. 

bought goods from the 30 to 40 junks that arrived 

from China around March each year. Ming and 

Ching dynasty porcelain was highly prized, along 

with the Chinese silk. By July the galleons would 

set off from Manila with the goods, and up to 1000 

people would crowd on board as passengers, which 

meant that Filipinos were soon to be found settled 

in California and Mexico. 

In 1593 three or more ships would sail each year, but 

then, in order to ensure tighter control, the Spanish 

restricted the trade to 2 ships from each port per 

year. The early ships were as small as 300 tons, but 

profit soon saw these ships being built in the Cavite 

shipyards up to 5 times larger, at 2000 tons. 

The first sinking of a Spanish galleon took place in 

1568, just three years after the start of this route, 

and it is reckoned that at least 40 ships sank over 

the two and a half centuries of the trade. Dramatic 

stories have conjured up as many as 110 ships lost 

on this route alone, but be that as it may, this was 

a serious sail normally over 3 months from Mexico 

to the Philippines, and as many as 7 months on 

the return journey. One ship recorded a whole 12 

months for a one-way journey to Acapulco. These 

were massive expeditions across the ‘Spanish Lake’. 

As though these journeys were not enough of a 

challenge on their own, the galleons were also prone 

to being attacked by marauding British and Dutch 

ships that knew of the potential wealth aboard 

these trading vessels. It was soon discovered 

that the local hardwood ‘lanang’ was resistant 

to canon balls fired by these booty hunters, 

and these sailing ships soon found the 

benefits of sturdy rigging possible 

with Manila hemp roping, and later 

32

on cotton sailcloth produced from the Philippine 

cotton fields. All in all, the Spanish galleon trading 

era produced a lot of wealth, a lot of employment, 

and a lot of focus between the Philippines and Latin 

America. Strange though it might seem, these long 

and strong historical links have not been exploited 

in the modern world. 

Mapping the Waters 

However, despite the end of the cross-pacific trade 

route in 1815, due mainly to the war for Mexican 

Independence, the ‘Spanishness’ of the Philippines 

has remained in the maritime legacy of a bygone 

era. The Spanish commissioned the building of over 

40 classic stone lighthouses, of which 22 were built 

between 1884 and 1896, before North Americans 

took over as the colonialists. 

The North Americans left another maritime legacy, 

before they relinquished power to the Filipinos in 

1946, by charting the entire archipelago between 

1901 and 1942. In the days of old, one chart was 

a valuable resource coveted by mariners, so it was 

a disaster when the Spanish charting vessel ‘Argo’ 

sank off The Cavite coast with most surveys on 

board. British charts of scanty patches of the Sulu 

area date from about 1882, but it has been the 

north Americans that have contributed significantly 

to modern navigation by charting this archipelago. 

However, today, with the pinpoint accuracy 

of the Global Positioning System (GPS), it has 

become necessary to re-chart the archipelago. The 

Philippine charting agency, the National Mapping 

and Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA), 

in recent times, signed a joint agreement with 

the British charting agency, which has assisted 

in upgrading Philippine charts to international 

maritime standards. Previously NAMRIA acquired 

two sophisticated maritime survey vessels through 

Spain to significantly improve the accuracy of depth 

surveys since they record not only a vertical depth, 

but also an arc of depth. 

A Nation of Seafarers 

Since the earliest of settlements, those who chose 

to live along the coastline washed by the open 

seas necessarily developed their sea skills and built 

boats for criss-crossing the archipelago for many 

purposes. Traders from afar brought with them the 

language of trade, Malay, and today many Malay 

words are part of the local languages, adding to 

the impression that many the people here were 

originally of Malay stock. 

Local boat building skills were developed long ago 

as evidenced by the finds of ancient planked boats 

in Butuan, in north Mindanao, proving these skills 

were ingrained in this archipelago in distant times. 

One such hull discovered in 1976 in Butuan was 

carbon-dated as being built in 324 A.D.. There is 

evidence to show that these so called ‘balangays’ 

used to sail regularly and trade with Japan, China 

and India. It is also evident that they even sailed as 

far as Africa in this era of trading recorded up to a 

1000 years ago. 

Today, in the Batanes Islands in the far north of 

Luzon, single hulled planked boats, developed from 

centuries past, are still built and used. 

The most commonly used boat in the Philippines 

today is called the banca (bangka), which comes in 

all shapes and sizes and designs. Some of the original 

boats were the ‘Balangays’, which is the origin of the 

word ‘barangay’, and why every defined, regulated 

community today has a barangay captain as the 

commander of this defined area. This system of 

control is used throughout the whole archipelago, 

and clearly reflects just how deeply ingrained this 

nation is, in the Maritime Heritage of its past. 

Today, in the remote areas of Palawan you will still 

see the simplest watercraft - several large bamboo 

poles strapped together with natural twine to form a 

raft - paddled to fishing grounds, or to the far side 

of a bay for another purpose. 

By contrast, Filipinos have built sophisticated 

modern watercraft, as evidenced on the west coast 

of Cebu in 2004. It was a supercraft successfully 

delivered, for search and rescue use, to the British 

Royal Navy. 

Modern Seafaring 

Today it is a fact that up to a quarter of all merchant 

mariners serving with the maritime nations of the 

world are picked from a long legacy of Philippine 

maritime stock. Over 400 years ago the Spanish 

33

ecognized these resident maritime skills and 

developed the galleon Trade. Latin America became 

connected to the rest of Asia through the Philippine 

archipelago. In the modern world the Filipino 

remains a world class mariner, part of a maritime 

history linked by skills that keep the nation in the 

forefront as a ‘Nation of Seafarers’. 

In the modern 

world the Filipino 

remains a world 

class mariner. 

Sail Boats 

Meanwhile, there is a new 

and vibrant consciousness 

in the archipelago revolving 

around sail boating. 

The largest local ‘Paraw’ 

sailing event is held 

annually near Iloilo city 

in Panay Island around 

February, when over 75 paraws race and take 

part in the local fiesta. These days alongside this 

classical traditional sailing event has sprung up a 

host of other sailing events: 

‘The Hobie Challenge’ with 16 foot catamarans 

sailing around different parts of the country 

annually. 

The ‘Subic to Boracay Yacht Race’ in February 

through to March annually. 

The ‘Commodore’s Cup’ in Subic 

While the Puerto Galera Yacht Club host a number 

of annual sailing and racing events. 

There are several other events around the country, 

which go to show that sailing is becoming a national 

pastime. 

This is evidenced by the Subic Sailing group which 

offers sail training in all sizes of boats from the 

small dinghies to larger long distance-capable 

racing boats. The Puerto Galera Yacht Club has 

had a fleet of sail training dinghies for many years. 

Filipinos are increasingly now entering 

international sailing races, and getting better and 

better results. 

Sailing is definitively becoming a national pastime. 

Past, Present and Future 

Overall, the link with the sea throughout the 

Philippine Archipelago is a golden reflection of its 

rich and influential and ancient Maritime Heritage. 

World class mariners, and a blooming and rapidly 

growing sailing fraternity are a sign that this is a 

proud water based country. 

Over recent years several replicas of the 1000 year 

old Balangays have been built. Some went on an 

epic 17 month cruise off to Malaysia, Singapore, 

Thailand and to Cambodia before sailing home to 

their home base of the Philippines. 

This March 3 Balangays will be sailing to China 

from Manila Bay en route to visiting the memorial 

of a Filipino Sultan who used to trade with China 

over 700 years ago. 

The future looks bright for this Seafaring Nation 

at many levels, and long may it grow … and 

continue to flourish as a water country with a 

Philippine Maritime Heritage deeply Sea Kissed 

and Proudly Afloat. 

34

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FEAR SHARKS? NO N 

Words by 

JAMES 

WEBSTER 

Photographs 

as credited 

T 

he sight of a shark automatically curdles our 

blood with fear. Our minds envisage them as 

vicious, mindless killers, probably because shark 

attacks are glorified by the press and movies such as 

jaws and have instilled the fear of god in our Psyche. 

Nothing could be further from 

the truth, however. The fact is 

you are more likely to trip over 

your own feet, hitting your 

head on a garbage bin and 

dying than being killed by a 

shark. 

These magnificently elegant 

lords of the sea have been 

around for more than 400 

million years evolving into 

the most efficient predator 

alive and yet not one of the 

shark species has humans on 

their menu. Most shark bites 

are cases of mistaken identity 

and once they have a bite of 

These magnificently 

elegant lords of the 

sea have been around 

for more than 400 

million years. 

36

O, , REVERE THEM 

37

Snorkeling 

with dolphin 

Most shark bites are 

cases of mistaken 

identity and once they 

have a bite of human 

flesh they grimace at the 

foul taste and spit it out. 

human flesh they grimace at the foul taste and spit 

it out. Even if you go swimming in the ocean every 

day, you are still more likely to be struck by lightning 

or bitten by a domestic dog than 

be bitten by a shark so, why this 

abnormal fear of sharks? 

We marvel at the power and 

beauty of thoroughbred horses, 

we do not have an overwhelming 

fear of them and yet there is 

an average of 20 deaths a year 

in Australia alone in equine 

accidents against 2 deaths from 

shark encounters in the most shark infested waters 

in the world. 

Beach sign 

warning 

against falling 

coconuts 

38 

The Philippine islands are right up there in world 

statistics with the number of sharks trolling their 

waters. The population of the Philippines is in excess 

of 100 mil souls and there are no real statistics on

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how many of those people participate in water 

activities such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving 

and numerous other water sports each day but one 

could hazard a conservative guess of maybe 25 

million people entering the sharks habitat each day 

with only an average of 10 shark related deaths a 

year. How many of that population would you guess 

walk under a coconut tree? I would say far less but 

they do it with gay abandon and no fear what-soever 

and yet statistics show that 150 people die, on 

average, each year from being hit on the head by 

falling coconuts. You are 15 times more likely to be 

killed by a coconut than a shark in the Philippines. 

Do we cringe with fear at the site of a motor cycle? 

I think not, instead when jump on them and tear 

You are 15 times 

more likely to be 

killed by a coconut 

than a shark in the 

Philippines. 

Swimming near 

Tiger Shark 

40

around with little respect for our wellbeing and yet 

when we go to the beach, shark attack is always on 

our mind. The fact is that in 2017 there were 88 

confirmed cases of unprovoked shark attacks on 

human’s worldwide with around 20 deaths against a 

global road death toll of more than 1.25 million, and 

we fear death by shark attack above all else? 

There are around 8,500 killed on Filipino roads a 

year and 52% of those are on motor cycles with an 

average of 66 motor cycle accidents recorded a day 

in Metro Manila alone. Why do we fear sharks so 

much and don’t even exhibit a healthy respect for 

far more dangerous adversaries. You might say that 

there are many more people on the roads than those 

entertaining water sports each day. That may be so 

but the figures still do not add up to being more 

fearful of sharks. 

It is estimated that somewhere between 26 and 

73 million sharks are killed yearly by humans. Who 

should fear who? 

We should revere the shark as one of our magnificent, 

majestic and relatively harmless creatures and 

transfer our fears and more than healthy respect to 

the world’s real killers. Mosquitos (725,000 a year), 

humans (475,000 a year), snakes (50,000 a year), 

domestic dogs (20,000 a year), snails, yes snails 

(10,000 a year), fast food, motor vehicles and of 

course coconuts. 

According to the “International Shark Attack File”, 

statistically you have a 1 in 3,748,067 chance of 

dying at the hands, or fins, of a shark and yet you 

have a 1 in 5 chance of dying of a heart attack. You 

have a 1 in 7 chance of dying from cancer and a 1 in 

84 chance of dying in a motor accident. 

Killer cone snail 

41

Words by 

RHKYC 

Photographs 

as credited 

42 

I10 and 11 March 2018 

t doesn’t get much better than this: two days of 

perfect sunny conditions on the race course, with a 

light easterly breeze on Saturday which increased a 

little on Sunday with gusts to 

12kts. 24 teams representing 

18 educational establishments 

from across Hong Kong and 

Macau battled it out over the 

weekend at the 16th annual 

Boase Cohen & Collins Inter- 

School Sailing Festival. Racing 

took place in Deep Water Bay 

off the Royal Hong Kong Yacht 

Club’s Middle Island clubhouse. 

Teams of three boats per school 

competed in two divisions, 

with the older sailors in the 

Feva and younger sailors in 

Teams of three boats 

per school competed in 

two divisions, with the 

older sailors in the Feva 

and younger sailors in 

the Pico Division. 

the Pico Division. 126 competitive short races were 

sailed over the weekend in the team racing format. 

In team racing it’s not about who finishes first but 

having your points add up to the lowest score, so 

if one teammate is coming 

last it’s better to help them 

out rather than finishing first. 

(A low point scoring system is 

used to determine the results 

the boat that finishes 1st earns 

1 point, a boat that finishes 

2nd earns 2 points, and so 

on – with the winning team 

decided by adding together 

the points of all the boats in 

each team.) 

Saturday saw all teams racing 

against each other in a round 

robin format. In the Pico

Boase Cohen 

& Collins 

Inter-School 

Sailing Festival 

43

division Tai Po Regional Squad and the ISF Academy 

took wins in all their races, pushing them into the 

Gold fleet going into the final day of racing. 

Due to a breakage in the Feva Division only 16 

races were sailed on Saturday; the remaining races 

were sailed this morning 

to decide the Gold and 

The competitors had 

to be on their toes 

to contend with the 

shifty conditions. 

Silver fleets. Island School 

maintained their winning 

streak putting them in the 

Gold fleet. 

With gusts funneling 

down the gap between 

Middle Island and Hong 

Kong Island and diverging into Deep Water Bay, the 

competitors had to be on their toes to contend with 

the shifty conditions. There was some tight racing 

with many tackling battles resulting in a few penalties. 

were tied with 4 wins each, requiring a countback with 

French International School victorious over West Island 

School in second and ISF Academy in third. 

In the Pico Gold Division the Jockey Club Ti-I 

College took the win followed by the ISF Academy in 

second and Hong Kong Schools Sailing Association 

in third. The remaining provisional results can be 

found at: http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/sailingresults. 

aspx#INTER-SCHOOL SAILING FESTIVAL 

In preparation for the competition, many of the 

schools competing participated in a number of 

RHKYC sailing programmes throughout the year to 

get ready for the event. 

The event is also designated a Clean Regatta by 

the Sailors for the Sea Organization; a non-profit 

organization that educates and empowers boaters to 

protect and restore our oceans and coastal waters. 

In the end in the Feva Gold Division the ISF Academy, 

West Island School and French International School 

44

45

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

46 

SWIM SA 

Z 

ambales Lifesaving Inc. will again be 

conducting its “swim-safe” program in 2018, 

unfortunately though it will be less effective than 

last year, due to lack of interest and response from 

Resorts to participate. 

Basically this comes down to costs, which we 

can understand, but also one needs to balance 

reinvestment, not only into ones business, but into 

the local community and those 

who patronize such businesses 

As it costs money to run the 

program and that Zambales 

Lifesaving is a non-stock, 

non-profit organization, 

it has to rely on others to 

help fund community based 

projects such as the “Swimsafe” 

program. Even with 

lifeguards being mandatory at 

beach resorts most are at this 

stage surprisingly unwilling 

to participate in something 

so important to their own 

operation. Palmera Gardens 

resort at Iba is setting the 

correct example by supporting 

this worthwhile program that 

one day might possibly save your child’s life. 

These costs include such things as; transportation 

for the instructors, generally 3, also their foods 

and remuneration of their expenses, such as salary, 

as they need to take leave of absence from places 

where they are employed so as to instruct at 

the events, also depending on location, possibly 

overnight accommodations if the location is far from 

their home or work base. 

To be effective the program should run for a 

minimum of 2 days at each resort, the program is 4 

hours, with 2 sessions per day, morning 8:00AM till 

noon and 1:00PN till 5:00PM and consists of both 

an information seminar, which includes a number of 

safety tips including how to spot potential drowning 

dangers, at the beach, pool, swimming areas like 

creeks and rivers and also around the home. 

After the safety seminar there are pool sessions 

where the children and the adults, if they wish to 

participate, are shown basic safety skills, such as 

There are documented 

cases of people who 

could not swim 

surviving the Japan 

Tsunami because they 

knew how to float. 

“reach or throw – but do not go” if you are a non 

swimmer, how to recognize a person, especially 

a child in difficulties, as often a child in trouble 

is mistaken for a child just thrashing about in the 

water, which actually leads to many children actually 

drowning within meters of family or friends as the 

danger is not realized. 

In the pool the priority is to teach them how to float, 

anyone can float, if shown the 

correct technique, if you can 

float you can survive, how? 

Because you can regain your 

breath and your strength so 

as to await assistance or plan 

a means of getting out of the 

water. 

There are documented cases 

of people who could not swim 

surviving the Japan Tsunami 

because they knew how to float, 

Japan run a National plan called 

“Uitemate” teaching adults and 

children how to float. 

Mr. Roger Bound, program director 

of Zambales Lifesaving Inc. would 

love to hear from anyone, or business who would be 

interested to help support this program for next year. 

In most cases resorts are willing to supply their resort 

as the venue and supply the lunches and snacks for 

the instructors, what they seem unprepared to do is 

cover the instructors expenses, which is not a great 

deal. Example; to be most effective it requires 5 

resorts, with 2 days at each resort, 2 sessions per 

day, with 20 persons per session, this is 400 people 

who will not only be more safety conscious, but will 

also pass this onto other people. 

The cost estimate; based on 3 instructors per session 

is P2300.00 per day to cover their travel, salaries 

and out of pocket expenses, plus for banners 

and advertising, stationary and certificates of 

participation, add another P200.00 per day a total 

of P 2500.00 per day x 10 days is only P25000.00 or 

P62.50 pesos per person. 

One thing we are also planning is looking for a 

sponsor willing to cover a scholarship program to

FE 2018 

train 10 college students each year as lifeguards, as 

there is a high demand for part time lifeguards at 

resorts during the summer months, thus this will give 

them the ability to earn during summer to continue 

their education, it would be a requirement that they 

would do the swim-safe program for a minimum 

of 4 days for 2 years in return for the training they 

received. 

The cost of this is only P43,000.00 to train 10 

persons as qualified lifeguards. 

Which also raises another point, what is a “Lifeguard” 

(also often referred to as “Lifesavers”) this I feel is 

one of the reasons that many resorts are not wishing 

or willing to train or in many cases even employ a 

lifeguard, even though the law states every Coastal 

Beach Resort must. 

A lifeguard is multi functional, they are in fact a 

safety officer or first responder who is trained not 

only in aquatic safety and rescue, but also in basic life 

support and first aid, they can in fact respond to any 

emergency, for example; Heart attack, electrocution, 

accident, even choking, not just drowning. The 

training we do also covers public relations, a must 

if there is a serious emergency, also common things 

that can occur such as sun burn, heat stroke, fainting, 

cuts and abrasions and of course treatment of stings 

from such things a jellyfish. 

employer has available should there be no customers 

using the pool, beach or the lifeguards duty area. 

These are highly trained employees that any resorts 

should be proud to have on their staff. 

Report by Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News 

on Line March 22nd 2018 

Those who are planning to go swimming during 

the Holy Week are advised to take precaution as 

drowning was found to be the leading cause of death 

in the Philippines during the season. According to 

Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras”, 59 people 

drowned during the Holy Week from 2013 to 2016. 

This was according to GMA News Research, citing 

data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction & 

Management Council (NDRRMC). 

People who drowned surpassed the number of 

people who died of vehicular accidents during the 

season. 

Those we train are encouraged to be versatile in 

their position, to assist is any work required, such 

as cleaning, maintenance or any work that their 

47

On the average, at 

least 40,000 Filipinos 

of all ages annually are 

involved in drowning 

accidents, with 

approximately a 75% 

fatality rate. 

The NDRRMC said that several of the drowned 

victims were drinking alcohol. 

Moreover, the most number of drowning incidents 

happened in beaches, followed by those who 

drowned swimming in rivers. 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) 

said all public swimming areas 

should have designated lifeguards 

who are certified and trained in 

cardiopulmonary resuscitation 

(CPR). 

If a person appears to be 

drowning, the PRC advised 

against jumping into the water in an attempt to 

rescue the victim. 

“Tumawag muna tayo ng tulong. Humanap ng anong 

bagay na ibato natin sa nalulunod na lumulutang, 

kunwari ‘yung gallon ng tubig,” PRC national field 

representative Ace Alvarex said. 

“Huwag tayong lumapit sa kanya dahil nga ‘yun pa 

ang magiging cause ng pagkalunod,” he added. 

Safety experts reiterated the importance of remaining 

calm and avoiding panic in such events. 

On the average, at least 40,000 Filipinos of all ages 

annually are involved in drowning accidents, with 

approximately a 75% fatality rate. More than a third 

affects children under the age of 14 years. Mortality 

is highest amongst children ages 1–8 years of age. 

Drowning far outranks the traditional causes of child 

mortality like meningitis, septicemia, malnutrition, 

tuberculosis and pneumonia, and is the 6th highest 

cause of mortality in children 1-4, 3rd in children 

aged 5-9 and the 2nd leading cause of mortality for 

children aged 10–14. 

The findings presented in this story only constitute 

reported cases of fatal drowning’s in children; hence, 

these figures need to be taken as the minimum 

of fatal drowning’s for the Philippines. There is 

also plenty of local data on the circumstances 

surrounding child drowning accidents in Philippines. 

So consequently, the burden of prevention of child 

drowning in the country now lies squarely on the 

shoulders of the local business community. These 

findings will also be the subject of a subsequent 

report of Safe Kids Philippines, Zambales Lifesaving 

Inc., the Department of Health and the World Health 

Organization. 

Your business can play a very big part in reducing 

these horrific figures in child drowning by becoming 

a sponsor of the swim safe program. Your business 

will be acknowledged as a sponsor in all promotional 

materials and swim safe stories printed in this 

magazine. You never know it could be your child your 

sponsorship could save one day. 

To find out how you can become a sponsor in this 

very important program on child safety contact Roger 

Bound on 0918-922-2863 or email to Zambales 

Lifesaving Inc. at slszambales@gmail.com. 

48

49

50MASB 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

M 

asbate, officially the Province of 

Masbate (Masbateño: Probinsya san 

Masbate; Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Masbate; 

Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Masbate; Central 

Bicolano: Probinsya kan Masbate; Filipino: 

Lalawigan ng Masbate) is an island province 

in the Philippines located near the middle of 

the nation’s archipelago. Its provincial capital 

is Masbate City. The province consists of three 

major islands: Masbate, 

Ticao and Burias. 

Masbate is at the crossroads 

of two island groups: Visayas 

and Luzon. It is politically 

part of Bicol Region in 

In 1605, Masbate 

was officially an 

Augustinian Mission 

and its first prior 

was Fray Francisco 

Guerrero. 

Luzon. However, from a bio-geographic and 

sociolinguistic perspective, Masbate has a 

stronger affiliation/connection with Visayas. 

From the chronicles of the early years of Spanish 

colonization, a relacion (report) about Masbate 

first appeared in Fray Martin de Rada’s letter 

dated July 1569 to the Viceroy of New Spain 

(Mexico), Marquis de Falces. He mentioned that 

in a place called Masbat there 

were plenty of gold mines. 

Other later documents such 

as Artieda’s Relacion (1573) 

and Andres de Mirandaola’s 

letter (1574) refer to a place 

called Masbat or Masbad. It

wasn’t until 1582 that Miguel de Loarca wrote 

about a place called Masbate. 

In the same year that the Augustinian Fray de 

Rada wrote about Masbat’s gold mines, his 

fellow Augustinian Fray Alonzo Jimenez landed 

in Burias and baptized its chieftain Buaya. This 

baptism is said to be the very first baptism in 

Luzon. Fray Jimenez also built a church in 

Burias before he sailed on to Ibalon in 1570. 

By 1575, Masbate had become a priority in 

the Augustinian Missionary Memoranda. Fray 

Francisco de Ortega reported on the pillaging 

activities of a pirate named Caxabic in the islands 

of Masbate and Burias. By 1600, the Spaniards 

had developed Mobo as a galleon shipyard and 

San Jacinto as a strategic port. In 1605, Masbate 

was officially an Augustinian Mission and its first 

prior was Fray Francisco Guerrero. Masbate had 

about 250 tributes and 1000 Christian natives. In 

1609, Fray Pedro de Arce, bishop-elect of Nueva 

Caceres, ceded the spiritual administration 

of Masbate to the Mitra (secular clergy). On 

May 28, 1682, bishop-elect Dominican Fray 

Andres Gonzales petitioned the King of Spain 

to revert some curacies of Nueva Caceres to the 

charge of religious communities. The petition 

was approved in 1685 and by 1687; the first 

Augustinian Recollect missionaries had sailed for 

the port of San Jacinto to begin the Recollect 

Mission in Masbate. In 1700, Fray Ildefonso 

de la Concepcion established the settlement 

DESTINATION 

ATE 

ATE51

Provincial capitol building 

of Uson as a 

visita (barrio) 

of Mobo. 

Fray Manuel 

de la Virgen 

del Tremedal 

established 

the town of 

Masbate in 

1791. 

The city is more or less situated at the centre of 

Masbate province and Masbate Island, about 212 

aerial miles and 362 nautical miles from Manila. 

It is noted for its well-protected port with Ticao 

Island acting as barrier against the effects of 

inclement weather from the north-east. Being 

located at the central part of the Philippine 

archipelago, the city serves as Bicol Region’s 

gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao. It is 

accessible through sea and air transportation. 

Masbate City, officially the 

City of Masbate: is a 4th 

class city and capital of 

the province of Masbate, 

Philippines. 

As the only city in the 

province, it serves as the 

province’s main commercial 

centre and chief seaport. 

Being located at the 

central part of the 

Philippine archipelago, 

the city serves as Bicol 

Region’s gateway to the 

Visayas and Mindanao. 

The Masbateño language 

is very closely related 

to Ilonggo or Capiznon 

language by almost 75 to 85 

per cent similarity and some 

degree. It can therefore 

also be considered as part 

of the Hiligaynon family 

of languages. The city is 

divided into 30 barangays, 

City Hall of 

Masbate City 

commons.wikimedia.org © Ringer 

52


53

MASBATE 

54 

Aerial view of Masbate city 

and some of the more colourful barangays and 

how they were named are: 

Ibingay 

Barangay Ibingay was originally called Punta 

Ibingay the name came from the word “Bingcay” 

or assorted seashells, which children played 

with, while their mothers were busy with the 

entre cuatro or card playing. In 1973, it was 

renamed “Balo” or swordfish, the kind of fish 

often caught by fishermen in Ibingay waters. 

However, “Balo” did not stick. People continued 

to refer to the place as “Ibingay”. So, today, 

Ibingay remains as its official name. 

Bagumbayan 

Bagumbayan was formerly called “goma”. 

In time, the place was used by laborers as a 

temporary corral for cattle while the shippers 

were waiting for the vessel that would transport 

the animals to Manila. Later, the laborers called 

the place Bagumbayan or New Town when 

transients built their homes near the shore and a 

community was created. The name “goma” was 

forgotten due to disuse. Today, Bagumbayan is 

bursting at the seams so to speak, because of 

the influx of people. 

Bantigue 

Bantigue, a barangay across the sea facing 

the city poblacion is a fishing village founded 

by the Boholano fishermen who migrated to 

Masbate sometime in the 1950s. Its name was 

derived from the Borobantigue tree, a species of 

mangrove abundantly growing in the Bantigue 

mudflats in the olden days. Bantigue barangay 

is better known as the place where the native 

dance “Lapay Bantigue” originated. 

Masbate Rodeo 

The Rodeo Masbateño Festival was conceived 

in 1992 as a way of uplifting the local cattle 

industry. It was started by MAKUSOG, a group 

of ranchers and businesspeople of Masbate, 

who formed the Rodeo Masbateño Foundation. 

There had been a long tradition of cattle raising 

in the province, with some 81% of its land used 

for pasturing livestock, but at that point in time 

the industry was in a slump. With the support of 

the provincial governor Emilio Espinosa Jr., the 

first Rodeo was staged in 1993. Following this, it 

became an annual event that improved tourism 

as well as commerce in the region and increased 

the locals’ pride in their province’s unique 

identity and products. The event was initially

Jaro Cathedral 

Rodeo Masbateño Festival 

known as Rodeo Filipino, but the name was 

eventually changed to Rodeo Masbateño. It grew 

into a national event over the years, attracting 

tourists from all over the 

Philippines and abroad. In 

recognition of the success 

of this event, on September 

2, 2002, President Gloria 

Macapagal-Arroyo issued 

Executive Order No. 120 

declaring Masbate as 

the Rodeo Capital of the 

Philippines. Masbate has 

Its home-grown cowboys, 

whose rodeo talents have 

been honed at the festival, 

have participated in the 

National Rodeo Finals in 

Las Vegas. 

also become known as the Rodeo Capital of Asia 

and is now affiliated with the Professional Rodeo 

Cowboys Association of America. Its homegrown 

cowboys, whose 

rodeo talents have been 

honed at the festival, have 

participated in the National 

Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas. 

Held in April each year, the 

week is a long festival of 

fun frivolity and an intense, 

spectacular rodeo event 

such as bull riding is not 

to be missed. Come to see 

the rodeo then linger on to 

enjoy the rest of what Masbate 

has to offer in the way of 

beautiful white sand beaches 

with clear blue pristine waters, 

diving, snorkelling, watersports 

fun, island hopping or just relax 

in this spectacular part of the 

Philippine Archipelago. 

For all who want to enjoy 

provincial life at its best just 

remember, Masbate, an island 

province in the Bicol Region of 

the Philippines, and is a land 

55

Magallanes coliseum 

of many surprises, the 

provinces of Masbate 

offer so much variety, 

you will want to come 

back again and again. 

Right smack between 

the Bicol peninsula and 

the Visayan Islands, 

Masbate province, and 

its unique spots wait to 

be discovered as a tourism frontier. 

Finding Masbate’s 

nooks and crannies 

makes memorable 

moments when visiting 

Bicol. 

The boomerang-shaped island province, known 

as the rodeo capital of the Philippines, is at 

the centre of the Philippine archipelago where 

waters are hospitable for manta rays and sea 

snakes. 

Finding Masbate’s nooks and crannies makes 

memorable moments when visiting Bicol. 

The people speak languages belonging more 

to the Visayan tongue than the Bicolano’s. 

But Tagalog-based Filipino is understood and 

spoken anywhere. It is no secret that Philippines 

is home to beautiful beaches, white sands, 

amazing landscapes, and much more. Many of 

you may probably hear of Boracay, Palawan 

and Puerto Princesa, maybe those places I have 

mentioned are one of your target destinations 

© Pinoy Photographer www.flickr.com 

56

in the Philippines. But after the trip we had 

with Benjamin Santiago Region five Department 

of tourism Director and his staff, I recommend 

that you should also consider Masbate! Lacking 

the colourful blinding lights of beach bars like 

other resorts, it is perfect if you are looking for 

quietness and if you want to be more intimate 

with nature. 

Buntod Sandbar 

Buntod Is a small island with white sand and 

clear, clean waters very near the city, and is not 

expensive compared to other destinations. I have 

never seen a paradise so near to a city before. 

The water is really clean you can even see small 

fish swimming around the cottage made from 

concrete and hardwood stilts few meters above 

the sea. I enjoyed swimming the whole time I was 

there. You can see the mangroves; you can sit 

and go around the mangroves. Be careful cause 

of getting cuts on your hands that maybe caused 

from laser sharp shell edges. The view is really 

awesome! The island is not crowded. Sometimes 

less than 50 people at one point. You can run 

around the whole island in less than 15 minutes. 

Going there is an unexpected and unforgettable 

experience. One of my local friends told me that 

this the best beach in Masbate this is a great 

place to bond with families and friends. Highly 

recommended! The type of place you will want 

to revisit many times. 

There is plenty to do in Masbate city proper 

besides the Rodeo, with some great places to 

stay. There are also some entrepreneurs about 

to promote watersports in a big way in the 

city proper. People like Roger O. Villanueva III 

owner of the Gagay’s Hotel & Resort. This newly 

established resort has to be in the top 3 in Masbate 

City. Situated right on the shore line the resort 

boasts a café Bar on the boardwalk overlooking 

Buntod sandbar 

masbatecity.gov.ph 

A familiar figure to tourists 

Boardwalk at Gagay’s 


©LibayL 

57


Legacy Suites 

St. Anthony de 

Padua Parish church 

the ocean with nipa huts lining the boardwalk 

for guests to enjoy what the resort has to offer. 

They are also establishing new watersports toys 

for hire and for the guests like paddle boards. 

The owners are also 

negotiating to have an 

inflatable Island at the 

resort. If this eventuates 

will be a huge success for 

the resort and Masbate. 

The resort offers guests 

a beautifully appointed 

and serene place to stay. 

Located just outside the 

city centre to give you 

the peace and relaxation without the city hustle 

You can run 

around the whole 

island in less than 

15 minutes. 

and bustle, it also has a function hall that can 

accommodate up to 150 persons and catering 

services flexible to your budget. 

Palani Beach is a beautiful white powdery beach 

and just by distance this beach should not go the 

way of Boracay and will always remain beautiful, 

peaceful and serene with clean beaches and 

pristine waters. 

Lower your expectations if you want to enjoy the 

place. There are no big resorts but rather homelike 

resorts with home-like menu and food and 

that unmistakable Filipino rural hospitality and 

warmth. 

Palani Beach 

©thebigblackbackpack.com 

58

Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival 

masbatecity.gov.ph 

Map of Masbate 

59

Kalanay Falls are located in Brgy Nabangig, 

Palanas, Masbate. You can always feel the 

freshness and the cool water from the falls. The 

steps down to the falls are steep but very easy 

to navigate, the water is cool and refreshing so 

relax and take a dip. 

Halabangbaybay 

means [Long Beach], 

due to its elongated 

shoreline and white 

fine sand. 

Esperanza 

Esperanza is about four 

hours land travel South 

from Masbate City, the 

last municipality in the 

south located between 

Placer in north-west and 

Pio V Corpus in southeast 

and considered as 

among the smallest in 

the island. Esperanza was initially one of the 

barangays of the town of Placer. In early 1915, 

a group of first settlers sailed from northern 

Cebu using their paddled banca and settled 

the place. The settlers actively cultivated the 

area into a productive agricultural community, 

developing the place until eventually called 

“Halabangbaybay”. Halabangbaybay means 

[Long Beach], due to its elongated shoreline and 

white fine sand. Halabangbaybay at that era was 

a green-mountainous forest community. It was 

not recognized as a barrio or even a mere sitio. 

In the 1940s, Halabangbaybay became a Sitio of 

barrio Alegria, Cataingan, Masbate. Soon after, 

it was converted into a barrio named Esperanza 

as component barangay of Placer and Pablo 

M. Conag served as the “Tiniente del Barrio”. 

[ESPERANZA which means “HOPE”, PAGLA-UM 

in vernacular and PAG-ASA in Tagalog]. In the 

mid 1950s, Lawyer Alfonso E. Conag initiated 

vigorously and pursued for the conversion of 

Barrio Esperanza into an Independent Town. 

On July 2, 1959 - the set of Municipal Officials 

starts hold office and Santos Edem Conag, the 

eldest son of Felimo Serafin Conag became 

the 1st elected Mayor… Esperanza has a total 

population of 16,834 according to the National 

Statistic Office data as of August 1, 2007 and 

composed of twenty barangays that includes 

the following; Agoho, Almero, Baras, Domorog, 

Guadalupe, Iligan, Labangtaytay, Labrador, 

Libertad, Magsaysay, Masbaranon, Poblacion, 

Potingbato, Rizal, San Roque, Santiago, 

Sorosimbajan, Tawad, Tunga & Villa. Esperanza 

Esperanza 

60

61

The Marcelo Fernan 

bridge 

MASBATE 

Guimaras Island- 

White Beach 

62 

Buntod sanctuary and sandbar 

had eleven barangays located along the coastal 

line and nine in farm areas with an estimated 

seventy of the population being fisher folks. 

Weather in Esperanza is generally divided into 

two seasonal weather patterns known locally 

as the Amihan and Habagat seasons. In the 

Pawa mangrove Nature Park

Kayak Racing in 

Palompon 

Tagalog language, Amihan means a cool northeast 

wind, and Habagat means west or southwest 

wind; south-west monsoon. Amihan and 

Habagat seasons are generally associated 

respectively with the El Niño and La Niña 

global weather patterns. The Amihan season is 

characterized by moderate temperatures, little 

or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the 

east. The Habagat season is characterized by 

hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall, 

and a prevailing wind from the west. 

In Esperanza, the two main modes of transport 

are via motor-tricycles along the main road or 

by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also 

available for transport along the Beach front Path. 

Other means of transportation include mountain 

bikes, quad bikes and motorbikes, all of which 

can be rented. To explore around the island’s 

coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are 

available for rent. These are outrigger canoes 

and are common sight in waters around the 

island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat 

with outriggers either 

side and with passengers 

sometimes seated on 

a trampoline platform 

between the outriggers 

supports. These are 

extremely fast off the 

wind, but can be unwieldy 

for inexperienced sailors. 

To explore around 

the island’s coast, 

motorized bancas and 

sailing paraws are 

available for rent. 

© Herald Presado 2013 

63

There is a lot happening in Esperanza at the 

time of writing this feature. Mayor Ian Peter S. 

Sapulveda, Vice Mayor Ramon A. Diamos and 

Tourism Officer Emelyn 

Diamos-Allanaraiz 

have a major on-going 

The Mayor has a major 

on-going watersports 

project, situated amongst 

beautiful mangroves. 

watersports project, 

situated amongst 

beautiful mangroves 

and only 5 minutes’ walk 

from a pristine white 

sand beach, with the 

building of an attractive 

watersports park that will 

include wakeboarding, inflatables, kayaks and 

paddle boarding. With picnic huts, restaurant 

and store this will be the place to watch out for 

with anticipated opening in October. Will be one 

of the top watersports destinations in Masbate. 

Placer 

The Municipality of Placer is a 2nd class 

municipality in the province of Masbate, 

Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it 

has a population of 55,826 people. Placer was 

created as a municipality from the barrio of the 

same name which used to belong to Cataingan, 

Masbate, by virtue of Republic Act No. 292, 

passed June 16, 1948 It is the only municipality 

which is dominantly Cebuano-speaking and a 

Sombrero island up close 

©www.theoutcastjourney.com 

64

FOR ONLY 

*P750 PER YEAR 

65

Beach in Dimasalang 

66 

MASBATE 

common yearly contender and former champion 

in Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival. On tour to placer 

we stayed at the Virginia Beach Resort and 

Italian Restaurant and has barbecue facilities and 

garden. With a terrace, the property also features 

a bar, as well as on-site 

dining. The accommodation 

provides a concierge service 

and free Wi-Fi. There is a 

large swimming pool with 

waterslides that is extremely 

welcome and refreshing 

after a hard days travel. 

Further down from Virginia 

resort is the NCMJ beach 

resort with white sands 

and pristine waters this beach is the ultimate 

place to stop. The owner is also planning to 

make a watersports park here. Even without the 

watersports park this is one place well worth 

visiting. 

Dimasalang 

The Municipality of Dimasalang is a 4th class 

municipality in the province of Masbate, 

Philippines. In 1951 the barrios of Palanas, 

Nipa, Nabangig, Banco, Pina, Maanahao, 

Salvacion, Antipolo, Malatawan, Intusan, 

It drops from 60 

feet to its base 

into a pool of 

cool, clear water. 

Miabas, San Antonio, Libtong, Malibas, Sta. 

Cruz, Bontod and Cabil-isan were separated to 

form the town of Palanas. This beautiful part of 

Masbate has so much to offer and Island hopping 

when here is a must, taking in and seeing islands 

like Deagan Island, Naro 

Bay, the Dimasalang Marine 

Sanctuary, the butterfly 

sanctuary, The Deagan river, 

Donduhan, Divisoria and 

Cudao Island. Take your 

time in these Islands of 

Paradise. Relax and enjoy 

the white sand beaches of 

Buntod Marine Sanctuary 

©talaaraw.files.wordpress.com

Harly Limlingan Marcuap 

Deagan Beach and Divisoria Beach. Sit back with 

a cold drink while taking in the glorious sunsets. 

The Mayor of Dimasalang the Honourable 

Edgar De Lara and his staff are developing and 

maintain these Islands to make sure you holiday 

in Dimasalang will be a memorable one. The type 

of holiday you will enjoy so much you will want 

to return to again and again. 

Catandayagan Falls 

Masbate has long been known as a land of 

many fascinating natural wonders, which include 

wonders like the Catandayagan Falls located in 

the town of Monreal, Masbate in Ticao Island. 

Nudibranch Snake Island 

©wetraveltolive.com 

Visitors who have come from all over the 

Philippines and beyond have been in awe of 

this breath-taking and amazing falls. It drops 

from 60 feet to its base into a pool of cool, clear 

water. It is a picture of grace and tranquillity in 

the heart of nature. 

Ticao Island is one of the three main islands 

that form the province of Masbate, along with 

Masbate and Burias. The island of Ticao is also 

divided into four municipalities, namely Batuan, 

San Fernando, San Jacinto, and Monreal. On this 

island on can spot manta rays or giant mantas, 

among other amazing marine creatures, which 

has made this area one of the most wanted dive 

attractions for both local and international divers. 

Diving in Masbate 

Over one hundred million years ago the islands 

of Masbate were formed out of volcanic rock 

long before man made his appearance in these 

lush tropical gardens. These first inhabitants 

made tools from stone, wood and bone. Some 

of these very early tools have been found by 

divers in Masbate waters. One of the best places 

to dive is on one of these Islands formed from 

that volcanic rock millions of years ago is Ticao 

Island. 

Catandayagan Falls, 

Ticao Island 

67

68 

MASBATE 

Bask in the glorious sunshine enjoying the native 

flair of traditional Philippine beauty in one of 

the untouched and yet to be discovered Islands 

of the Philippines. Withdraw into the tranquillity 

of nature on a majestic island with crystal clear 

pristine waters and white sand beaches; relax in 

the shade of hundreds of coconut trees while 

taking in the majestic aura of this awesome 

island. 

Some dive sites, like 

the Manta Bowl, 

are the cleaning and 

feeding station of 

Manta Rays. 

Sombrero Island 

Ticao Island 

Resort 

Ticao Island Resort is 

surrounded by several 

dive sites where you 

have the choice of big or 

small. Some dive sites, 

like the Manta Bowl, 

are the cleaning and 

feeding station of Manta Rays. The Manta Bowl 

Shoal is an underwater atoll which covers a 7 to 

8 hectare flat area. There are five (5) different 

dive sites here which range from 14 to 29 meters 

and all offer the chance to see the big marine 

creatures. The water where the Manta Bowl lies 

– Ticao Pass and Burias Pass – is known for the 

plankton rich water and constant current. Such 

traits make the waters of Ticao an alley for other 

pelagics like Whale Sharks, Thresher Sharks, 

Hammerheads, and Tiger Sharks. 

San Miguel is located on the northern part 

of the main Ticao Island; there are about 12 

discovered dive sites here. Each dive site has its 

Ticao Island Resort 

own unique flair, but on a general note dive sites 

here are known for the beautiful coral cover and 

the macro critters. 

For guests that stay at Ticao Island Resort, great 

night diving can be done at Pasil Reef which is right 

in front of Ticao Island Resort. Pasil Reef also allows 

for a simple dive close to Ticao Island Resort. 

Ticao Island Resort’s Dive Center is an SSI 

Accredited Centre and all our dive pros have 

PADI and/or SSI certifications. If planning a 

dive trip to Ticao there is no ferry service from 

Masbate City, the ferry departs from Pilar at 

Sorsogon Daily. So check with the ferry company 

when planning your trip. 

Burias Islands Animasola, 

Tinalisayan and Sombrero 

©traveldiveconnect.com 

Animasola is beautiful majestic rock formations 

with a natural pool for a refreshing swim. On 

www.choosephilippines.com © Dante Fajardo

Find your stand up paddle board (SUP) today at 

SUBIC BAY BORACAY 

MANILA DAVAO 

CEBU PUERTO PRINCESA 


69

MASBATE 

other parts, the stones are slippery and mossy. 

Wear swim shoes to protect your feet. Also bring 

an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun while 

taking pictures as this island barely have any shade 

from the sun! Tinalisayan is renowned for its white 

sands & sand dunes; sombrero for its hat-shaped 

island & several snakes. Enjoy snorkelling a few 

feet away from the beach side where the boats 

are. There are lots of colourful corals and schools 

of fish of many varieties 

to see. On the other side 

there is also a sandbar that 

can only be seen during low 

tide as it is hidden at high 

tide. You can stay overnight 

at Virjen Island Resort. The 

restaurant at the resort 

serves up delicious shellfish 

for which tourists locals and 

alike crave for. 

Aroroy Lighthouse 

If you have never been to Cape Bojoedor and 

weren’t given a chance to have this picturesque 

lighthouse to yourself, go here and that dream will 

be fulfilled. Over a century old, this light house 

which was part of the group of lighthouses built 

during the Spanish colonial period. If you are 

Rock formation, Animasola 

Animasola is 

beautiful majestic 

rock formations with 

a natural pool for a 

refreshing swim. 

coming from Masbate City. The trip to Punta Bugui 

is in itself exciting. A van from the Terminal in 

Masbate will take you to Aroroy, from where boats 

to Punta Bugui can be hired. Or one can wait and 

be a regular passenger on the service boat, but be 

warned the boat leaves when it is full. For visitors, 

the wait can be such a waste. It is an hour’s ride 

to Aroroy, At Punta Bugui, walk to the right, in a 

mild ascent. And then a rather steep ascent to the 

lighthouse itself. The walkway 

consists of steps and parts 

missing, it is advised to take 

care on the walk. The view 

is calming. There is a newer 

and working lighthouse 

beside the old one. The old 

lighthouse is abandoned 

but is still beautiful and a 

wonder to look at. It has 

some similarities with the 

other Spanish lighthouses, with that rustic feel and 

is a great location for a photo shoot. The place is 

marvellous. The view from about 100 meters to the 

lighthouse, into the cove, is serene and restful. 

Jintotolo Lighthouse 

Set in the open water that separates Luzon and 

Visayas, Jintotolo is a small island composed of 

©www.choosephilippines.com 

70

Aroroy Lighthouse 

two barangays of the Municipality of Balud, 

Masbate. It is surrounded with rich turquoise 

water where the inhabitants rely their livelihood. 

But aside from its bountiful water and white 

sand coastline, its most prominent feature is 

the century-old lighthouse on top of a hill, 

the highest point of the island. Built in 1895 

and activated in the early 1900s, Faro de Isla 

Jintotolo or Jintotolo Island Lighthouse is one 

of the 24 original first-order lighthouses erected 

by the Spanish Government in the archipelago. 

It aims to guide ships traversing Sibuyan 

Sea, Visayan Sea and Jintotolo Channel. The 

lighthouse has an octagonal lantern podium 

on top of a square stone tower that is attached 

to a one-story keeper’s house. The tower has a 

height of 15.5 meter (51 feet) with a total focal 

plane (height of the lamp above sea level) of 

57 meters (187 feet). It is still in used today 

but the original lamp was already replaced with 

a modern solar-powered lantern flashes three 

white lights every 10 seconds. Although the 

attached keeper’s house is already in ruins, much 

of its original brick walls and foundations are still 

intact. Jintotolo Island Lighthouse has a distinct 

charm. An icon standing majestically in a small 

and laid back island, old and rusty yet beautiful 

and classy. It invokes rare emotions and unique 

attachment. For me, it is one of, if not the most 

beautiful of all Spanish-era lighthouses in the 

Philippines. Jintotolo Island is a short boat ride 

from Barangay Calumpang in the town of Balud 

or by a 30-minute boat ride from Bongcanaway 

Port in Balud Town proper. 

From Masbate City, catch a van going to Balud. 

Fare is approximately P200 and travel time is 

approximately an hour and a half. From Roxas 

City, there are passenger boats to Balud which 

stop in Jintotolo Island. 

Places to Eat 

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from 

in Masbate catering for every type of cuisine to 

please even the most discerning palette. Just ask 

any tricycle driver to take you to the place of your 

desired menu. You will not be disappointed. In 

the provinces most resorts and hotels have a good 

selection on their menus for you to choose from. 

The one thing you can be sure of is you will never 

go hungry in this friendliest of destinations. 

71

Jintotolo lighthouse 

MASBATE 

Places to stay 

Like the restaurants, there is a vast selection to 

choose from catering for every type of budget. 

ABW recommend places like Gagay’s and in the 

provinces there are resorts like Bictuan, Virginia 

beach resort in Placer. No 

matter what province you 

are stopping in you will find 

comfortable and affordable 

accommodation. 

How to get there 

There are four different ways 

to get to Masbate, by plane, 

bus, ferry or car. 

The bottom line 

no matter how you 

decide to travel 

there you will enjoy 

the experience of 

Masbate. 

Flying to Masbate Cebgo: (Cebu Pacific) 

Fly Manila to Masbate twice daily. 

By Bus: Isarog Lines in Cubao run a bus/ferry 

service four times daily or alternatively you 

can get a Philtranco Bus from Pasay to Pilar in 

Sorsogon get the fast craft 

ferry to Masbate. Philtranco 

departs 5pm daily from 

Pasay Terminal. The fast 

craft has 3 departures daily 

8am. 12 noon and 3 pm. The 

bus trip from Manila takes 

approximately 12 hours and 

the fast craft takes 2 hours. 

If going by car, to avoid 

the uncertainty of the roro 

72

©shoestringtravellers 

Tinalisayan island Sandbar 

schedule from Pilar. We recommend you drive 

to Pilar and park your car at the ferry terminal, 

cost is P100 per day parking fee. And get the 

fast craft to Masbate. 

By Ferry from Manila: 2GO departs every 

Monday at 3.30 pm to Masbate where you 

can travel in comfort in an air-conditioned 

stateroom or the clean economy class. The trip 

takes approximately 22 hours. Be warned to 

book early as this is a very popular route and 

gets booked out quickly. 

The bottom line no matter how you decide to 

travel there you will enjoy the experience of 

Masbate, and come home with an indelible 

memory and a yearning to return again and again. 

Active Boating and Watersports would like to 

sincerely thank Department of Tourism Region 

Five director Mr. Benjamin Santiago and his staff, 

Joseph Trilles, Elmor Bonaobra and secretary 

Zharina Marie Padilla, as well as Clark Buncaras 

from Masbate Provincial Tourism and our 

driver Hansel (Bong) Viterbo for the invaluable 

assistance in putting this feature together. 

Berthing For Rent 

Manila Yacht Club 

Up To 70 Foot 

P28,000 / month 

0935-384-2551 

73

Words by 

ANGELO 

HICBAN 

for Phinsaf 

Photographs 

as credited 

After last year’s “challenging” race, the 

bright minds at PHINSAF or the Philippine 

Inter-Island Sailing Federation Inc. wasted no time 

in restructuring their much-loved and tremendously 

popular flagship regatta, the Philippine Hobie 

Challenge. Making lemonade out of the proverbial 

lemons that were “handed” to them, PHINSAF 

directors led by this year’s 

challenge co-chair Monchu 

Garcia, President Jerry Rollin 

and Treasurer Roman Azanza III 

(also PHC 18 co-chair) devised 

a plan to bring 15 brandspanking-new 

Hobie 16s to 

replenish the Philippine fleet in 

time for the challenge. With the 

backing of an ever-supportive 

community of local and foreign 

sailors and the help of Hobie 

Cat Asia-Pacific (formerly 

Hobie Cat Australasia) and its 

head Steve Fields, the country 

saw the rebirth of Hobie 

16 sailing by the tail end of 

2017. What also followed was 

a rejuvenation altogether of 

sailing from vessels of different 

shapes and sizes. 

This year’s iteration of the most extreme regatta 

in Asia, nay the world; the 18th Philippine Hobie 

Challenge came from a good omen having signed up 

18 entries to the last minute with all 15 of the brand 

new Hobie 16s being deployed for sailing action. 

Coron and Busuanga, Palawan was the destination 

of choice. Coincidentally, the 2nd serving of 

PHINSAF directors 

devised a plan to bring 

15 brand-spanking-new 

Hobie 16s to replenish 

the Philippine fleet in 

time for the challenge. 

PHINSAF’s big boat racing gem, the Nasugbu to 

Busuanga Race 2018 held from Punta Fuego Yacht 

Club to South Cay Island, Busuanga Bay Lodge 

(also one of this year’s #PHC18 sponsors) opened 

for the challenge making way for a robust Rallye 

Fleet contingent with the likes of veteran boaties 

Freewheeler (David Wheeler) and Kerida (by Garry 

Kingshott, with story below) 

joining the cats as they sailed 

around paradise. 

„What can we gain by sailing 

to the moon if we are not 

able to cross the abyss that 

separates us from ourselves? 

This is the most important of 

all voyages of discovery, and 

without it, all the rest are not 

only useless, but disastrous.“ 

- Thomas Merton 

Strategically aligning the 

challenge with the help of 

the moon, co-chair and PHC 

vet Monchu Garcia (also 

paddling for Team Rayomarine, 

#PHC18 sponsor) could not 

have scheduled #PHC18 more perfectly. Even with 

winds dying on and off throughout the duration of 

the weeklong sailing event, sailors were still treated 

to exhilarating water exploits and at the end of 

74

every leg, a much needed respite in the fabulous 

resort sponsors – El Rio Y Mar, Balinsasayaw Resort 

and Busuanga Bay Lodge. And in true challenge 

fashion, #PHC18 gave way for one camping night 

at local sailors’ island Esperanza Beach, Galoc Island 

owned by local sailors (as well as #PHC18 VIP 

volunteers and this year’s Fossil Cup 1st Placers) 

Ichay and Raul Bulaong who were PHINSAF’s eyes, 

ears, hands, feet, wheels etc. on site for event prep. 

With a mix of competitors from Australia, Taiwan, 

USA, Belgium, South Africa, Fiji and a healthy 

Philippine representation; a diverse group of sailors 

came together to enjoy what the many great islands 

and waters of the Philippines has to offer. It was 

a spirited burst of energy and camaraderie as you 

can clearly see in the images provided (courtesy 

of #PHC18 sponsor GoPro). In the end, it was still 

a competition and the challenge had to award its 

victors. For the first time in a long time, USA has 

overthrown the Aussies to take home 1st Place as 

Team WINDTOYS USA helmed by sailing champion 

Mike Montague and his skipper Kathy Ward bested 

Aussie powerhouse Bruce “Tards” Tardrew of Team 

INCUBUS who placed 2nd along with his skipper 

Eric Tomahawk. Completing the winner’s circle is the 

hybrid Australian-American Team AUSUSA helmed 

by last minute #PHC18 sailor addition Aussie kidwonder 

Shane Peterson and his American skipper 

Heather Mathews. 

Signaling the start of a new era for the Philippine 

Hobie Challenge, the 18th version of the highly 

acclaimed regatta has only gotten better overtime 

and with preparations for the 19th PHC under 

way, expect to see bigger and greater things from 

PHINSAF and its amazing sailors. 

The 18th Philippine Hobie Challenged is brought to 

you by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation 

with special thanks to its major sponsors El Rio Y 

Mar, Rayomarine, Balinsasayaw Resort, GoPro, 

Busuanga Bay Lodge, LBC Business Solutions, LBC 

Foundation, Healthcare Advantage Institute, WRU 

GPS Tracking & Navigation, Headware, BloodRed 

and TLYC. 

PHINSAF would also like to give a special shout out 

to Mr. Peter Baird, his impressive boat Lost in Asia, 

his partner Mr. John Barker and their respective 

wives; Broadwater Marine and Active Boating and 

Watersports Magazine. 

18 for the 18th 

A telling number for 

PHINSAF’s annual 

extreme regatta, the 

Philippine Hobie Challenge 

75

PHC 18 Outreach Program going back to its 

roots By PHINSAF 

One of the activities for the 18th Philippine 

Hobie Challenge Outreach Program in partnership 

with LBC Foundation this year was held at Lajala 

Elementary School and Lajala Health Center in 

Coron, Palawan. A special 

musical program was prepared 

for the #PHC18 sailors as a 

sign of gratitude. It was a 

very touching experience. 

PHINSAF donated two 

10,000- liter BESTANK water 

storage and water tower 

for the school’s. The school 

teachers, students and health 

center representatives were 

very grateful and appreciative. 

We would like to thank the following: Dr. Dennis 

Cruz and Dr. Susan Cruz for donating medicines 

and food supplements to Lajala Health Center, LBC 

Foundation for their pledge to buy school supplies, 

medicines, medical supplies and sports equipment 

for Lajala Elementary School and the PHINSAF 

Outreach team led by volunteers Ichay Bulaong, 

Lita Legarda and Karen Dinglasan. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Herding Cats in Paradise* 

By Garry Kingshott, edited by PHINSAF 

*All images following this article are provided by the author 

2018 was the 18th time 

International and Filipino 

Hobie sailors have gathered 

in the Philippines for this 

amazing event. 

Imagine for a moment if you will, the prospect of 

sailing your 40’ cruising catamaran to the idyllic 

islands of Northern Palawan and spending a week 

or so shadowing a fleet of Hobie 16s as they race 

around and between the islands in an event called 

The Philippine Hobie Challenge. 

2018 was the 18th time 

International and Filipino Hobie 

sailors have gathered in the 

Philippines for this amazing event. 

Some have participated as many 

as fourteen times over the years. 

They continue to return year 

after year in pursuit of the thrills, 

excitement and challenges of 

sailing tiny boats over challenging 

courses at times in open seas. 

Or do they come for the comradery and postrace 

fun? Or, for the legendary hospitality of their 

Filipino hosts? Whatever the reason, the chance 

to join them as a ‘support’ boat and be part of the 

Rallye Fleet, was an opportunity too good to pass 

up for S/V Kerida. 

Busuanga and the surrounding 1000+ islands have 

always been one of my favorite cruising grounds in 

The Philippines. From the stunning granite cliffs of 

Coron Island to the white sand beaches of the more 

westerly cays makes the area truly a sailor’s paradise. 

And so, it was that Kerida joined PHINSAF’s 2nd 

Nasugbu to Busuanga Race on March 9, a 145nm 

race that would see a fleet of boats arrive in Busuanga 

in time to join the 18th Philippine Hobie Challenge. 

Winning the multi-hull class by 45 seconds on 

corrected time was an unexpected bonus! 

Visiting the stunning resorts of El Rio Y Mar, 

Balinsasayaw Resort and Busuanga Bay Lodge during 

the course of the event just added to experience. 

76 

But, meeting the crews who brave the seas in tiny, 

inherently unstable boats, hearing their stories of

My Dynamo 

success and minor tragedies every evening, and 

playing a small role in keeping them safe every day 

was truly an honor. 

With crews from far flung places such as Belgium, 

South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, USA, Fiji and 

Taiwan joining the local Filipino crews this is a very 

special sailing event. 

Herding Cats in Paradise? The most fun you will 

have in a long, long time. 

Also very special thanks go to Air Juan and Bob 

Gilles, who speedily delivered our “Hot off the Press 

Edition’ of the Active Boating and Watersports 

Magazine to the Busanga Bay Lodge (BBL) for the 

Hobie Challenge presentation evening. 

Final Results of the Challenge were: 

OVERALL WINNNERS 

1ST PLACE - TEAM WINDTOYS USA (Mike Montague & Kathy Ward) 

2ND PLACE - TEAM INCUBUS (Bruce „Tards“ Tardrew & Eric Tomacruz) 

3RD PLACE - TEAM AUSUSA (Shane Peterson & Heather Mathews) 

LBC Business Solutions In-Shores 

1st Place - TEAM BUNG DEETLES (Andrew & Tony Boyd) 

2nd Place - TEAM AUSUSA (Shane Peterson & Heather Mathews) 

3rd Place - TEAM WINDTOYS USA (Mike Montague & Kathy Ward) 

Fossil Cup Recipients 

1st Place - PATA TEAM (Raul & Ichay Bulaong) 

2nd Place - TEAM DOOBIE BROTHERS (Andy Aguila & Cons Castaneda) 

3rd Place - TEAM 10 (Dennis Cruz & Jayson Mendoza) 

Watch Out for an even bigger and better Hobie Challenge in 2019. 

77

Sailing Tips 

You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing technobabble, 

and what little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no 

more. This continuing series of articles is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats, 

as well as common sailing techniques, terms and definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware, 

and much more. This will keep you informed about most things you will need before you begin your own 

sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor and someone knowledgeable about boats. 

The outhaul should 

be eased in light 

winds and tensioned 

in stronger winds. 

Article 

excerpts 

reprinted 

from 

the book 

CRUISER 

HANDLING 

by BOB BOND 

& STEVE 

SLEIGHT 

2nd reef 

Covered mainsail 

78 

The clew outhaul 

fastened to the 

boom end and to 

the clew of the sail 

The Mainsail of a cruiser is normally left rigged on the boom for 

short periods. When you do have to rig the mainsail, however, 

you will find it easier with two people. Most mainsails have 

battens which should be inserted into the appropriate pockets 

before rigging. Normally the mainsheet is left attached to the 

boom. The method you sue to stow the mainsail will depend to 

some extent on whether you have roller reefing gear. If you do, 

you could roll up the mainsail loosely on the boom. If you don’t 

then you will have to fold the mainsail neatly over the boom 

before tying it down and covering it securely. 

Rigging 

The clew end of the foot is fed into the track on the boom, and 

pulled along until all the foot is on the track. The tack is the 

fastened at the gooseneck and the clew outhaul tensioned and 

secured. The mainsail luff, or slide fittings if it has them, are 

fed into the mast track. There should be a mast gate fitted to 

the mast track to prevent the sliders dropping out of the base 

of the track. 

Hoisting 

The wind must be forward of the beam before the sail is hoisted, 

or it will fill with wind. Shackle the main halyard to the head, 

checking first to make sure that it is not fouled aloft, and the 

release the sail ties or shock cord around the mainsail. If the sail 

fits into a groove on the mast, a crew member may be needed 

to feed it in. Haul on the main sail halyard taking a turn around 

the winch, until the sail is pulled most of the way up the mast. 

Use the winch handle to fully hoist the sail, taking care not to 

over tension it. Ease off the topping lift and stow the surplus 

halyard neatly. 

Lowering and stowing 

To lower the mainsail, the wind must be forward of the beam, 

and the mainsheet should be eased to allow the sail to flap. 

Don’t forget to tighten the topping lift before releasing the 

halyard, or the boom will come crashing down on the coach 

roof. As one of the crew member eases the halyard, the other 

gathers in the mainsail and stows it. How you stow the mainsail 

depends to some extent on the type of system the boat carries. 

If the sail is attached to the mast with sliders you will normally 

use the folding method, taking care not to bend the battens as 

you do so. Tei the sail down with shock cord or sail ties when it 

is neatly furled. With a roller reefing system, you can simply roll 

the sail around the boom, securing it with sail ties. 

Sail controls 

Every cruising boat will be equipped with various forms of sail 

control. The sophistication of the equipment will depend on how 

much you want to spend. For most cruising boats nothing very 

elaborate is usually either needed or wanted. However, it is a help 

if the mainsheet is mounted on adjustable traveller so that you

Handling the Mainsail 

can control the amount of downward tension on the sail, and 

the angle of the sail to the centerline of the boat. A kicking strap 

is also needed to exert downward pressure on the boom and 

mainsail, and a downhaul and outhaul can be fitted to the luff 

and leech of the sail respectively to tension the luff and the foot 

of the mainsail. Battens can be used to stiffen the leech of the sail 

and adjustable fairleads can be fitted through which the headsail 

sheets can be led to give a better set to the sail. 

Mainsheet system 

The mainsheet controls the angle of the mainsail to the 

centerline of the boat, and is often mounted on the traveller 

running on an athwartships track. The traveller gives greater 

control over the sheeting angle and over the leech tension. In 

light winds it should be set to windward of the centerline and 

the mainsheet eased to put out the boom in the center of the 

boat to produce an even curve on the leech of the mainsail. In 

moderate winds, the traveller should be set in the center and 

the mainsheet tension adjusted to keep the top batten parallel 

with the boom. In stronger winds, the traveller should be eased 

to leeward with the mainsheet kept tight, to reduce the amount 

of heeling force on the boat. You will find it easier to gauge the 

leech tension if tell-tales are used. It will correct when all telltales 

stream aft. 

Kicking strap 

Most cruising boats need a kicking strap with a purchase power 

of at least six to one, preferably with the end of the purchase 

led to a winch to give greater power. If no kicking strap is fitted, 

power will be lost when sailing off-wind as the leech of the sail 

will twist forward, and the boat will roll when broad reaching or 

running. A tightened kicking strap will effectively stop this, by 

preventing the boom from rising and falling, which causes the sail 

to chafe on the shrouds and spreaders. Increased purchase on the 

kicking strap allows the mainsheet to be used for lateral control. 

Luff tension 

The luff of the mainsail should always be just tight enough for 

any horizontal wrinkles to be removed, but not so tight that a 

vertical crease forms near the mast. The luff tension affects the 

way the sail performs when it is eased, the point of maximum 

draught moves aft and when it is tightened it moves further 

forward. Ideally the point of maximum draught should be where 

the sail-maker intended it to be in moderate winds. In stronger 

winds you should increase the luff tension and in lighter airs 

you should reduce it. You can use the mainsail halyard, a 

cunningham hole and tackle near the clew, or a boom downhaul 

and sliding gooseneck to tension the sail of the luff. 

Clew outhaul 

The clew outhaul affects the amount and position of the camber 

in the sail. By tightening the outhaul you can pull the point of 

maximum draught further aft, and thus flatten the sail or you 

can ease the outhaul and move it forward, thus giving more 

fullness to the sail. Ideally, the outhaul should be tensioned just 

enough to prevent vertical creases appearing in the sail, but not 

so much that a horizontal crease is formed. The outhaul should 

be eased in light winds and tensioned in stronger winds. 

Battens 

Battens are used to support the curved leech of the mainsail 

and can greatly affect its shape. Those not designed to be full 

length should be tapered at the inner end so that when the 

sail is set no hard spot is formed at the inner end of the batten 

pocket. If such a spot occurs the batten is too thick and should 

be exchanged for a more tapered one. Full-length battens 

normally have some means by which the tension on them can 

be increased or reduced. 

Leech line 

On many cruising boats a thin line, known as a leech line, is 

threaded down the leech of the mainsail or the jib. It can be 

used to control any flutter or flap in the edge of the leech by 

increasing the tension upon it. However, care should be taken 

not to over-tension it to the point where the leech area distorts 

and curves to windward. Since you sometimes get leech flutter 

only in a reefed mainsail, in the upper part of the sail, you can 

fit a leech line with an adjustment point above each reef point, 

so that it can be tensioned as necessary to remove the flutter. 

Headsail sheet fairleads 

The position of the headsail sheet fairlead is crucial to the 

good set and performance of the headsail, and therefore it is 

important to have an adjustable headsail sheet fairlead sited 

on the track, so that the sheeting position can be altered to the 

different sizes of the headsail. The fairlead should be positioned 

so that when the sail (regardless of size), is sheeted in for a 

close-hauled course, it has the same curve across it at the foot 

as it does at the head. The leech of the sail should have an even 

curve, matching the curve on the leeward side of the mainsail. 

On most boats the leech of the overlapping headsail, when fully 

sheeted should be within 15cm from the end of the spreader. 

If the fairlead is set to far aft, the foot of the sail will be overtensioned 

while the leech will drop off to leeward, reducing the 

driving power in the top of the sail. On the other hand if the 

lead is to far forward, too much tension will be put on the leech, 

causing it to hook in, but not enough will be put on the foot. 

The sail will be too full and the boat will heel more. 

Headsail luff tension 

Much the same rules apply to the headsail luff tension as to 

the mainsail. Normally on a cruising boat the halyard is the only 

control for adjusting headsail luff tension, although some boats 

which race have a cunningham hole and tackle fitted to give 

finer adjustment. Generally you will have to use the headsail 

halyard, taking care not to over-tension it in light airs, and 

tension it enough in heavy weather. 

Tell tales 

Every headsail in your sail wardrobe should be fitted with telltales, 

lengths of wool or ribbon about 30cm long, stitched 

through the sail and knotted on either side, so that 15cm lies 

on each side of the sail. Normally they should be positioned 

about 15cm aft of the luff of the sail, with three or four of them 

down the length of the luff. By attaching tell-tales you will be 

able to check that your sheeting angle is correct and you will 

also have a useful steering aid. To check the sheeting angle, 

sail the boat on a close-hauled course and see if the tell-tales 

stream aft. If they do the angle is correct. If the top tell-tales 

flutter while those lower down, stream correctly, the lead is too 

far aft, and if the reverse occurs the lead is too far forward. 

Provided you have sheeting angle correct you can also use the 

tell-tales as a steering aid. If you are sailing windward with the 

sheet properly trimmed the tell-tales on the leeward side of the 

sail should stream aft evenly. Although those on the windward 

side of the sail can flutter, the leeward tell-tales must not be 

allowed to do so, or the sail will stall. Provided you watch the 

tell-tales carefully you should get the boat to pint windward. 

Fitting slugs on 

the luff of the 

mainsail 

Fold mainsail 

Hoisting Mainsail 

Lowering the Mainsail 

Track Boom 

The Profurl roller furling 

jib clew leads to one of 

two through bolted sail 

tracks on the bridge deck. 

79

Flukey Winds 

Make For Interesting 

Sailing In 

Taal Lake 

Yacht Club’s 

2018 Women’s 

Helm Regatta 

80

Peter Capotosto’s Flickr Album description: 

Since 2004, Taal Lake Yacht Club has had 

an annual Women’s Helm Regatta. As the name 

connotes, only women can drive. 

Its quite unique. It’s very 

different than a women’s 

race, because women are 

not limited to women 

crews. They can get 

anybody they want. It’s 

also an opportunity 

for our usual 

skippers, male or 

female, to let their 

crews, or women 

friends drive. It 

gets women into 

sailing, in an 

unusual, but 

very exciting 

way. 

Then there are even 

less women who 

can competently 

sail Hobie 16s. 

Limiting the 

racing to female helms also knocks 

out male competition, allowing the 

women a choice of crews that they 

would normally not have access 

to, mostly experienced skippers 

who often acted as coaches. 

It was good for the men too. Because they were able 

to adjust things such as rig tension that they would 

not even be able to see, if they were driving. Overall 

the April 22 2018 TLYC Women’s helm regatta was a 

great success. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Taal Lake Yacht Club, Sun 22 

April 2018. If you think that 

local/ locally-based catamaran 

sailors are scarce, the women 

who sail for fun are few. Then 

there are even less women who 

can competently sail Hobie 

16s. I like to think of myself 

as part of the tiny percentage, 

even if I do spend more time 

sailing small boats. 

So here I was, thrilled to 

skipper a Hobie 16 again after 

years of not racing this class, I 

was tense in the low wind as I 

turned our borrowed Hobie 16 

towards the start line in the 

countdown. We surprised ourselves with a good 

start, out the gate on time leading the fleet of 

women skippers. Martin Marty kept our sails loose 

to power us beating to the windward mark, oddly 

towards the small dormant volcano, not the usual 

Balai Isabel area. 

Words by 

CHERRIE 

PINPIN 

Photographs 

by CARLA 

KRAMER 

81

Peter had spotted the lift well before I did and 

advised his skipper Mikee Vinzon to point their 

Hobie 16 higher. By the time I noticed what was 

happening, I tried to match their angle but could 

not get enough speed to get ahead to tack clear. 

She would get me on 

starboard and the low 

wind would make trying 

to duck her big mess. 

Unable to tack as Mikee 

guarded her position, I was 

finally forced to tack too 

close to the mark else get 

over stood. While Mikee 

rounded with ease, the 

already weak breeze died. We watched in horror as 

we drifted helplessly into the mark, cut to: internal 

scream with a mad real time scramble aboard to 

deal. Drat the light wind and current! So much for 

the lead as we did penalty in an awfully painfully 

slo-mo way, while the fleet cheerfully passed us, 

mentally blowing us kisses as they jockeyed for 

speed to the finish. 

We watched in horror as 

we drifted helplessly into 

the mark, cut to: internal 

scream with a mad real time 

scramble aboard to deal. 

82

The 5th 

2018 

OFFS 

S 

HIP build 

Philippines2018 

H 

ORE 

P H I L I P P I N E S 2018 

83

PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY 

84

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HILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY

Then losing by a 

whisker in the fiercest 

downwind match race 

against Joida Pablo (I 

must quit eating bread 

and butter for a year). 

A string of disasters aboard in the next races – 

uncoordinated crew (ourselves) making the worst 

start in the world (a.k.a. brown paper bag award) 

and losing time while going around the wrong 

buoy (thanks to the lack of 

skippers briefing and not 

knowing which color buoy 

was the right one to round), 

while watching the most 

underweight crew of the fleet 

– first time sailor Paola Orozo 

round the mark ahead of us 

with expert coaching from 

crew Jose S. Gonzalez. Then 

losing by a whisker in the 

fiercest downwind match race 

against Joida Pablo (I must quit eating bread and 

butter for a year). To add insult to injury, discovered 

my supposedly secret weapon, my “wind-spotting” 

Deep Water polarized lenses had decided Taal Lake’s 

(possibly) sulfur-infused waters was too much 

abuse, and promptly delaminated in large swathes, 

leaving me with blurry vision and tears as the rest of 

the Women’s Helm skippers fleet gaily romped off to 

squabble betwixt themselves for top places, leaving 

me to eat their wake. 

Obviously any of the women skippers competing 

regularly on the Hobie 16 –pro-level sailor Maria 

Vidoeira and lethal fire poi swinging Jana Everett for 

example, or Mikee and Joida, the former who’s had 

more recent sail time or the latter young ‘un who’s 

clocked more consistent Hobie hours, had a distinct 

advantage over the sprout-out-of-the-woodwork 

silly me wanting to scratch my yearly catamaran 

itch sans putting in enough catamaran time on the 

water. Excuses excuses… Martin was at least very 

nice to agree to crew for me and did all he could 

to keep us racing given the wicked fluky winds and 

the not-quite-coordinated crew aboard. Last note to 

self: Must improve my light wind handling skills! 

Back ashore, putting the boats a-bed then at the 

prize giving, Maria’s sage comment, “Cherrie must 

come back to the Hobie 16. Aye! See ya’all next 

year, ladies! 

86

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

About the author: Cherrie had a few hours 

training on the Hobie 16 with experienced sailor 

Luigi Manzi then raced in TLYC’s Women’s Helm in 

2006 and 2007 editions. Starting 2014, she has 

raced 18 and 16 ft Topcats in Romblon’s yearly 3 

Island Challenge and is always game to try sailing 

small beach multihulls when not racing dinghies 

to win for the Philippines. Last year she won the 

Hansa 303 Women’s bronze medal in the 2017 

Para World Sailing Championships, Kiel, Germany 

and is on the medal hunt this year, hoping to make 

it to the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships, 

She went to the USA, to defend her title, then to 

compete in the 2018 Hansa Class World Sailing 

Championships, Hiroshima, Japan. Cherrie hopes to 

lead her Paralympic Sailing team to victory in the 

2019 ASEAN Para Games, Philippines likewise help 

Para World Sailing convince IPC that Paralympic 

Sailing be reinstated in the Paralympics, starting the 

Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

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P H I L I P P I N E S 

YACHT PARTS, SALES and SERVICE 

90

ABW June 2018

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