ABW June 2018
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<strong>2018</strong> COMMODORE’S CUP REGATTA<br />
PUERTO GALERA EASTER REGATTA<br />
ZAMBALES LIFE SAVING CHALLENGE<br />
FEAR SHARKS? NO, REVERE THEM<br />
AN ANCIENT SEAFARING NATION<br />
SWIM SAFE <strong>2018</strong><br />
PHILIPPINE HOBIE CHALLENGE<br />
<strong>2018</strong> WOMEN’S HELM REGATTA<br />
PRINCESS 62 Experience the Exceptional Performance page 26<br />
Destination<br />
MASBATE ACTIVE<br />
JUNE <strong>2018</strong> Vol. VII Issue 2<br />
BOATING & WATERSPORTS PhP150<br />
1
2
3
<strong>2018</strong><br />
Commodore’s<br />
4
Cup Regatta<br />
I<br />
by Stephen Whiting<br />
was lucky enough to be invited to observe the<br />
11th Commodores Cup Sailing Regatta <strong>2018</strong>,<br />
being run here in Subic Freeport Zone, by Subic<br />
Sailing and the Lighthouse Resort. Both these<br />
groups have been working hard to turn Subic Bay<br />
into the number one spot for sailing and related<br />
activities in the Philippine’s, and from what I have<br />
seen they are well on the way to succeeding with<br />
that goal.<br />
Competitive sailing is one of<br />
the fastest growing sectors<br />
in any area of water-based<br />
sports, the sport has much<br />
to offer, both in terms of fun<br />
and confidence building in the<br />
youth of the Philippines and<br />
provides an exciting platform<br />
for spectators and competitors<br />
alike, and the additional<br />
positive aspects associated<br />
with the sport of sailing. The<br />
Commodore’s Cup Regatta has<br />
been attracting hundreds of<br />
top notch sailors from all over<br />
the globe as they converge<br />
in this extreme sailing action<br />
from the yacht racing capital<br />
of the Philippines.<br />
I was extremely<br />
impressed with the<br />
level of organizing,<br />
in short, the event<br />
has been truly world<br />
class.<br />
Sailing enthusiasts and most especially, grand prix<br />
race boats have been attracted to the challenges<br />
that this race brings. The shifting winds in Subic<br />
Bay may cause headaches for the unwary, but<br />
opportunities for the observant and make hard<br />
work for the crews.<br />
I was extremely impressed with the level of<br />
organizing, and the variety<br />
of different activities that<br />
have been presented over<br />
the 4 days of the event,<br />
in short, the event has<br />
been truly world class. The<br />
organizers have refined a<br />
formula for success that they<br />
tweak every year to further<br />
enhance the experience not<br />
just for the competitors but<br />
the spectators as well.<br />
The Subic Sailing Club is the<br />
primary organizer of this<br />
premier international yacht<br />
racing event that has helped<br />
put the Philippines on the<br />
sailing map in the local<br />
and international sailing<br />
community for more than a decade.<br />
Words by<br />
STEPHEN<br />
WHITING,<br />
BARRY<br />
DAWSON<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
It is one of the most anticipated races in Subic Bay.<br />
It comes after the Hong Kong’s famous Rolex China<br />
Sea Race which finishes in Subic every second year<br />
and the San Fernando Race that finishes in San<br />
Fernando, La Union every other year.<br />
The 11th Commodores’ Cup Regatta on April 2 to<br />
7, <strong>2018</strong> is part of the <strong>2018</strong> Asian Yachting Grand<br />
Prix Circuit involving 12 events across 6 countries<br />
with 75 inshore races and 3 offshore races. It is<br />
participated by 245 yachts from across the globe.<br />
5
Young people play an<br />
integral part of the event<br />
with kids as young as 8<br />
years old sailing in races<br />
especially geared for<br />
kids.<br />
6<br />
Subic Bay Freeport Zone has become the premier<br />
destination for yacht racing. As a sailing haven,<br />
regular regattas are held in Subic Bay to enhance<br />
yachtsmanship for<br />
international competitions<br />
and foster camaraderie<br />
among sailors. It has<br />
become a playground for<br />
grand prix keelboats from<br />
various countries as they<br />
compete in the prestigious<br />
international regattas<br />
hosted here. Of course,<br />
there are many hotels,<br />
restaurants and bars for entertaining –indeed many<br />
of the daily awarding parties of the Commodore’s<br />
Cup will be held in different hotels or bars in the<br />
vicinity. However, the Welcoming Party and the<br />
Awarding Ceremony will be held at The Lighthouse<br />
Marina Resort.<br />
The Commodore’s Cup Regatta this year will hold<br />
special events at the RACE VILLAGE including<br />
workshops with the most accomplished sailors in<br />
the sport here to help participants become better<br />
sailors, seminars on Philippine Maritime Heritage,<br />
Watersports Exhibitions, Dragon boat Racing and<br />
other fun activities for spectators and participants.<br />
There is an art exhibition by local artists depicting<br />
a maritime and oceans theme with paintings<br />
available for purchase. A water sports display by<br />
Networx that includes the use of ‘Hover Boots’,<br />
activities for the kids like face painting and henna<br />
tattoo’s, food and drink stalls and much more.<br />
The event is not just about racing, but also the<br />
future of sailing in the Philippines, young people<br />
play an integral part of the event with kids as<br />
young as 8 years old sailing in races especially<br />
geared for kids. The organizers want young people<br />
to realize their heritage and history with the sea<br />
and want to promote sailing as a sport for people<br />
from all backgrounds, just as one might promote<br />
Basketball. It is through these young people<br />
that awareness of the environment, a love of the<br />
oceans and the future of sailing will be ensured for<br />
generations to come.<br />
The highlight for me, apart from the sailing, is the<br />
arrival of the historic sailing vessels the ‘Balangay’.<br />
The Balangay (formerly synonymous with Butuan<br />
boat) is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out<br />
plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first<br />
mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles<br />
of Pigafetta and is known as the oldest watercraft<br />
found in the Philippines. In 2009, the Kaya ng<br />
Pinoy Inc. that conquered Mt. Everest in 2006<br />
announced plans to re-construct the Balangay<br />
boat, with the help of Badjao and other tribal<br />
members. The Balangay was sailed, tracing the<br />
routes of the Filipino Ancestors during the waves<br />
of Austronesian settlement through Maritime<br />
Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The special wood for<br />
construction came from the established traditional
DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS<br />
7
It was also very pleasing<br />
to see 5 of the Hong<br />
Kong yachts that had just<br />
finished the Rolex China<br />
sea race from Hong<br />
Kong, competing in the<br />
Commodore’s Cup.<br />
8<br />
source in southern Philippines, specifically Tawi-<br />
Tawi. The team have pinpointed Badjao master<br />
boat builders, whose<br />
predecessors actually<br />
built such boats, and used<br />
traditional tools during<br />
the construction. The<br />
Balangay was constructed<br />
at Manila Bay, at the<br />
Cultural Center of the<br />
Philippines Complex and<br />
will be here in Subic bay at<br />
the Lighthouse Resort for<br />
members of the public to see and even experience<br />
a sail on these historic craft.<br />
The Cup by Barry Dawson<br />
This year the Commodore’s Cup like every event<br />
staged by Subic Sailing was again a complete<br />
success and another step in promoting superior<br />
sailing in the Philippines.<br />
The only thing not to go as planned was the opening<br />
ceremony, with a beautiful table arrangement on<br />
the foreshore at the Lighthouse Marina, everything<br />
was in place for an evening to remember, but<br />
unfortunately the weather gods were unkind,<br />
with unexpected torrential rains arriving before<br />
the evening ceremonies had started, forcing the<br />
organizers to abandon the ceremony and settle for<br />
a dinner undercover. The weather might have put<br />
a dampen on the ceremony but had no effect on<br />
the sailors who were all chomping at the bit to get<br />
started early next morning.<br />
The first day of racing, seen some excellent starts<br />
with, some fair winds to assist in some excellent<br />
racing. This year the committee boat was “Lost<br />
in Asia” generously supplied by Mr. Peter Baird,<br />
managing director of Broadwater Marine, a major<br />
sponsor of sailing events in the Philippines.<br />
There were 16 starters in total competing in four<br />
classes, IRC1, IRC2, Cruising Class and the newly<br />
introduced to Subic Sailing the Fareast 28’s. It was<br />
also very pleasing to see 5 of the Hong Kong Yachts<br />
that had just finished the Rolex China sea race from<br />
Hong Kong, competing in the Commodore’s cup.<br />
Each day of racing over the entire week brought<br />
something different to the event with some great<br />
sailing by all those who competed in the regatta.<br />
The week’s events culminated in a fabulous awards<br />
dinner, again hosted by the Lighthouse Marina, an<br />
avid and staunch supporter of Sailing in Subic Bay.<br />
After a sumptuous meal, that was enjoyed by<br />
all. Awarding got underway in earnest, firstly<br />
acknowledging those who support sailing in the<br />
Philippines and the Commodores Cup, like Air
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK<br />
Wow! Already halfway through <strong>2018</strong>, time marches on and waits for<br />
no man. In this issue we have so much for you to enjoy and great<br />
places to visit, like our feature destination, Masbate. This beautiful<br />
part of Bicol has so much to offer we decided to outline many feature<br />
attractions of the Island as well as leave many to find for yourself<br />
as you discover the many faces of this magical place. With the help<br />
and assistance of the Department of Tourism Regional Director<br />
Mr. Benjamin Santiago and his staff of region five we were able<br />
to discover and write about in better detail some of the magic of<br />
Masbate, a place we know you will enjoy.<br />
Provinces all over the Philippines should all take notice of what<br />
happened to Boracay as they completely disregarded or protected<br />
their environment, and are now paying the price. They must take<br />
the protection of their environment very seriously, because if they<br />
neglect any of these important issues they will eventually suffer the<br />
consequences. Protecting the beautiful beaches of the Philippines<br />
must take precedence over making big profits. This was the major<br />
downfall of Boracay.<br />
Also a must read is our article on swim safe on page 46, please take<br />
the time to read this very important article.<br />
In our next issue we are looking at revisiting Marinduque.<br />
WHAT’S INSIDE?<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Commodore’s Cup Regatta 4<br />
Puerto Galera Easter Regatta 12<br />
Standard Insurance 20<br />
Zambales Life Saving Challenge<br />
PRINCESS 62 Experience the 26<br />
Exceptional Performance<br />
SEA KISSED The History of an Ancient 30<br />
Seafaring Nation<br />
Fear Sharks? No, Revere Them 36<br />
Boase Cohen & Collins 42<br />
Inter-School Sailing Festival<br />
Swim Safe <strong>2018</strong> 46<br />
Destination - MASBATE 50<br />
18 For The 18th 74<br />
Philippine Hobie Challenge<br />
Sailing Tips - Handling the Mainsail 78<br />
Taal Lake Yacht Club’s 80<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Women’s Helm Regatta<br />
Barry Dawson Editor<br />
Destination MASBATE<br />
PRINCESS 62<br />
Cover photo courtesy of Rayomarine<br />
Published quarterly by: <strong>ABW</strong> PUBLISHING<br />
House 16, Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City<br />
Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON<br />
Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER<br />
Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ<br />
Advertising: 551-4587/ 0928-714-4461<br />
Email: info@activeboatingwatersports.com<br />
Website: www.activeboatingwatersports.com<br />
Printed by: House Printers, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines<br />
Active Boating and Watersports is a copyright© production<br />
No part can be copied or reproduced without the express<br />
permission of the publishers.<br />
The views expressed and advertisements published in Active Boating & Watersports<br />
are those of the authors and advertisers, and not <strong>ABW</strong> Publishing.<br />
<strong>ABW</strong> Publishing does not accept any liability whatsoever for errors or omissions.<br />
9
Juan, Broadwater Marine, Active Boating and<br />
Watersports and many more who rightly deserved<br />
the accolades of the organizing committee.<br />
In the final results the winners were; in IRC 1<br />
Mandrake III (Nick Burns & Fred Kinmoth) took<br />
first place convincingly, while the ever popular<br />
Martin Tanco’s Centennial II came second and<br />
Phoenix (David Ho & Victor Huk) was third. IRC2<br />
Division was won by Jo De Ros (George Hackett),<br />
While always present at the awards Jun Avecilla’s<br />
Selma Star taking second place and Gordon Liu &<br />
Cowen Chiu on Kings Man secured third spot. The<br />
cruising class winners<br />
The speedy Fareast<br />
28’s, the newest<br />
introduction to Subic<br />
Sailing had 6 boats<br />
competing over the<br />
course of the regatta.<br />
were Li Jian and crew<br />
secured first place on<br />
Apsaras, while Peter<br />
Sherman on Selma<br />
was placed second<br />
and Philippe Grelon<br />
on TBS Aya was third.<br />
The speedy Fareast<br />
28’s, the newest<br />
introduction to Subic Sailing had 6 boats competing<br />
over the course of the regatta with, Standard<br />
Insurance PSA with Emerson Villena taking out<br />
first place honours, while its counterpart Standard<br />
Insurance PSA 1 with Ridgley Balladares coming<br />
second, while Sean Mitchell skippering SMC Go<br />
Pro Subic Sailing Team came third.<br />
Overall the week was a fantastic success and<br />
another first for Subic Sailing and overall sailing in<br />
the Philippines.<br />
10
L E O P A R D<br />
Welcome the newest addition to the<br />
award-winning fleet<br />
DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS<br />
11
PUERTO<br />
Easter<br />
Regatta<br />
12
GALERA<br />
Each year Puerto Galera holds a number of well<br />
patronized regattas, Like the Easter Regatta<br />
held on Holy Week. This year<br />
sponsored by The Philippine<br />
Retirement Authority (PRA).<br />
With Fifteen entries ready to<br />
battle it out in the waters of<br />
Puerto Galera the weekend<br />
was full of promise and<br />
with the event again being<br />
well organized no one was<br />
disappointed.<br />
There was seven entrants in the<br />
PYC class consisting of Aragorn<br />
(Gundolf Ahrens), Xiao Long<br />
(Paul Leggatt), Neptunus III<br />
(Mark Petrie), Forever Young<br />
(Frank Radstake), Princess<br />
Arieta (Dale Godkin), Wild<br />
Honey (J & V Villareal) and<br />
Ichiban (Lorenzon Lewis), racing in the four Multihulls<br />
were Kerida (Garry Kingshott), Magayon II<br />
One thing about<br />
sailing when it’s<br />
in your blood,<br />
it takes a lot to<br />
prevent you from<br />
competing.<br />
(Martin Grummert), Zenity (Ricky White) and<br />
MYG 2 (Vincent Ruais), with Anthea (John Quirk),<br />
Sandoway (Alan Burrell), Red<br />
Shift (Hans Woldring) and a<br />
very pleasing return in Dany II<br />
again racing and skippered by<br />
Mel Smit making up the four<br />
in the racing class.<br />
One thing about sailing<br />
when it’s in your blood, it<br />
takes a lot to prevent you<br />
from competing, like Hans<br />
Woldring for instance, on<br />
his way from Subic to be in<br />
the regatta, snapped the<br />
halyards, not to be denied<br />
the chance to compete a<br />
few late night frantic calls to<br />
Broadwater Marine and the<br />
problem was solved with new<br />
rope waiting for him when he<br />
limped into Puerto Galera, working through the<br />
night and Red Shift was ready to race.<br />
Words by<br />
BARRY<br />
DAWSON<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
13
Albeit there are no<br />
exciting starts at Puerto<br />
Galera, because of<br />
the staggered starting<br />
system they use.<br />
The rogue of the Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Peter<br />
Stevens was master of ceremonies and got things<br />
under way at the skippers meeting in his usual<br />
cheerful way, and then handed over to the racing<br />
officer and handicapper to outline the courses<br />
for the days racing. There<br />
was some great racing once<br />
the boats were out on the<br />
course. Albeit there are no<br />
exciting starts at Puerto<br />
Galera, because of the<br />
staggered starting system<br />
they use. Staggered starts<br />
are not everyone’s cup of<br />
tea, especially the media<br />
who like to photograph all<br />
the boats together at the starting line vying for pol<br />
position and a good start, but it works well for the<br />
handicap system used by the club.<br />
After the days racing everyone enjoyed the buy<br />
one take one happy hour provided by the club,<br />
and in the evening the most mouth-watering BBQ<br />
Ribs were served while all the crew reminisced<br />
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Like Never Before<br />
For bookings & reservations:<br />
www.airjuan.com<br />
or contact landline:<br />
+632 7188111<br />
15
about what they did or should have done in the<br />
races. Before everyone enjoyed the delicious meal<br />
awaiting them the traditional Tanduay awards for<br />
the days winners were given out, giving most some<br />
extra rum to have with their meal.<br />
Over the next two days there was some great<br />
racing enjoyed by all, with the ever changing winds<br />
keeping everyone on the alert.<br />
The final day’s racing culminated in a awards<br />
ceremony and a delicious meal, before everybody<br />
had to start heading home after a fantastic Holy<br />
Week Regatta of great sailing and comradeship<br />
amongst the sailors, The final overall winners<br />
Over the next two days<br />
there was some great<br />
racing enjoyed by all,<br />
with the ever changing<br />
winds keeping everyone<br />
on the alert.<br />
16
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17<br />
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<br />
Grummert and crew on Magayon II taking the first<br />
place honours, while Paul Leggatt and his crew<br />
sailed Xiao Long into second place with Vincent<br />
Ruais and his crew claiming third spot on MYG 2.<br />
Needless to say everyone went home with smiles<br />
on their faces, looking forward to the next regatta<br />
held at one of the most popular yacht clubs in the<br />
Philippines. So why not come to Puerto Galera<br />
next holy week and enjoy being part of the Easter<br />
Regatta. One never knows, even the thrill of<br />
sailing might just make its way into your blood.<br />
Watch out for other top events from Puerto Galera<br />
like the famous All Souls Regatta, held end of<br />
October Each Year. For more details on the Puerto<br />
Galera Yacht club events you can check them out<br />
at https://www.pgyc.org.<br />
One never knows,<br />
even the thrill of<br />
sailing might just<br />
make its way into<br />
your blood.<br />
18
19
StandardIn<br />
Zambales Life SaS<br />
Words by<br />
BARRY<br />
DAWSON<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
The importance of water safety while having<br />
fun on any of the many pristine beaches<br />
throughout the Philippine Archipelago would have<br />
to be a top priority for anyone,<br />
and to know your family is safe<br />
while enjoying a day at the<br />
beach is re-assuring. So with this<br />
in mind the Zambales Surf Life<br />
Saving, headed by Roger Bound<br />
each year hold a challenge<br />
so our young life savers can<br />
further hone their skills with<br />
the challenge. Sponsored by<br />
Standard Insurance, and fully<br />
supported by, Elton Cummings<br />
of Lifesaving Development in<br />
Australia, Broadwater Marine,<br />
RDH Marine, Palmera Gardens<br />
Resort, Active Boating and<br />
Watersports Magazine, were<br />
“One of the most<br />
valuable was that of<br />
riding a rescue board,<br />
something none of us<br />
had done before, and it<br />
was a joy to experience<br />
and learn this part of<br />
lifesaving.”<br />
some of the other sponsors, this annual event is now<br />
getting international recognition with teams from<br />
Malaysia and Singapore competing in this year’s<br />
challenge held at the beautiful<br />
rustic Palmera Gardens Beach<br />
Resort. The resort, which, fully<br />
support the event, and again<br />
this year opened their facilities<br />
to the challenge to make the<br />
weekend a memorable one. It<br />
was gratifying to welcome with<br />
open arms the international<br />
teams competing here for<br />
the first time. The Team from<br />
Malaysia Consisting of Nickly<br />
Dasan (39), Dalton Dale Leo<br />
(35), Royzems Bin Selutan (32),<br />
Christinus Bin Jonal (29) and<br />
Masuari Bin Mini (27) had this<br />
to say about the event and the<br />
20
Insurance<br />
aving Challenge<br />
organizers. “This was an awesome experience for us all,<br />
we learnt so many new skills that we are able to take<br />
back to Malaysia with us. One of the most valuable was<br />
that of riding a rescue board, something none of us had<br />
done before, and it was a joy to experience and learn<br />
this part of lifesaving. As for the organizers of this event,<br />
they had everything so well organized for us it was<br />
heartwarming to be here and make many new friends.<br />
We hope to see the Zambales team one day at our events<br />
in Malaysia ”. Likewise, Eunice Chan (24), Yong Zhi Pan<br />
(25) and Bi. Xun Thng (24), the team from Singapore<br />
had this to say “This was our first time to the Philippines<br />
and we enjoyed it so much, with the challenge, there<br />
were so many different types of challenges here that<br />
we learnt a lot of new techniques we can take back<br />
with us and share with our friends. The experience and<br />
new friends we made while here is something we will<br />
cherish for a long time. ” Elton Cummings of Lifesaving<br />
Development, was a great asset to the event and is a<br />
powerful force in Australia in obtaining equipment for<br />
underprivileged countries so they can be a major player<br />
in saving lives in their own countries.<br />
Held over two days, with the senior teams competing<br />
on the Saturday and the junior teams on the Sunday,<br />
with 8 events for the seniors and six events for the<br />
juniors it was a full on weekend. The events for the<br />
seniors were – rescue board and transfer relay where a<br />
team of 2 players, and a victim. At the signal of start,<br />
number 1 player runs to pick up the rescue board and<br />
paddle towards the victim and load the unconscious<br />
victim to the board and paddle to the shore line waving<br />
his hands for assistance as he approaches the shoreline<br />
the 2nd player runs to assist player 1 with the victim.<br />
Players 1 and 2 carry the victim using two man carry<br />
technique to the finish line and place the victim in<br />
recovery position and players raise their hands. Run-<br />
Swim-Run Medley Relay consists of a team of 2 Players.<br />
The first player from start line runs, swims breaststroke<br />
then runs and touches his team player next who runs<br />
21
then swims front crawl stroke back to shore and runs<br />
to the finish line.<br />
Rescue Tube & Transfer Relay– Team of 2 players, with<br />
weak victim coming from the organizer.<br />
Player one runs and picks up the rescue tube and does<br />
a beach entry and swims towards the victim, strapping<br />
the tube to the victim and tows victim to the shore line<br />
waving his hands for assistance, then the second player<br />
runs to the victim and players one and two carry the<br />
victim using two man carry to the finish line, placing the<br />
victim in recovery position and players raise their hands.<br />
Rescue and resuscitation assessment relay – Team of<br />
2 Players with unconscious victim coming from the<br />
organizer. Player one runs and swims towards the<br />
victim and carry/tows the victim towards the shoreline<br />
and waves for assistance, Player two runs towards the<br />
victim and players one and two carry the victim with<br />
two man carry to the designated area and perform<br />
two rescuer DRS-ABC, until advised by the observer<br />
to stop, then place the victim in recovery position and<br />
raise their hands.<br />
Lifeguard Challenge Relay – Team of two Players. Player<br />
one runs, player two swims, player one paddles, player<br />
two runs to the finish line.<br />
Beach flags; This is an elimination event; heats will<br />
consist of maximum 12 players.<br />
Course length, maximum 15 meters, minimum 10<br />
meters. Under 7 may be shorter.<br />
Rules; This is a<br />
game of reaction,<br />
observation and<br />
running skills.<br />
Player one runs and<br />
swims towards the victim<br />
and carry/tows the victim<br />
towards the shoreline and<br />
waves for assistance.<br />
Players will lay<br />
face down, feet<br />
together, facing<br />
away from the<br />
flags, with hands on top of each other under their<br />
chin. Start procedure will be in this position with head<br />
raised. Start command will be, feet together, heads<br />
down (on hands) followed by the start signal.<br />
Upon start signal, player will raise and turn and run to<br />
recover the flag (plastic tubing) from the finish point.<br />
There will always be less flag than competitors, those<br />
who do not claim a flag are eliminated.<br />
Each player possessing a flag will report to the judge to<br />
be directed back to the start line.<br />
22<br />
If 2 player grasp the flag at the same time, judge’s<br />
decision will decide the situation.
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23
There will always<br />
be less flag than<br />
competitors, those who<br />
do not claim a flag are<br />
eliminated.<br />
Depending on the number of entries, heats may be a<br />
fast elimination system, example; 12 to 8, 8 to 5 then with<br />
elimination to the final 2 or 3 (depending on entry numbers)<br />
to go to the final, final will be maximum 10 players.<br />
Fair play will prevail, no blocking, hands of a player<br />
may not pass in front of an opposition player with<br />
intent to delay the other player, but shoulder charging<br />
is DQ. Shoulder contact is permissible<br />
False start, 1 warning, 2nd. false start DQ. Snatching<br />
the flag from another player DQ.<br />
Run – swim – run.<br />
Just as it says, run, swim and again run. Number per<br />
heat to be determined.<br />
Course length, run, maximum<br />
15 meters, swim, minimum<br />
50 meters, run, maximum 15<br />
meters.<br />
All heats will be finals, with<br />
winners determined by time,<br />
first 6 players report to the<br />
timers for their names and<br />
numbers to be recorded.<br />
Rescue Board run – paddle – run. Junior styro rescue<br />
boards. (Max 5 players per heat)<br />
Course length, run, maximum 15 meters, swim,<br />
minimum 50 meters, run, maximum 15 meters.<br />
Run pick up board, paddle the course upon reaching<br />
the shore abandon the board and run to finish.<br />
All heats will be finals, with winners determined by<br />
time, players report to the timers for their names and<br />
numbers to be recorded.<br />
Run – swim – run with rescue tube. This will be run<br />
with maximum 10 players per heat.<br />
Course length, run, maximum 20 meters, swim,<br />
minimum 50 meters, maximum 20 meters.<br />
Upon the start signal, player will run to the waters<br />
edge, pick up a rescue tube and, towing the rescue<br />
24
tube, swim the designated course, upon reaching the<br />
shore the player can either abandon the rescue tube, or<br />
carry it and run to the finish. Dragging the rescue tube<br />
on beach, when running will be a DQ.<br />
All heats will be finals, with winners determined by<br />
time, first 6 players report to the timers for their names<br />
and numbers to be recorded.<br />
Run-Swim-Run medley surf race. This will be run with a<br />
maximum of fifteen players per heat. Course length, run,<br />
maximum 20 meters each, swim, minimum 50 meters,<br />
maximum 100 meters. Upon the start signal, player will<br />
run to the waters edge, swim breast stroke until the first<br />
marker and upon turning the marker can change to any<br />
preferred stroke, upon reaching the shore the player will<br />
run to the finish. All heats will be finals, with winners<br />
determined by time, first 6 players report to the timers<br />
for their names and numbers to be recorded.<br />
Iron-kid. This event will be for only the top players from<br />
overall results of each division, it will be a run – swim –<br />
paddle – run event, course will be maximum 300<br />
meters, encompassing run, swim and paddle.<br />
Number of players will be determined by number of<br />
boards available.<br />
All heats will be finals, with winners determined by<br />
time, players report to the timers for their names and<br />
numbers to be recorded.<br />
The official results after a weekend of well-organized<br />
competition, resulting in a fun weekend where new<br />
friendships were made with international teams, fun<br />
and enjoyment were:<br />
SENIOR TEAMS<br />
1 Zambales Lifesaving Sth. Issac Emanuael Daylo Mark Anthony “Tonton” Jereza<br />
2 Team Hammerhead. Russel Baltazar Rydnar Dee Alzona<br />
3 “Torpedo Lifesaving team”, Singapore Thun B Xun Al Jeraeu Ladiero<br />
4 Team “Lucky Dingo”, Singapore. Pan Yong Zhi Eunice Chan Wan Qing<br />
5 Zambales Lifesaving Nth. Donell Wayne “Arweng” Sanchez Arnold Abad<br />
6 LGU. San Narciso (MAYOR) . Adonis Belecina John Mark Gruspe<br />
7 Team Sullivan. Bebbing Daniel Villenuva<br />
8 Iba LGU Team Ebdane. Jiyos Jenius R. Sadernas Dios Fred<br />
9 Team Sabah, Malaysia. Christinus Bin Jonal Dalton Dale Leo<br />
10 Team Sabah 2, Malaysia. Royzems Selutar Masuari Mini<br />
FEMALE TEAM<br />
1 Zambales Lifesaving<br />
JUNIOR TEAMS<br />
1 Zambales Lifesaving. Miguel Villamin Sylvern Bound<br />
2 Zambales Swim Team 1. Daniel Tapado Heather Coleen Sanguyo<br />
3 LGU Iba Team Ebdane. Christian Paul Vasquez Ivy L. Bernal<br />
4 Zambales Swim Team 2. Rayne Japhet R. Salin Liana Alexa T. Aguila<br />
5 LGU. San Narciso (VICE MAYOR) . Vincente R. Anamonce Marichris B. Jimenez<br />
For further information regarding lifesaving in the<br />
Philippines and swim safe programs contact Roger<br />
Bound on 0918-922-2863 or email Zambales<br />
Lifesaving Inc. at slszambales@gmail.com.<br />
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29
Sea Kissed<br />
Words by<br />
BRUCE<br />
CURRAN<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
T<br />
he Philippines stretches 2000 kilometres from<br />
north to south, and 1000 kilometres from west<br />
to east. Within this vast realm of ocean lie its 7000 +<br />
islands, but the fact remains that for every one part<br />
of land there are seven parts of water, making this<br />
archipelago indisputably a water country. This is the<br />
essential geographical background to a nation that<br />
has long been ruled by its maritime nature.<br />
An archipelago spread out across an open sea is<br />
reached by new arrivals on boats. The ‘habagat’<br />
winds blowing in from the south west brought<br />
traders and migrants from Indonesia, Borneo, and<br />
the Malay peninsula. The ‘amihan’ winds, that blow<br />
from out of the north east, between October and<br />
April, carried traders and raiders back to these lands<br />
to the south. These summer winds also brought in<br />
people from China, Taiwan and Japan in the days<br />
when wind-power was the only choice.<br />
The great traders of Asia passed through these<br />
islands over a thousand years ago, when China was<br />
the most powerful sailing nation on earth. The legacy<br />
of China is to be found in the many wrecks of junks<br />
that litter these sea beds, many still undiscovered.<br />
The National Museum in Manila has some fantastic<br />
displays of artifacts. The Pandanan Chinese-style<br />
wreck dating from the 15th century was discovered<br />
in 1993 south of Palawan. This was a remarkable<br />
find and 4,722 items were recorded after 947 dives,<br />
Balangay<br />
30
The History of an<br />
Ancient Seafaring Nation<br />
including North Vietnamese ceramics, Chinese Ming<br />
plates, Chinese copper coins and crocodile teeth<br />
pendants up to four inches long.<br />
Islamic traders brought with<br />
them items from as far away as<br />
the Middle East, and way before<br />
Christianity washed ashore<br />
with the Spanish. Islam had<br />
established a stronghold in the<br />
very south by 1380, some 141<br />
years before the first Spanish<br />
Christian Mass on Philippine<br />
soil.<br />
Asia was already interlinked<br />
by sea trade well before the<br />
European Nations arrived on the<br />
scene, an event which changed<br />
the face of the Philippine<br />
archipelago forever. The British,<br />
the Dutch, and the Portuguese<br />
were soon basing in the Asian<br />
region, and then Magellan<br />
sailed into the Visayas. On board his ship was a<br />
Filipino slave bought in the slave markets of Malaca<br />
on the Malaysian peninsula. This man Enrique had<br />
been taken to Spain, and sailed with Magellan<br />
on his epic journey, had arrived off Cebu,<br />
and suddenly recognized his Cebuano<br />
home-tongue, thus becoming one of<br />
the first men on earth, perhaps the<br />
very first, to have sailed around<br />
the world.<br />
The leg from Acapulco<br />
to Manila could take up<br />
to 3 months, depending<br />
on weather, and<br />
typhoons came and went<br />
randomly, inflicting<br />
losses along their way.<br />
Trading - Treasures and Pirates<br />
The Spanish set up a remarkable trade rout linking<br />
their territories in Mexico with the Philippine<br />
archipelago. Spanish galleons<br />
were soon being built in these<br />
islands, with Chinese and<br />
Philippine labour and crewed<br />
by these and Europeans of<br />
several nations.<br />
The Chinese brought silk<br />
and ceramics from the China<br />
mainland, as well as other<br />
items like precious stones, and<br />
these were traded for Mexican<br />
silver, Philippine gold, as well<br />
as forest and sea products.<br />
Honey, sea slugs, swallow<br />
nests, tortoise shells, camphor<br />
wood, mother of pearl, and<br />
the beautiful south sea pearls<br />
were all to be found in these<br />
exotic tropical islands and<br />
were much sort after in China.<br />
The Spanish Galleon Trade, as it became known,<br />
was a reflection of the peak of the centuries of<br />
long distance sailing. The trade flourished for 250<br />
years, and hundreds of thousands of sea miles were<br />
sailed by master mariners who were exposed to the<br />
unrelenting dangers of the open seas in the vastness<br />
of the Pacific Ocean. The leg from Acapulco to<br />
Manila could take up to 3 months, depending on<br />
weather, and typhoons came and went randomly,<br />
inflicting losses along their way. It is estimated that<br />
up to 50% of the Spanish ships that were lost, sank<br />
within 50 miles of the St. Bernardino Strait, which<br />
runs between southern Luzon and northern Samar.<br />
A typhoon reaching shallower waters will buildup<br />
vicious seas, and the very fast currents around this<br />
Strait would add to a cauldron of hell in confined<br />
waters. Some Spanish galleons were swamped at<br />
sea, some were thrown onto coral reefs and rocky<br />
shores, and many lie still in the darkness of the deep<br />
ocean with their treasures as company for fishes.<br />
31
On the other side of nature, when winds failed<br />
altogether, galleons would be swept by fast currents<br />
on to coral reefs, where they sank, releasing their<br />
rich cargoes into the shallower waters of eastern<br />
Luzon and north and eastern Samar. Other ships<br />
foundered within the complicated islands of the<br />
Sibuyan Sea en route to Manila.<br />
The Maritime trade with Latin America began in 1565<br />
when several Spanish ships sailed from Acapulco,<br />
and the ‘San Lucas’ was the first of these to return<br />
to Mexico in October 1565. The ‘Magallanes’ was<br />
the last to sail to Manila arriving in 1815.<br />
250 years of trade saw some of the most lucrative<br />
maritime cargoes of their day ever shipped, and they<br />
called the vast Pacific Ocean the ‘Spanish lake’. At<br />
one stage 25% of all the annual production of silver<br />
mined in South America found its way to Asia on<br />
these Spanish ships. The galleons would set out<br />
from Acapulco in January to pick up the ‘amihan’<br />
north easterly winds. In Manila the merchants<br />
It was a disaster when<br />
the Spanish charting<br />
vessel ‘Argo’ sank off the<br />
Cavite coast with most<br />
surveys on board.<br />
bought goods from the 30 to 40 junks that arrived<br />
from China around March each year. Ming and<br />
Ching dynasty porcelain was highly prized, along<br />
with the Chinese silk. By July the galleons would<br />
set off from Manila with the goods, and up to 1000<br />
people would crowd on board as passengers, which<br />
meant that Filipinos were soon to be found settled<br />
in California and Mexico.<br />
In 1593 three or more ships would sail each year, but<br />
then, in order to ensure tighter control, the Spanish<br />
restricted the trade to 2 ships from each port per<br />
year. The early ships were as small as 300 tons, but<br />
profit soon saw these ships being built in the Cavite<br />
shipyards up to 5 times larger, at 2000 tons.<br />
The first sinking of a Spanish galleon took place in<br />
1568, just three years after the start of this route,<br />
and it is reckoned that at least 40 ships sank over<br />
the two and a half centuries of the trade. Dramatic<br />
stories have conjured up as many as 110 ships lost<br />
on this route alone, but be that as it may, this was<br />
a serious sail normally over 3 months from Mexico<br />
to the Philippines, and as many as 7 months on<br />
the return journey. One ship recorded a whole 12<br />
months for a one-way journey to Acapulco. These<br />
were massive expeditions across the ‘Spanish Lake’.<br />
As though these journeys were not enough of a<br />
challenge on their own, the galleons were also prone<br />
to being attacked by marauding British and Dutch<br />
ships that knew of the potential wealth aboard<br />
these trading vessels. It was soon discovered<br />
that the local hardwood ‘lanang’ was resistant<br />
to canon balls fired by these booty hunters,<br />
and these sailing ships soon found the<br />
benefits of sturdy rigging possible<br />
with Manila hemp roping, and later<br />
32
on cotton sailcloth produced from the Philippine<br />
cotton fields. All in all, the Spanish galleon trading<br />
era produced a lot of wealth, a lot of employment,<br />
and a lot of focus between the Philippines and Latin<br />
America. Strange though it might seem, these long<br />
and strong historical links have not been exploited<br />
in the modern world.<br />
Mapping the Waters<br />
However, despite the end of the cross-pacific trade<br />
route in 1815, due mainly to the war for Mexican<br />
Independence, the ‘Spanishness’ of the Philippines<br />
has remained in the maritime legacy of a bygone<br />
era. The Spanish commissioned the building of over<br />
40 classic stone lighthouses, of which 22 were built<br />
between 1884 and 1896, before North Americans<br />
took over as the colonialists.<br />
The North Americans left another maritime legacy,<br />
before they relinquished power to the Filipinos in<br />
1946, by charting the entire archipelago between<br />
1901 and 1942. In the days of old, one chart was<br />
a valuable resource coveted by mariners, so it was<br />
a disaster when the Spanish charting vessel ‘Argo’<br />
sank off The Cavite coast with most surveys on<br />
board. British charts of scanty patches of the Sulu<br />
area date from about 1882, but it has been the<br />
north Americans that have contributed significantly<br />
to modern navigation by charting this archipelago.<br />
However, today, with the pinpoint accuracy<br />
of the Global Positioning System (GPS), it has<br />
become necessary to re-chart the archipelago. The<br />
Philippine charting agency, the National Mapping<br />
and Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA),<br />
in recent times, signed a joint agreement with<br />
the British charting agency, which has assisted<br />
in upgrading Philippine charts to international<br />
maritime standards. Previously NAMRIA acquired<br />
two sophisticated maritime survey vessels through<br />
Spain to significantly improve the accuracy of depth<br />
surveys since they record not only a vertical depth,<br />
but also an arc of depth.<br />
A Nation of Seafarers<br />
Since the earliest of settlements, those who chose<br />
to live along the coastline washed by the open<br />
seas necessarily developed their sea skills and built<br />
boats for criss-crossing the archipelago for many<br />
purposes. Traders from afar brought with them the<br />
language of trade, Malay, and today many Malay<br />
words are part of the local languages, adding to<br />
the impression that many the people here were<br />
originally of Malay stock.<br />
Local boat building skills were developed long ago<br />
as evidenced by the finds of ancient planked boats<br />
in Butuan, in north Mindanao, proving these skills<br />
were ingrained in this archipelago in distant times.<br />
One such hull discovered in 1976 in Butuan was<br />
carbon-dated as being built in 324 A.D.. There is<br />
evidence to show that these so called ‘balangays’<br />
used to sail regularly and trade with Japan, China<br />
and India. It is also evident that they even sailed as<br />
far as Africa in this era of trading recorded up to a<br />
1000 years ago.<br />
Today, in the Batanes Islands in the far north of<br />
Luzon, single hulled planked boats, developed from<br />
centuries past, are still built and used.<br />
The most commonly used boat in the Philippines<br />
today is called the banca (bangka), which comes in<br />
all shapes and sizes and designs. Some of the original<br />
boats were the ‘Balangays’, which is the origin of the<br />
word ‘barangay’, and why every defined, regulated<br />
community today has a barangay captain as the<br />
commander of this defined area. This system of<br />
control is used throughout the whole archipelago,<br />
and clearly reflects just how deeply ingrained this<br />
nation is, in the Maritime Heritage of its past.<br />
Today, in the remote areas of Palawan you will still<br />
see the simplest watercraft - several large bamboo<br />
poles strapped together with natural twine to form a<br />
raft - paddled to fishing grounds, or to the far side<br />
of a bay for another purpose.<br />
By contrast, Filipinos have built sophisticated<br />
modern watercraft, as evidenced on the west coast<br />
of Cebu in 2004. It was a supercraft successfully<br />
delivered, for search and rescue use, to the British<br />
Royal Navy.<br />
Modern Seafaring<br />
Today it is a fact that up to a quarter of all merchant<br />
mariners serving with the maritime nations of the<br />
world are picked from a long legacy of Philippine<br />
maritime stock. Over 400 years ago the Spanish<br />
33
ecognized these resident maritime skills and<br />
developed the galleon Trade. Latin America became<br />
connected to the rest of Asia through the Philippine<br />
archipelago. In the modern world the Filipino<br />
remains a world class mariner, part of a maritime<br />
history linked by skills that keep the nation in the<br />
forefront as a ‘Nation of Seafarers’.<br />
In the modern<br />
world the Filipino<br />
remains a world<br />
class mariner.<br />
Sail Boats<br />
Meanwhile, there is a new<br />
and vibrant consciousness<br />
in the archipelago revolving<br />
around sail boating.<br />
The largest local ‘Paraw’<br />
sailing event is held<br />
annually near Iloilo city<br />
in Panay Island around<br />
February, when over 75 paraws race and take<br />
part in the local fiesta. These days alongside this<br />
classical traditional sailing event has sprung up a<br />
host of other sailing events:<br />
‘The Hobie Challenge’ with 16 foot catamarans<br />
sailing around different parts of the country<br />
annually.<br />
The ‘Subic to Boracay Yacht Race’ in February<br />
through to March annually.<br />
The ‘Commodore’s Cup’ in Subic<br />
While the Puerto Galera Yacht Club host a number<br />
of annual sailing and racing events.<br />
There are several other events around the country,<br />
which go to show that sailing is becoming a national<br />
pastime.<br />
This is evidenced by the Subic Sailing group which<br />
offers sail training in all sizes of boats from the<br />
small dinghies to larger long distance-capable<br />
racing boats. The Puerto Galera Yacht Club has<br />
had a fleet of sail training dinghies for many years.<br />
Filipinos are increasingly now entering<br />
international sailing races, and getting better and<br />
better results.<br />
Sailing is definitively becoming a national pastime.<br />
Past, Present and Future<br />
Overall, the link with the sea throughout the<br />
Philippine Archipelago is a golden reflection of its<br />
rich and influential and ancient Maritime Heritage.<br />
World class mariners, and a blooming and rapidly<br />
growing sailing fraternity are a sign that this is a<br />
proud water based country.<br />
Over recent years several replicas of the 1000 year<br />
old Balangays have been built. Some went on an<br />
epic 17 month cruise off to Malaysia, Singapore,<br />
Thailand and to Cambodia before sailing home to<br />
their home base of the Philippines.<br />
This March 3 Balangays will be sailing to China<br />
from Manila Bay en route to visiting the memorial<br />
of a Filipino Sultan who used to trade with China<br />
over 700 years ago.<br />
The future looks bright for this Seafaring Nation<br />
at many levels, and long may it grow … and<br />
continue to flourish as a water country with a<br />
Philippine Maritime Heritage deeply Sea Kissed<br />
and Proudly Afloat.<br />
34
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FEAR SHARKS? NO N<br />
Words by<br />
JAMES<br />
WEBSTER<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
T<br />
he sight of a shark automatically curdles our<br />
blood with fear. Our minds envisage them as<br />
vicious, mindless killers, probably because shark<br />
attacks are glorified by the press and movies such as<br />
jaws and have instilled the fear of god in our Psyche.<br />
Nothing could be further from<br />
the truth, however. The fact is<br />
you are more likely to trip over<br />
your own feet, hitting your<br />
head on a garbage bin and<br />
dying than being killed by a<br />
shark.<br />
These magnificently elegant<br />
lords of the sea have been<br />
around for more than 400<br />
million years evolving into<br />
the most efficient predator<br />
alive and yet not one of the<br />
shark species has humans on<br />
their menu. Most shark bites<br />
are cases of mistaken identity<br />
and once they have a bite of<br />
These magnificently<br />
elegant lords of the<br />
sea have been around<br />
for more than 400<br />
million years.<br />
36
O, , REVERE THEM<br />
37
Snorkeling<br />
with dolphin<br />
Most shark bites are<br />
cases of mistaken<br />
identity and once they<br />
have a bite of human<br />
flesh they grimace at the<br />
foul taste and spit it out.<br />
human flesh they grimace at the foul taste and spit<br />
it out. Even if you go swimming in the ocean every<br />
day, you are still more likely to be struck by lightning<br />
or bitten by a domestic dog than<br />
be bitten by a shark so, why this<br />
abnormal fear of sharks?<br />
We marvel at the power and<br />
beauty of thoroughbred horses,<br />
we do not have an overwhelming<br />
fear of them and yet there is<br />
an average of 20 deaths a year<br />
in Australia alone in equine<br />
accidents against 2 deaths from<br />
shark encounters in the most shark infested waters<br />
in the world.<br />
Beach sign<br />
warning<br />
against falling<br />
coconuts<br />
38<br />
The Philippine islands are right up there in world<br />
statistics with the number of sharks trolling their<br />
waters. The population of the Philippines is in excess<br />
of 100 mil souls and there are no real statistics on
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how many of those people participate in water<br />
activities such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving<br />
and numerous other water sports each day but one<br />
could hazard a conservative guess of maybe 25<br />
million people entering the sharks habitat each day<br />
with only an average of 10 shark related deaths a<br />
year. How many of that population would you guess<br />
walk under a coconut tree? I would say far less but<br />
they do it with gay abandon and no fear what-soever<br />
and yet statistics show that 150 people die, on<br />
average, each year from being hit on the head by<br />
falling coconuts. You are 15 times more likely to be<br />
killed by a coconut than a shark in the Philippines.<br />
Do we cringe with fear at the site of a motor cycle?<br />
I think not, instead when jump on them and tear<br />
You are 15 times<br />
more likely to be<br />
killed by a coconut<br />
than a shark in the<br />
Philippines.<br />
Swimming near<br />
Tiger Shark<br />
40
around with little respect for our wellbeing and yet<br />
when we go to the beach, shark attack is always on<br />
our mind. The fact is that in 2017 there were 88<br />
confirmed cases of unprovoked shark attacks on<br />
human’s worldwide with around 20 deaths against a<br />
global road death toll of more than 1.25 million, and<br />
we fear death by shark attack above all else?<br />
There are around 8,500 killed on Filipino roads a<br />
year and 52% of those are on motor cycles with an<br />
average of 66 motor cycle accidents recorded a day<br />
in Metro Manila alone. Why do we fear sharks so<br />
much and don’t even exhibit a healthy respect for<br />
far more dangerous adversaries. You might say that<br />
there are many more people on the roads than those<br />
entertaining water sports each day. That may be so<br />
but the figures still do not add up to being more<br />
fearful of sharks.<br />
It is estimated that somewhere between 26 and<br />
73 million sharks are killed yearly by humans. Who<br />
should fear who?<br />
We should revere the shark as one of our magnificent,<br />
majestic and relatively harmless creatures and<br />
transfer our fears and more than healthy respect to<br />
the world’s real killers. Mosquitos (725,000 a year),<br />
humans (475,000 a year), snakes (50,000 a year),<br />
domestic dogs (20,000 a year), snails, yes snails<br />
(10,000 a year), fast food, motor vehicles and of<br />
course coconuts.<br />
According to the “International Shark Attack File”,<br />
statistically you have a 1 in 3,748,067 chance of<br />
dying at the hands, or fins, of a shark and yet you<br />
have a 1 in 5 chance of dying of a heart attack. You<br />
have a 1 in 7 chance of dying from cancer and a 1 in<br />
84 chance of dying in a motor accident.<br />
Killer cone snail<br />
41
Words by<br />
RHKYC<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
42<br />
I10 and 11 March <strong>2018</strong><br />
t doesn’t get much better than this: two days of<br />
perfect sunny conditions on the race course, with a<br />
light easterly breeze on Saturday which increased a<br />
little on Sunday with gusts to<br />
12kts. 24 teams representing<br />
18 educational establishments<br />
from across Hong Kong and<br />
Macau battled it out over the<br />
weekend at the 16th annual<br />
Boase Cohen & Collins Inter-<br />
School Sailing Festival. Racing<br />
took place in Deep Water Bay<br />
off the Royal Hong Kong Yacht<br />
Club’s Middle Island clubhouse.<br />
Teams of three boats per school<br />
competed in two divisions,<br />
with the older sailors in the<br />
Feva and younger sailors in<br />
Teams of three boats<br />
per school competed in<br />
two divisions, with the<br />
older sailors in the Feva<br />
and younger sailors in<br />
the Pico Division.<br />
the Pico Division. 126 competitive short races were<br />
sailed over the weekend in the team racing format.<br />
In team racing it’s not about who finishes first but<br />
having your points add up to the lowest score, so<br />
if one teammate is coming<br />
last it’s better to help them<br />
out rather than finishing first.<br />
(A low point scoring system is<br />
used to determine the results<br />
the boat that finishes 1st earns<br />
1 point, a boat that finishes<br />
2nd earns 2 points, and so<br />
on – with the winning team<br />
decided by adding together<br />
the points of all the boats in<br />
each team.)<br />
Saturday saw all teams racing<br />
against each other in a round<br />
robin format. In the Pico
Boase Cohen<br />
& Collins<br />
Inter-School<br />
Sailing Festival<br />
43
division Tai Po Regional Squad and the ISF Academy<br />
took wins in all their races, pushing them into the<br />
Gold fleet going into the final day of racing.<br />
Due to a breakage in the Feva Division only 16<br />
races were sailed on Saturday; the remaining races<br />
were sailed this morning<br />
to decide the Gold and<br />
The competitors had<br />
to be on their toes<br />
to contend with the<br />
shifty conditions.<br />
Silver fleets. Island School<br />
maintained their winning<br />
streak putting them in the<br />
Gold fleet.<br />
With gusts funneling<br />
down the gap between<br />
Middle Island and Hong<br />
Kong Island and diverging into Deep Water Bay, the<br />
competitors had to be on their toes to contend with<br />
the shifty conditions. There was some tight racing<br />
with many tackling battles resulting in a few penalties.<br />
were tied with 4 wins each, requiring a countback with<br />
French International School victorious over West Island<br />
School in second and ISF Academy in third.<br />
In the Pico Gold Division the Jockey Club Ti-I<br />
College took the win followed by the ISF Academy in<br />
second and Hong Kong Schools Sailing Association<br />
in third. The remaining provisional results can be<br />
found at: http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/sailingresults.<br />
aspx#INTER-SCHOOL SAILING FESTIVAL<br />
In preparation for the competition, many of the<br />
schools competing participated in a number of<br />
RHKYC sailing programmes throughout the year to<br />
get ready for the event.<br />
The event is also designated a Clean Regatta by<br />
the Sailors for the Sea Organization; a non-profit<br />
organization that educates and empowers boaters to<br />
protect and restore our oceans and coastal waters.<br />
In the end in the Feva Gold Division the ISF Academy,<br />
West Island School and French International School<br />
44
45
Words by<br />
BARRY<br />
DAWSON<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
46<br />
SWIM SA<br />
Z<br />
ambales Lifesaving Inc. will again be<br />
conducting its “swim-safe” program in <strong>2018</strong>,<br />
unfortunately though it will be less effective than<br />
last year, due to lack of interest and response from<br />
Resorts to participate.<br />
Basically this comes down to costs, which we<br />
can understand, but also one needs to balance<br />
reinvestment, not only into ones business, but into<br />
the local community and those<br />
who patronize such businesses<br />
As it costs money to run the<br />
program and that Zambales<br />
Lifesaving is a non-stock,<br />
non-profit organization,<br />
it has to rely on others to<br />
help fund community based<br />
projects such as the “Swimsafe”<br />
program. Even with<br />
lifeguards being mandatory at<br />
beach resorts most are at this<br />
stage surprisingly unwilling<br />
to participate in something<br />
so important to their own<br />
operation. Palmera Gardens<br />
resort at Iba is setting the<br />
correct example by supporting<br />
this worthwhile program that<br />
one day might possibly save your child’s life.<br />
These costs include such things as; transportation<br />
for the instructors, generally 3, also their foods<br />
and remuneration of their expenses, such as salary,<br />
as they need to take leave of absence from places<br />
where they are employed so as to instruct at<br />
the events, also depending on location, possibly<br />
overnight accommodations if the location is far from<br />
their home or work base.<br />
To be effective the program should run for a<br />
minimum of 2 days at each resort, the program is 4<br />
hours, with 2 sessions per day, morning 8:00AM till<br />
noon and 1:00PN till 5:00PM and consists of both<br />
an information seminar, which includes a number of<br />
safety tips including how to spot potential drowning<br />
dangers, at the beach, pool, swimming areas like<br />
creeks and rivers and also around the home.<br />
After the safety seminar there are pool sessions<br />
where the children and the adults, if they wish to<br />
participate, are shown basic safety skills, such as<br />
There are documented<br />
cases of people who<br />
could not swim<br />
surviving the Japan<br />
Tsunami because they<br />
knew how to float.<br />
“reach or throw – but do not go” if you are a non<br />
swimmer, how to recognize a person, especially<br />
a child in difficulties, as often a child in trouble<br />
is mistaken for a child just thrashing about in the<br />
water, which actually leads to many children actually<br />
drowning within meters of family or friends as the<br />
danger is not realized.<br />
In the pool the priority is to teach them how to float,<br />
anyone can float, if shown the<br />
correct technique, if you can<br />
float you can survive, how?<br />
Because you can regain your<br />
breath and your strength so<br />
as to await assistance or plan<br />
a means of getting out of the<br />
water.<br />
There are documented cases<br />
of people who could not swim<br />
surviving the Japan Tsunami<br />
because they knew how to float,<br />
Japan run a National plan called<br />
“Uitemate” teaching adults and<br />
children how to float.<br />
Mr. Roger Bound, program director<br />
of Zambales Lifesaving Inc. would<br />
love to hear from anyone, or business who would be<br />
interested to help support this program for next year.<br />
In most cases resorts are willing to supply their resort<br />
as the venue and supply the lunches and snacks for<br />
the instructors, what they seem unprepared to do is<br />
cover the instructors expenses, which is not a great<br />
deal. Example; to be most effective it requires 5<br />
resorts, with 2 days at each resort, 2 sessions per<br />
day, with 20 persons per session, this is 400 people<br />
who will not only be more safety conscious, but will<br />
also pass this onto other people.<br />
The cost estimate; based on 3 instructors per session<br />
is P2300.00 per day to cover their travel, salaries<br />
and out of pocket expenses, plus for banners<br />
and advertising, stationary and certificates of<br />
participation, add another P200.00 per day a total<br />
of P 2500.00 per day x 10 days is only P25000.00 or<br />
P62.50 pesos per person.<br />
One thing we are also planning is looking for a<br />
sponsor willing to cover a scholarship program to
FE <strong>2018</strong><br />
train 10 college students each year as lifeguards, as<br />
there is a high demand for part time lifeguards at<br />
resorts during the summer months, thus this will give<br />
them the ability to earn during summer to continue<br />
their education, it would be a requirement that they<br />
would do the swim-safe program for a minimum<br />
of 4 days for 2 years in return for the training they<br />
received.<br />
The cost of this is only P43,000.00 to train 10<br />
persons as qualified lifeguards.<br />
Which also raises another point, what is a “Lifeguard”<br />
(also often referred to as “Lifesavers”) this I feel is<br />
one of the reasons that many resorts are not wishing<br />
or willing to train or in many cases even employ a<br />
lifeguard, even though the law states every Coastal<br />
Beach Resort must.<br />
A lifeguard is multi functional, they are in fact a<br />
safety officer or first responder who is trained not<br />
only in aquatic safety and rescue, but also in basic life<br />
support and first aid, they can in fact respond to any<br />
emergency, for example; Heart attack, electrocution,<br />
accident, even choking, not just drowning. The<br />
training we do also covers public relations, a must<br />
if there is a serious emergency, also common things<br />
that can occur such as sun burn, heat stroke, fainting,<br />
cuts and abrasions and of course treatment of stings<br />
from such things a jellyfish.<br />
employer has available should there be no customers<br />
using the pool, beach or the lifeguards duty area.<br />
These are highly trained employees that any resorts<br />
should be proud to have on their staff.<br />
Report by Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News<br />
on Line March 22nd <strong>2018</strong><br />
Those who are planning to go swimming during<br />
the Holy Week are advised to take precaution as<br />
drowning was found to be the leading cause of death<br />
in the Philippines during the season. According to<br />
Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras”, 59 people<br />
drowned during the Holy Week from 2013 to 2016.<br />
This was according to GMA News Research, citing<br />
data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction &<br />
Management Council (NDRRMC).<br />
People who drowned surpassed the number of<br />
people who died of vehicular accidents during the<br />
season.<br />
Those we train are encouraged to be versatile in<br />
their position, to assist is any work required, such<br />
as cleaning, maintenance or any work that their<br />
47
On the average, at<br />
least 40,000 Filipinos<br />
of all ages annually are<br />
involved in drowning<br />
accidents, with<br />
approximately a 75%<br />
fatality rate.<br />
The NDRRMC said that several of the drowned<br />
victims were drinking alcohol.<br />
Moreover, the most number of drowning incidents<br />
happened in beaches, followed by those who<br />
drowned swimming in rivers.<br />
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)<br />
said all public swimming areas<br />
should have designated lifeguards<br />
who are certified and trained in<br />
cardiopulmonary resuscitation<br />
(CPR).<br />
If a person appears to be<br />
drowning, the PRC advised<br />
against jumping into the water in an attempt to<br />
rescue the victim.<br />
“Tumawag muna tayo ng tulong. Humanap ng anong<br />
bagay na ibato natin sa nalulunod na lumulutang,<br />
kunwari ‘yung gallon ng tubig,” PRC national field<br />
representative Ace Alvarex said.<br />
“Huwag tayong lumapit sa kanya dahil nga ‘yun pa<br />
ang magiging cause ng pagkalunod,” he added.<br />
Safety experts reiterated the importance of remaining<br />
calm and avoiding panic in such events.<br />
On the average, at least 40,000 Filipinos of all ages<br />
annually are involved in drowning accidents, with<br />
approximately a 75% fatality rate. More than a third<br />
affects children under the age of 14 years. Mortality<br />
is highest amongst children ages 1–8 years of age.<br />
Drowning far outranks the traditional causes of child<br />
mortality like meningitis, septicemia, malnutrition,<br />
tuberculosis and pneumonia, and is the 6th highest<br />
cause of mortality in children 1-4, 3rd in children<br />
aged 5-9 and the 2nd leading cause of mortality for<br />
children aged 10–14.<br />
The findings presented in this story only constitute<br />
reported cases of fatal drowning’s in children; hence,<br />
these figures need to be taken as the minimum<br />
of fatal drowning’s for the Philippines. There is<br />
also plenty of local data on the circumstances<br />
surrounding child drowning accidents in Philippines.<br />
So consequently, the burden of prevention of child<br />
drowning in the country now lies squarely on the<br />
shoulders of the local business community. These<br />
findings will also be the subject of a subsequent<br />
report of Safe Kids Philippines, Zambales Lifesaving<br />
Inc., the Department of Health and the World Health<br />
Organization.<br />
Your business can play a very big part in reducing<br />
these horrific figures in child drowning by becoming<br />
a sponsor of the swim safe program. Your business<br />
will be acknowledged as a sponsor in all promotional<br />
materials and swim safe stories printed in this<br />
magazine. You never know it could be your child your<br />
sponsorship could save one day.<br />
To find out how you can become a sponsor in this<br />
very important program on child safety contact Roger<br />
Bound on 0918-922-2863 or email to Zambales<br />
Lifesaving Inc. at slszambales@gmail.com.<br />
48
49
50MASB<br />
Words by<br />
BARRY<br />
DAWSON<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
M<br />
asbate, officially the Province of<br />
Masbate (Masbateño: Probinsya san<br />
Masbate; Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Masbate;<br />
Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Masbate; Central<br />
Bicolano: Probinsya kan Masbate; Filipino:<br />
Lalawigan ng Masbate) is an island province<br />
in the Philippines located near the middle of<br />
the nation’s archipelago. Its provincial capital<br />
is Masbate City. The province consists of three<br />
major islands: Masbate,<br />
Ticao and Burias.<br />
Masbate is at the crossroads<br />
of two island groups: Visayas<br />
and Luzon. It is politically<br />
part of Bicol Region in<br />
In 1605, Masbate<br />
was officially an<br />
Augustinian Mission<br />
and its first prior<br />
was Fray Francisco<br />
Guerrero.<br />
Luzon. However, from a bio-geographic and<br />
sociolinguistic perspective, Masbate has a<br />
stronger affiliation/connection with Visayas.<br />
From the chronicles of the early years of Spanish<br />
colonization, a relacion (report) about Masbate<br />
first appeared in Fray Martin de Rada’s letter<br />
dated July 1569 to the Viceroy of New Spain<br />
(Mexico), Marquis de Falces. He mentioned that<br />
in a place called Masbat there<br />
were plenty of gold mines.<br />
Other later documents such<br />
as Artieda’s Relacion (1573)<br />
and Andres de Mirandaola’s<br />
letter (1574) refer to a place<br />
called Masbat or Masbad. It
wasn’t until 1582 that Miguel de Loarca wrote<br />
about a place called Masbate.<br />
In the same year that the Augustinian Fray de<br />
Rada wrote about Masbat’s gold mines, his<br />
fellow Augustinian Fray Alonzo Jimenez landed<br />
in Burias and baptized its chieftain Buaya. This<br />
baptism is said to be the very first baptism in<br />
Luzon. Fray Jimenez also built a church in<br />
Burias before he sailed on to Ibalon in 1570.<br />
By 1575, Masbate had become a priority in<br />
the Augustinian Missionary Memoranda. Fray<br />
Francisco de Ortega reported on the pillaging<br />
activities of a pirate named Caxabic in the islands<br />
of Masbate and Burias. By 1600, the Spaniards<br />
had developed Mobo as a galleon shipyard and<br />
San Jacinto as a strategic port. In 1605, Masbate<br />
was officially an Augustinian Mission and its first<br />
prior was Fray Francisco Guerrero. Masbate had<br />
about 250 tributes and 1000 Christian natives. In<br />
1609, Fray Pedro de Arce, bishop-elect of Nueva<br />
Caceres, ceded the spiritual administration<br />
of Masbate to the Mitra (secular clergy). On<br />
May 28, 1682, bishop-elect Dominican Fray<br />
Andres Gonzales petitioned the King of Spain<br />
to revert some curacies of Nueva Caceres to the<br />
charge of religious communities. The petition<br />
was approved in 1685 and by 1687; the first<br />
Augustinian Recollect missionaries had sailed for<br />
the port of San Jacinto to begin the Recollect<br />
Mission in Masbate. In 1700, Fray Ildefonso<br />
de la Concepcion established the settlement<br />
DESTINATION<br />
ATE<br />
ATE51
Provincial capitol building<br />
of Uson as a<br />
visita (barrio)<br />
of Mobo.<br />
Fray Manuel<br />
de la Virgen<br />
del Tremedal<br />
established<br />
the town of<br />
Masbate in<br />
1791.<br />
The city is more or less situated at the centre of<br />
Masbate province and Masbate Island, about 212<br />
aerial miles and 362 nautical miles from Manila.<br />
It is noted for its well-protected port with Ticao<br />
Island acting as barrier against the effects of<br />
inclement weather from the north-east. Being<br />
located at the central part of the Philippine<br />
archipelago, the city serves as Bicol Region’s<br />
gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao. It is<br />
accessible through sea and air transportation.<br />
Masbate City, officially the<br />
City of Masbate: is a 4th<br />
class city and capital of<br />
the province of Masbate,<br />
Philippines.<br />
As the only city in the<br />
province, it serves as the<br />
province’s main commercial<br />
centre and chief seaport.<br />
Being located at the<br />
central part of the<br />
Philippine archipelago,<br />
the city serves as Bicol<br />
Region’s gateway to the<br />
Visayas and Mindanao.<br />
The Masbateño language<br />
is very closely related<br />
to Ilonggo or Capiznon<br />
language by almost 75 to 85<br />
per cent similarity and some<br />
degree. It can therefore<br />
also be considered as part<br />
of the Hiligaynon family<br />
of languages. The city is<br />
divided into 30 barangays,<br />
City Hall of<br />
Masbate City<br />
commons.wikimedia.org © Ringer<br />
52
DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS<br />
53
MASBATE<br />
54<br />
Aerial view of Masbate city<br />
and some of the more colourful barangays and<br />
how they were named are:<br />
Ibingay<br />
Barangay Ibingay was originally called Punta<br />
Ibingay the name came from the word “Bingcay”<br />
or assorted seashells, which children played<br />
with, while their mothers were busy with the<br />
entre cuatro or card playing. In 1973, it was<br />
renamed “Balo” or swordfish, the kind of fish<br />
often caught by fishermen in Ibingay waters.<br />
However, “Balo” did not stick. People continued<br />
to refer to the place as “Ibingay”. So, today,<br />
Ibingay remains as its official name.<br />
Bagumbayan<br />
Bagumbayan was formerly called “goma”.<br />
In time, the place was used by laborers as a<br />
temporary corral for cattle while the shippers<br />
were waiting for the vessel that would transport<br />
the animals to Manila. Later, the laborers called<br />
the place Bagumbayan or New Town when<br />
transients built their homes near the shore and a<br />
community was created. The name “goma” was<br />
forgotten due to disuse. Today, Bagumbayan is<br />
bursting at the seams so to speak, because of<br />
the influx of people.<br />
Bantigue<br />
Bantigue, a barangay across the sea facing<br />
the city poblacion is a fishing village founded<br />
by the Boholano fishermen who migrated to<br />
Masbate sometime in the 1950s. Its name was<br />
derived from the Borobantigue tree, a species of<br />
mangrove abundantly growing in the Bantigue<br />
mudflats in the olden days. Bantigue barangay<br />
is better known as the place where the native<br />
dance “Lapay Bantigue” originated.<br />
Masbate Rodeo<br />
The Rodeo Masbateño Festival was conceived<br />
in 1992 as a way of uplifting the local cattle<br />
industry. It was started by MAKUSOG, a group<br />
of ranchers and businesspeople of Masbate,<br />
who formed the Rodeo Masbateño Foundation.<br />
There had been a long tradition of cattle raising<br />
in the province, with some 81% of its land used<br />
for pasturing livestock, but at that point in time<br />
the industry was in a slump. With the support of<br />
the provincial governor Emilio Espinosa Jr., the<br />
first Rodeo was staged in 1993. Following this, it<br />
became an annual event that improved tourism<br />
as well as commerce in the region and increased<br />
the locals’ pride in their province’s unique<br />
identity and products. The event was initially
Jaro Cathedral<br />
Rodeo Masbateño Festival<br />
known as Rodeo Filipino, but the name was<br />
eventually changed to Rodeo Masbateño. It grew<br />
into a national event over the years, attracting<br />
tourists from all over the<br />
Philippines and abroad. In<br />
recognition of the success<br />
of this event, on September<br />
2, 2002, President Gloria<br />
Macapagal-Arroyo issued<br />
Executive Order No. 120<br />
declaring Masbate as<br />
the Rodeo Capital of the<br />
Philippines. Masbate has<br />
Its home-grown cowboys,<br />
whose rodeo talents have<br />
been honed at the festival,<br />
have participated in the<br />
National Rodeo Finals in<br />
Las Vegas.<br />
also become known as the Rodeo Capital of Asia<br />
and is now affiliated with the Professional Rodeo<br />
Cowboys Association of America. Its homegrown<br />
cowboys, whose<br />
rodeo talents have been<br />
honed at the festival, have<br />
participated in the National<br />
Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas.<br />
Held in April each year, the<br />
week is a long festival of<br />
fun frivolity and an intense,<br />
spectacular rodeo event<br />
such as bull riding is not<br />
to be missed. Come to see<br />
the rodeo then linger on to<br />
enjoy the rest of what Masbate<br />
has to offer in the way of<br />
beautiful white sand beaches<br />
with clear blue pristine waters,<br />
diving, snorkelling, watersports<br />
fun, island hopping or just relax<br />
in this spectacular part of the<br />
Philippine Archipelago.<br />
For all who want to enjoy<br />
provincial life at its best just<br />
remember, Masbate, an island<br />
province in the Bicol Region of<br />
the Philippines, and is a land<br />
55
Magallanes coliseum<br />
of many surprises, the<br />
provinces of Masbate<br />
offer so much variety,<br />
you will want to come<br />
back again and again.<br />
Right smack between<br />
the Bicol peninsula and<br />
the Visayan Islands,<br />
Masbate province, and<br />
its unique spots wait to<br />
be discovered as a tourism frontier.<br />
Finding Masbate’s<br />
nooks and crannies<br />
makes memorable<br />
moments when visiting<br />
Bicol.<br />
The boomerang-shaped island province, known<br />
as the rodeo capital of the Philippines, is at<br />
the centre of the Philippine archipelago where<br />
waters are hospitable for manta rays and sea<br />
snakes.<br />
Finding Masbate’s nooks and crannies makes<br />
memorable moments when visiting Bicol.<br />
The people speak languages belonging more<br />
to the Visayan tongue than the Bicolano’s.<br />
But Tagalog-based Filipino is understood and<br />
spoken anywhere. It is no secret that Philippines<br />
is home to beautiful beaches, white sands,<br />
amazing landscapes, and much more. Many of<br />
you may probably hear of Boracay, Palawan<br />
and Puerto Princesa, maybe those places I have<br />
mentioned are one of your target destinations<br />
© Pinoy Photographer www.flickr.com<br />
56
in the Philippines. But after the trip we had<br />
with Benjamin Santiago Region five Department<br />
of tourism Director and his staff, I recommend<br />
that you should also consider Masbate! Lacking<br />
the colourful blinding lights of beach bars like<br />
other resorts, it is perfect if you are looking for<br />
quietness and if you want to be more intimate<br />
with nature.<br />
Buntod Sandbar<br />
Buntod Is a small island with white sand and<br />
clear, clean waters very near the city, and is not<br />
expensive compared to other destinations. I have<br />
never seen a paradise so near to a city before.<br />
The water is really clean you can even see small<br />
fish swimming around the cottage made from<br />
concrete and hardwood stilts few meters above<br />
the sea. I enjoyed swimming the whole time I was<br />
there. You can see the mangroves; you can sit<br />
and go around the mangroves. Be careful cause<br />
of getting cuts on your hands that maybe caused<br />
from laser sharp shell edges. The view is really<br />
awesome! The island is not crowded. Sometimes<br />
less than 50 people at one point. You can run<br />
around the whole island in less than 15 minutes.<br />
Going there is an unexpected and unforgettable<br />
experience. One of my local friends told me that<br />
this the best beach in Masbate this is a great<br />
place to bond with families and friends. Highly<br />
recommended! The type of place you will want<br />
to revisit many times.<br />
There is plenty to do in Masbate city proper<br />
besides the Rodeo, with some great places to<br />
stay. There are also some entrepreneurs about<br />
to promote watersports in a big way in the<br />
city proper. People like Roger O. Villanueva III<br />
owner of the Gagay’s Hotel & Resort. This newly<br />
established resort has to be in the top 3 in Masbate<br />
City. Situated right on the shore line the resort<br />
boasts a café Bar on the boardwalk overlooking<br />
Buntod sandbar<br />
masbatecity.gov.ph<br />
A familiar figure to tourists<br />
Boardwalk at Gagay’s<br />
© Pinoy Photographer www.flickr.com<br />
©LibayL<br />
57
© Pinoy Photographer www.flickr.com<br />
Legacy Suites<br />
St. Anthony de<br />
Padua Parish church<br />
the ocean with nipa huts lining the boardwalk<br />
for guests to enjoy what the resort has to offer.<br />
They are also establishing new watersports toys<br />
for hire and for the guests like paddle boards.<br />
The owners are also<br />
negotiating to have an<br />
inflatable Island at the<br />
resort. If this eventuates<br />
will be a huge success for<br />
the resort and Masbate.<br />
The resort offers guests<br />
a beautifully appointed<br />
and serene place to stay.<br />
Located just outside the<br />
city centre to give you<br />
the peace and relaxation without the city hustle<br />
You can run<br />
around the whole<br />
island in less than<br />
15 minutes.<br />
and bustle, it also has a function hall that can<br />
accommodate up to 150 persons and catering<br />
services flexible to your budget.<br />
Palani Beach is a beautiful white powdery beach<br />
and just by distance this beach should not go the<br />
way of Boracay and will always remain beautiful,<br />
peaceful and serene with clean beaches and<br />
pristine waters.<br />
Lower your expectations if you want to enjoy the<br />
place. There are no big resorts but rather homelike<br />
resorts with home-like menu and food and<br />
that unmistakable Filipino rural hospitality and<br />
warmth.<br />
Palani Beach<br />
©thebigblackbackpack.com<br />
58
Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival<br />
masbatecity.gov.ph<br />
Map of Masbate<br />
59
Kalanay Falls are located in Brgy Nabangig,<br />
Palanas, Masbate. You can always feel the<br />
freshness and the cool water from the falls. The<br />
steps down to the falls are steep but very easy<br />
to navigate, the water is cool and refreshing so<br />
relax and take a dip.<br />
Halabangbaybay<br />
means [Long Beach],<br />
due to its elongated<br />
shoreline and white<br />
fine sand.<br />
Esperanza<br />
Esperanza is about four<br />
hours land travel South<br />
from Masbate City, the<br />
last municipality in the<br />
south located between<br />
Placer in north-west and<br />
Pio V Corpus in southeast<br />
and considered as<br />
among the smallest in<br />
the island. Esperanza was initially one of the<br />
barangays of the town of Placer. In early 1915,<br />
a group of first settlers sailed from northern<br />
Cebu using their paddled banca and settled<br />
the place. The settlers actively cultivated the<br />
area into a productive agricultural community,<br />
developing the place until eventually called<br />
“Halabangbaybay”. Halabangbaybay means<br />
[Long Beach], due to its elongated shoreline and<br />
white fine sand. Halabangbaybay at that era was<br />
a green-mountainous forest community. It was<br />
not recognized as a barrio or even a mere sitio.<br />
In the 1940s, Halabangbaybay became a Sitio of<br />
barrio Alegria, Cataingan, Masbate. Soon after,<br />
it was converted into a barrio named Esperanza<br />
as component barangay of Placer and Pablo<br />
M. Conag served as the “Tiniente del Barrio”.<br />
[ESPERANZA which means “HOPE”, PAGLA-UM<br />
in vernacular and PAG-ASA in Tagalog]. In the<br />
mid 1950s, Lawyer Alfonso E. Conag initiated<br />
vigorously and pursued for the conversion of<br />
Barrio Esperanza into an Independent Town.<br />
On July 2, 1959 - the set of Municipal Officials<br />
starts hold office and Santos Edem Conag, the<br />
eldest son of Felimo Serafin Conag became<br />
the 1st elected Mayor… Esperanza has a total<br />
population of 16,834 according to the National<br />
Statistic Office data as of August 1, 2007 and<br />
composed of twenty barangays that includes<br />
the following; Agoho, Almero, Baras, Domorog,<br />
Guadalupe, Iligan, Labangtaytay, Labrador,<br />
Libertad, Magsaysay, Masbaranon, Poblacion,<br />
Potingbato, Rizal, San Roque, Santiago,<br />
Sorosimbajan, Tawad, Tunga & Villa. Esperanza<br />
Esperanza<br />
60
61
The Marcelo Fernan<br />
bridge<br />
MASBATE<br />
Guimaras Island-<br />
White Beach<br />
62<br />
Buntod sanctuary and sandbar<br />
had eleven barangays located along the coastal<br />
line and nine in farm areas with an estimated<br />
seventy of the population being fisher folks.<br />
Weather in Esperanza is generally divided into<br />
two seasonal weather patterns known locally<br />
as the Amihan and Habagat seasons. In the<br />
Pawa mangrove Nature Park
Kayak Racing in<br />
Palompon<br />
Tagalog language, Amihan means a cool northeast<br />
wind, and Habagat means west or southwest<br />
wind; south-west monsoon. Amihan and<br />
Habagat seasons are generally associated<br />
respectively with the El Niño and La Niña<br />
global weather patterns. The Amihan season is<br />
characterized by moderate temperatures, little<br />
or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the<br />
east. The Habagat season is characterized by<br />
hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall,<br />
and a prevailing wind from the west.<br />
In Esperanza, the two main modes of transport<br />
are via motor-tricycles along the main road or<br />
by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also<br />
available for transport along the Beach front Path.<br />
Other means of transportation include mountain<br />
bikes, quad bikes and motorbikes, all of which<br />
can be rented. To explore around the island’s<br />
coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are<br />
available for rent. These are outrigger canoes<br />
and are common sight in waters around the<br />
island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat<br />
with outriggers either<br />
side and with passengers<br />
sometimes seated on<br />
a trampoline platform<br />
between the outriggers<br />
supports. These are<br />
extremely fast off the<br />
wind, but can be unwieldy<br />
for inexperienced sailors.<br />
To explore around<br />
the island’s coast,<br />
motorized bancas and<br />
sailing paraws are<br />
available for rent.<br />
© Herald Presado 2013<br />
63
There is a lot happening in Esperanza at the<br />
time of writing this feature. Mayor Ian Peter S.<br />
Sapulveda, Vice Mayor Ramon A. Diamos and<br />
Tourism Officer Emelyn<br />
Diamos-Allanaraiz<br />
have a major on-going<br />
The Mayor has a major<br />
on-going watersports<br />
project, situated amongst<br />
beautiful mangroves.<br />
watersports project,<br />
situated amongst<br />
beautiful mangroves<br />
and only 5 minutes’ walk<br />
from a pristine white<br />
sand beach, with the<br />
building of an attractive<br />
watersports park that will<br />
include wakeboarding, inflatables, kayaks and<br />
paddle boarding. With picnic huts, restaurant<br />
and store this will be the place to watch out for<br />
with anticipated opening in October. Will be one<br />
of the top watersports destinations in Masbate.<br />
Placer<br />
The Municipality of Placer is a 2nd class<br />
municipality in the province of Masbate,<br />
Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it<br />
has a population of 55,826 people. Placer was<br />
created as a municipality from the barrio of the<br />
same name which used to belong to Cataingan,<br />
Masbate, by virtue of Republic Act No. 292,<br />
passed <strong>June</strong> 16, 1948 It is the only municipality<br />
which is dominantly Cebuano-speaking and a<br />
Sombrero island up close<br />
©www.theoutcastjourney.com<br />
64
FOR ONLY<br />
*P750 PER YEAR<br />
65
Beach in Dimasalang<br />
66<br />
MASBATE<br />
common yearly contender and former champion<br />
in Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival. On tour to placer<br />
we stayed at the Virginia Beach Resort and<br />
Italian Restaurant and has barbecue facilities and<br />
garden. With a terrace, the property also features<br />
a bar, as well as on-site<br />
dining. The accommodation<br />
provides a concierge service<br />
and free Wi-Fi. There is a<br />
large swimming pool with<br />
waterslides that is extremely<br />
welcome and refreshing<br />
after a hard days travel.<br />
Further down from Virginia<br />
resort is the NCMJ beach<br />
resort with white sands<br />
and pristine waters this beach is the ultimate<br />
place to stop. The owner is also planning to<br />
make a watersports park here. Even without the<br />
watersports park this is one place well worth<br />
visiting.<br />
Dimasalang<br />
The Municipality of Dimasalang is a 4th class<br />
municipality in the province of Masbate,<br />
Philippines. In 1951 the barrios of Palanas,<br />
Nipa, Nabangig, Banco, Pina, Maanahao,<br />
Salvacion, Antipolo, Malatawan, Intusan,<br />
It drops from 60<br />
feet to its base<br />
into a pool of<br />
cool, clear water.<br />
Miabas, San Antonio, Libtong, Malibas, Sta.<br />
Cruz, Bontod and Cabil-isan were separated to<br />
form the town of Palanas. This beautiful part of<br />
Masbate has so much to offer and Island hopping<br />
when here is a must, taking in and seeing islands<br />
like Deagan Island, Naro<br />
Bay, the Dimasalang Marine<br />
Sanctuary, the butterfly<br />
sanctuary, The Deagan river,<br />
Donduhan, Divisoria and<br />
Cudao Island. Take your<br />
time in these Islands of<br />
Paradise. Relax and enjoy<br />
the white sand beaches of<br />
Buntod Marine Sanctuary<br />
©talaaraw.files.wordpress.com
Harly Limlingan Marcuap<br />
Deagan Beach and Divisoria Beach. Sit back with<br />
a cold drink while taking in the glorious sunsets.<br />
The Mayor of Dimasalang the Honourable<br />
Edgar De Lara and his staff are developing and<br />
maintain these Islands to make sure you holiday<br />
in Dimasalang will be a memorable one. The type<br />
of holiday you will enjoy so much you will want<br />
to return to again and again.<br />
Catandayagan Falls<br />
Masbate has long been known as a land of<br />
many fascinating natural wonders, which include<br />
wonders like the Catandayagan Falls located in<br />
the town of Monreal, Masbate in Ticao Island.<br />
Nudibranch Snake Island<br />
©wetraveltolive.com<br />
Visitors who have come from all over the<br />
Philippines and beyond have been in awe of<br />
this breath-taking and amazing falls. It drops<br />
from 60 feet to its base into a pool of cool, clear<br />
water. It is a picture of grace and tranquillity in<br />
the heart of nature.<br />
Ticao Island is one of the three main islands<br />
that form the province of Masbate, along with<br />
Masbate and Burias. The island of Ticao is also<br />
divided into four municipalities, namely Batuan,<br />
San Fernando, San Jacinto, and Monreal. On this<br />
island on can spot manta rays or giant mantas,<br />
among other amazing marine creatures, which<br />
has made this area one of the most wanted dive<br />
attractions for both local and international divers.<br />
Diving in Masbate<br />
Over one hundred million years ago the islands<br />
of Masbate were formed out of volcanic rock<br />
long before man made his appearance in these<br />
lush tropical gardens. These first inhabitants<br />
made tools from stone, wood and bone. Some<br />
of these very early tools have been found by<br />
divers in Masbate waters. One of the best places<br />
to dive is on one of these Islands formed from<br />
that volcanic rock millions of years ago is Ticao<br />
Island.<br />
Catandayagan Falls,<br />
Ticao Island<br />
67
68<br />
MASBATE<br />
Bask in the glorious sunshine enjoying the native<br />
flair of traditional Philippine beauty in one of<br />
the untouched and yet to be discovered Islands<br />
of the Philippines. Withdraw into the tranquillity<br />
of nature on a majestic island with crystal clear<br />
pristine waters and white sand beaches; relax in<br />
the shade of hundreds of coconut trees while<br />
taking in the majestic aura of this awesome<br />
island.<br />
Some dive sites, like<br />
the Manta Bowl,<br />
are the cleaning and<br />
feeding station of<br />
Manta Rays.<br />
Sombrero Island<br />
Ticao Island<br />
Resort<br />
Ticao Island Resort is<br />
surrounded by several<br />
dive sites where you<br />
have the choice of big or<br />
small. Some dive sites,<br />
like the Manta Bowl,<br />
are the cleaning and<br />
feeding station of Manta Rays. The Manta Bowl<br />
Shoal is an underwater atoll which covers a 7 to<br />
8 hectare flat area. There are five (5) different<br />
dive sites here which range from 14 to 29 meters<br />
and all offer the chance to see the big marine<br />
creatures. The water where the Manta Bowl lies<br />
– Ticao Pass and Burias Pass – is known for the<br />
plankton rich water and constant current. Such<br />
traits make the waters of Ticao an alley for other<br />
pelagics like Whale Sharks, Thresher Sharks,<br />
Hammerheads, and Tiger Sharks.<br />
San Miguel is located on the northern part<br />
of the main Ticao Island; there are about 12<br />
discovered dive sites here. Each dive site has its<br />
Ticao Island Resort<br />
own unique flair, but on a general note dive sites<br />
here are known for the beautiful coral cover and<br />
the macro critters.<br />
For guests that stay at Ticao Island Resort, great<br />
night diving can be done at Pasil Reef which is right<br />
in front of Ticao Island Resort. Pasil Reef also allows<br />
for a simple dive close to Ticao Island Resort.<br />
Ticao Island Resort’s Dive Center is an SSI<br />
Accredited Centre and all our dive pros have<br />
PADI and/or SSI certifications. If planning a<br />
dive trip to Ticao there is no ferry service from<br />
Masbate City, the ferry departs from Pilar at<br />
Sorsogon Daily. So check with the ferry company<br />
when planning your trip.<br />
Burias Islands Animasola,<br />
Tinalisayan and Sombrero<br />
©traveldiveconnect.com<br />
Animasola is beautiful majestic rock formations<br />
with a natural pool for a refreshing swim. On<br />
www.choosephilippines.com © Dante Fajardo
Find your stand up paddle board (SUP) today at<br />
SUBIC BAY BORACAY<br />
MANILA DAVAO<br />
CEBU PUERTO PRINCESA<br />
www.broadwatermarine.com<br />
69
MASBATE<br />
other parts, the stones are slippery and mossy.<br />
Wear swim shoes to protect your feet. Also bring<br />
an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun while<br />
taking pictures as this island barely have any shade<br />
from the sun! Tinalisayan is renowned for its white<br />
sands & sand dunes; sombrero for its hat-shaped<br />
island & several snakes. Enjoy snorkelling a few<br />
feet away from the beach side where the boats<br />
are. There are lots of colourful corals and schools<br />
of fish of many varieties<br />
to see. On the other side<br />
there is also a sandbar that<br />
can only be seen during low<br />
tide as it is hidden at high<br />
tide. You can stay overnight<br />
at Virjen Island Resort. The<br />
restaurant at the resort<br />
serves up delicious shellfish<br />
for which tourists locals and<br />
alike crave for.<br />
Aroroy Lighthouse<br />
If you have never been to Cape Bojoedor and<br />
weren’t given a chance to have this picturesque<br />
lighthouse to yourself, go here and that dream will<br />
be fulfilled. Over a century old, this light house<br />
which was part of the group of lighthouses built<br />
during the Spanish colonial period. If you are<br />
Rock formation, Animasola<br />
Animasola is<br />
beautiful majestic<br />
rock formations with<br />
a natural pool for a<br />
refreshing swim.<br />
coming from Masbate City. The trip to Punta Bugui<br />
is in itself exciting. A van from the Terminal in<br />
Masbate will take you to Aroroy, from where boats<br />
to Punta Bugui can be hired. Or one can wait and<br />
be a regular passenger on the service boat, but be<br />
warned the boat leaves when it is full. For visitors,<br />
the wait can be such a waste. It is an hour’s ride<br />
to Aroroy, At Punta Bugui, walk to the right, in a<br />
mild ascent. And then a rather steep ascent to the<br />
lighthouse itself. The walkway<br />
consists of steps and parts<br />
missing, it is advised to take<br />
care on the walk. The view<br />
is calming. There is a newer<br />
and working lighthouse<br />
beside the old one. The old<br />
lighthouse is abandoned<br />
but is still beautiful and a<br />
wonder to look at. It has<br />
some similarities with the<br />
other Spanish lighthouses, with that rustic feel and<br />
is a great location for a photo shoot. The place is<br />
marvellous. The view from about 100 meters to the<br />
lighthouse, into the cove, is serene and restful.<br />
Jintotolo Lighthouse<br />
Set in the open water that separates Luzon and<br />
Visayas, Jintotolo is a small island composed of<br />
©www.choosephilippines.com<br />
70
Aroroy Lighthouse<br />
two barangays of the Municipality of Balud,<br />
Masbate. It is surrounded with rich turquoise<br />
water where the inhabitants rely their livelihood.<br />
But aside from its bountiful water and white<br />
sand coastline, its most prominent feature is<br />
the century-old lighthouse on top of a hill,<br />
the highest point of the island. Built in 1895<br />
and activated in the early 1900s, Faro de Isla<br />
Jintotolo or Jintotolo Island Lighthouse is one<br />
of the 24 original first-order lighthouses erected<br />
by the Spanish Government in the archipelago.<br />
It aims to guide ships traversing Sibuyan<br />
Sea, Visayan Sea and Jintotolo Channel. The<br />
lighthouse has an octagonal lantern podium<br />
on top of a square stone tower that is attached<br />
to a one-story keeper’s house. The tower has a<br />
height of 15.5 meter (51 feet) with a total focal<br />
plane (height of the lamp above sea level) of<br />
57 meters (187 feet). It is still in used today<br />
but the original lamp was already replaced with<br />
a modern solar-powered lantern flashes three<br />
white lights every 10 seconds. Although the<br />
attached keeper’s house is already in ruins, much<br />
of its original brick walls and foundations are still<br />
intact. Jintotolo Island Lighthouse has a distinct<br />
charm. An icon standing majestically in a small<br />
and laid back island, old and rusty yet beautiful<br />
and classy. It invokes rare emotions and unique<br />
attachment. For me, it is one of, if not the most<br />
beautiful of all Spanish-era lighthouses in the<br />
Philippines. Jintotolo Island is a short boat ride<br />
from Barangay Calumpang in the town of Balud<br />
or by a 30-minute boat ride from Bongcanaway<br />
Port in Balud Town proper.<br />
From Masbate City, catch a van going to Balud.<br />
Fare is approximately P200 and travel time is<br />
approximately an hour and a half. From Roxas<br />
City, there are passenger boats to Balud which<br />
stop in Jintotolo Island.<br />
Places to Eat<br />
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from<br />
in Masbate catering for every type of cuisine to<br />
please even the most discerning palette. Just ask<br />
any tricycle driver to take you to the place of your<br />
desired menu. You will not be disappointed. In<br />
the provinces most resorts and hotels have a good<br />
selection on their menus for you to choose from.<br />
The one thing you can be sure of is you will never<br />
go hungry in this friendliest of destinations.<br />
71
Jintotolo lighthouse<br />
MASBATE<br />
Places to stay<br />
Like the restaurants, there is a vast selection to<br />
choose from catering for every type of budget.<br />
<strong>ABW</strong> recommend places like Gagay’s and in the<br />
provinces there are resorts like Bictuan, Virginia<br />
beach resort in Placer. No<br />
matter what province you<br />
are stopping in you will find<br />
comfortable and affordable<br />
accommodation.<br />
How to get there<br />
There are four different ways<br />
to get to Masbate, by plane,<br />
bus, ferry or car.<br />
The bottom line<br />
no matter how you<br />
decide to travel<br />
there you will enjoy<br />
the experience of<br />
Masbate.<br />
Flying to Masbate Cebgo: (Cebu Pacific)<br />
Fly Manila to Masbate twice daily.<br />
By Bus: Isarog Lines in Cubao run a bus/ferry<br />
service four times daily or alternatively you<br />
can get a Philtranco Bus from Pasay to Pilar in<br />
Sorsogon get the fast craft<br />
ferry to Masbate. Philtranco<br />
departs 5pm daily from<br />
Pasay Terminal. The fast<br />
craft has 3 departures daily<br />
8am. 12 noon and 3 pm. The<br />
bus trip from Manila takes<br />
approximately 12 hours and<br />
the fast craft takes 2 hours.<br />
If going by car, to avoid<br />
the uncertainty of the roro<br />
72
©shoestringtravellers<br />
Tinalisayan island Sandbar<br />
schedule from Pilar. We recommend you drive<br />
to Pilar and park your car at the ferry terminal,<br />
cost is P100 per day parking fee. And get the<br />
fast craft to Masbate.<br />
By Ferry from Manila: 2GO departs every<br />
Monday at 3.30 pm to Masbate where you<br />
can travel in comfort in an air-conditioned<br />
stateroom or the clean economy class. The trip<br />
takes approximately 22 hours. Be warned to<br />
book early as this is a very popular route and<br />
gets booked out quickly.<br />
The bottom line no matter how you decide to<br />
travel there you will enjoy the experience of<br />
Masbate, and come home with an indelible<br />
memory and a yearning to return again and again.<br />
Active Boating and Watersports would like to<br />
sincerely thank Department of Tourism Region<br />
Five director Mr. Benjamin Santiago and his staff,<br />
Joseph Trilles, Elmor Bonaobra and secretary<br />
Zharina Marie Padilla, as well as Clark Buncaras<br />
from Masbate Provincial Tourism and our<br />
driver Hansel (Bong) Viterbo for the invaluable<br />
assistance in putting this feature together.<br />
Berthing For Rent<br />
Manila Yacht Club<br />
Up To 70 Foot<br />
P28,000 / month<br />
0935-384-2551<br />
73
Words by<br />
ANGELO<br />
HICBAN<br />
for Phinsaf<br />
Photographs<br />
as credited<br />
After last year’s “challenging” race, the<br />
bright minds at PHINSAF or the Philippine<br />
Inter-Island Sailing Federation Inc. wasted no time<br />
in restructuring their much-loved and tremendously<br />
popular flagship regatta, the Philippine Hobie<br />
Challenge. Making lemonade out of the proverbial<br />
lemons that were “handed” to them, PHINSAF<br />
directors led by this year’s<br />
challenge co-chair Monchu<br />
Garcia, President Jerry Rollin<br />
and Treasurer Roman Azanza III<br />
(also PHC 18 co-chair) devised<br />
a plan to bring 15 brandspanking-new<br />
Hobie 16s to<br />
replenish the Philippine fleet in<br />
time for the challenge. With the<br />
backing of an ever-supportive<br />
community of local and foreign<br />
sailors and the help of Hobie<br />
Cat Asia-Pacific (formerly<br />
Hobie Cat Australasia) and its<br />
head Steve Fields, the country<br />
saw the rebirth of Hobie<br />
16 sailing by the tail end of<br />
2017. What also followed was<br />
a rejuvenation altogether of<br />
sailing from vessels of different<br />
shapes and sizes.<br />
This year’s iteration of the most extreme regatta<br />
in Asia, nay the world; the 18th Philippine Hobie<br />
Challenge came from a good omen having signed up<br />
18 entries to the last minute with all 15 of the brand<br />
new Hobie 16s being deployed for sailing action.<br />
Coron and Busuanga, Palawan was the destination<br />
of choice. Coincidentally, the 2nd serving of<br />
PHINSAF directors<br />
devised a plan to bring<br />
15 brand-spanking-new<br />
Hobie 16s to replenish<br />
the Philippine fleet in<br />
time for the challenge.<br />
PHINSAF’s big boat racing gem, the Nasugbu to<br />
Busuanga Race <strong>2018</strong> held from Punta Fuego Yacht<br />
Club to South Cay Island, Busuanga Bay Lodge<br />
(also one of this year’s #PHC18 sponsors) opened<br />
for the challenge making way for a robust Rallye<br />
Fleet contingent with the likes of veteran boaties<br />
Freewheeler (David Wheeler) and Kerida (by Garry<br />
Kingshott, with story below)<br />
joining the cats as they sailed<br />
around paradise.<br />
„What can we gain by sailing<br />
to the moon if we are not<br />
able to cross the abyss that<br />
separates us from ourselves?<br />
This is the most important of<br />
all voyages of discovery, and<br />
without it, all the rest are not<br />
only useless, but disastrous.“<br />
- Thomas Merton<br />
Strategically aligning the<br />
challenge with the help of<br />
the moon, co-chair and PHC<br />
vet Monchu Garcia (also<br />
paddling for Team Rayomarine,<br />
#PHC18 sponsor) could not<br />
have scheduled #PHC18 more perfectly. Even with<br />
winds dying on and off throughout the duration of<br />
the weeklong sailing event, sailors were still treated<br />
to exhilarating water exploits and at the end of<br />
74
every leg, a much needed respite in the fabulous<br />
resort sponsors – El Rio Y Mar, Balinsasayaw Resort<br />
and Busuanga Bay Lodge. And in true challenge<br />
fashion, #PHC18 gave way for one camping night<br />
at local sailors’ island Esperanza Beach, Galoc Island<br />
owned by local sailors (as well as #PHC18 VIP<br />
volunteers and this year’s Fossil Cup 1st Placers)<br />
Ichay and Raul Bulaong who were PHINSAF’s eyes,<br />
ears, hands, feet, wheels etc. on site for event prep.<br />
With a mix of competitors from Australia, Taiwan,<br />
USA, Belgium, South Africa, Fiji and a healthy<br />
Philippine representation; a diverse group of sailors<br />
came together to enjoy what the many great islands<br />
and waters of the Philippines has to offer. It was<br />
a spirited burst of energy and camaraderie as you<br />
can clearly see in the images provided (courtesy<br />
of #PHC18 sponsor GoPro). In the end, it was still<br />
a competition and the challenge had to award its<br />
victors. For the first time in a long time, USA has<br />
overthrown the Aussies to take home 1st Place as<br />
Team WINDTOYS USA helmed by sailing champion<br />
Mike Montague and his skipper Kathy Ward bested<br />
Aussie powerhouse Bruce “Tards” Tardrew of Team<br />
INCUBUS who placed 2nd along with his skipper<br />
Eric Tomahawk. Completing the winner’s circle is the<br />
hybrid Australian-American Team AUSUSA helmed<br />
by last minute #PHC18 sailor addition Aussie kidwonder<br />
Shane Peterson and his American skipper<br />
Heather Mathews.<br />
Signaling the start of a new era for the Philippine<br />
Hobie Challenge, the 18th version of the highly<br />
acclaimed regatta has only gotten better overtime<br />
and with preparations for the 19th PHC under<br />
way, expect to see bigger and greater things from<br />
PHINSAF and its amazing sailors.<br />
The 18th Philippine Hobie Challenged is brought to<br />
you by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation<br />
with special thanks to its major sponsors El Rio Y<br />
Mar, Rayomarine, Balinsasayaw Resort, GoPro,<br />
Busuanga Bay Lodge, LBC Business Solutions, LBC<br />
Foundation, Healthcare Advantage Institute, WRU<br />
GPS Tracking & Navigation, Headware, BloodRed<br />
and TLYC.<br />
PHINSAF would also like to give a special shout out<br />
to Mr. Peter Baird, his impressive boat Lost in Asia,<br />
his partner Mr. John Barker and their respective<br />
wives; Broadwater Marine and Active Boating and<br />
Watersports Magazine.<br />
18 for the 18th<br />
A telling number for<br />
PHINSAF’s annual<br />
extreme regatta, the<br />
Philippine Hobie Challenge<br />
75
PHC 18 Outreach Program going back to its<br />
roots By PHINSAF<br />
One of the activities for the 18th Philippine<br />
Hobie Challenge Outreach Program in partnership<br />
with LBC Foundation this year was held at Lajala<br />
Elementary School and Lajala Health Center in<br />
Coron, Palawan. A special<br />
musical program was prepared<br />
for the #PHC18 sailors as a<br />
sign of gratitude. It was a<br />
very touching experience.<br />
PHINSAF donated two<br />
10,000- liter BESTANK water<br />
storage and water tower<br />
for the school’s. The school<br />
teachers, students and health<br />
center representatives were<br />
very grateful and appreciative.<br />
We would like to thank the following: Dr. Dennis<br />
Cruz and Dr. Susan Cruz for donating medicines<br />
and food supplements to Lajala Health Center, LBC<br />
Foundation for their pledge to buy school supplies,<br />
medicines, medical supplies and sports equipment<br />
for Lajala Elementary School and the PHINSAF<br />
Outreach team led by volunteers Ichay Bulaong,<br />
Lita Legarda and Karen Dinglasan.<br />
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
Herding Cats in Paradise*<br />
By Garry Kingshott, edited by PHINSAF<br />
*All images following this article are provided by the author<br />
<strong>2018</strong> was the 18th time<br />
International and Filipino<br />
Hobie sailors have gathered<br />
in the Philippines for this<br />
amazing event.<br />
Imagine for a moment if you will, the prospect of<br />
sailing your 40’ cruising catamaran to the idyllic<br />
islands of Northern Palawan and spending a week<br />
or so shadowing a fleet of Hobie 16s as they race<br />
around and between the islands in an event called<br />
The Philippine Hobie Challenge.<br />
<strong>2018</strong> was the 18th time<br />
International and Filipino Hobie<br />
sailors have gathered in the<br />
Philippines for this amazing event.<br />
Some have participated as many<br />
as fourteen times over the years.<br />
They continue to return year<br />
after year in pursuit of the thrills,<br />
excitement and challenges of<br />
sailing tiny boats over challenging<br />
courses at times in open seas.<br />
Or do they come for the comradery and postrace<br />
fun? Or, for the legendary hospitality of their<br />
Filipino hosts? Whatever the reason, the chance<br />
to join them as a ‘support’ boat and be part of the<br />
Rallye Fleet, was an opportunity too good to pass<br />
up for S/V Kerida.<br />
Busuanga and the surrounding 1000+ islands have<br />
always been one of my favorite cruising grounds in<br />
The Philippines. From the stunning granite cliffs of<br />
Coron Island to the white sand beaches of the more<br />
westerly cays makes the area truly a sailor’s paradise.<br />
And so, it was that Kerida joined PHINSAF’s 2nd<br />
Nasugbu to Busuanga Race on March 9, a 145nm<br />
race that would see a fleet of boats arrive in Busuanga<br />
in time to join the 18th Philippine Hobie Challenge.<br />
Winning the multi-hull class by 45 seconds on<br />
corrected time was an unexpected bonus!<br />
Visiting the stunning resorts of El Rio Y Mar,<br />
Balinsasayaw Resort and Busuanga Bay Lodge during<br />
the course of the event just added to experience.<br />
76<br />
But, meeting the crews who brave the seas in tiny,<br />
inherently unstable boats, hearing their stories of
My Dynamo<br />
success and minor tragedies every evening, and<br />
playing a small role in keeping them safe every day<br />
was truly an honor.<br />
With crews from far flung places such as Belgium,<br />
South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, USA, Fiji and<br />
Taiwan joining the local Filipino crews this is a very<br />
special sailing event.<br />
Herding Cats in Paradise? The most fun you will<br />
have in a long, long time.<br />
Also very special thanks go to Air Juan and Bob<br />
Gilles, who speedily delivered our “Hot off the Press<br />
Edition’ of the Active Boating and Watersports<br />
Magazine to the Busanga Bay Lodge (BBL) for the<br />
Hobie Challenge presentation evening.<br />
Final Results of the Challenge were:<br />
OVERALL WINNNERS<br />
1ST PLACE - TEAM WINDTOYS USA (Mike Montague & Kathy Ward)<br />
2ND PLACE - TEAM INCUBUS (Bruce „Tards“ Tardrew & Eric Tomacruz)<br />
3RD PLACE - TEAM AUSUSA (Shane Peterson & Heather Mathews)<br />
LBC Business Solutions In-Shores<br />
1st Place - TEAM BUNG DEETLES (Andrew & Tony Boyd)<br />
2nd Place - TEAM AUSUSA (Shane Peterson & Heather Mathews)<br />
3rd Place - TEAM WINDTOYS USA (Mike Montague & Kathy Ward)<br />
Fossil Cup Recipients<br />
1st Place - PATA TEAM (Raul & Ichay Bulaong)<br />
2nd Place - TEAM DOOBIE BROTHERS (Andy Aguila & Cons Castaneda)<br />
3rd Place - TEAM 10 (Dennis Cruz & Jayson Mendoza)<br />
Watch Out for an even bigger and better Hobie Challenge in 2019.<br />
77
Sailing Tips<br />
You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing technobabble,<br />
and what little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no<br />
more. This continuing series of articles is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats,<br />
as well as common sailing techniques, terms and definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware,<br />
and much more. This will keep you informed about most things you will need before you begin your own<br />
sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor and someone knowledgeable about boats.<br />
The outhaul should<br />
be eased in light<br />
winds and tensioned<br />
in stronger winds.<br />
Article<br />
excerpts<br />
reprinted<br />
from<br />
the book<br />
CRUISER<br />
HANDLING<br />
by BOB BOND<br />
& STEVE<br />
SLEIGHT<br />
2nd reef<br />
Covered mainsail<br />
78<br />
The clew outhaul<br />
fastened to the<br />
boom end and to<br />
the clew of the sail<br />
The Mainsail of a cruiser is normally left rigged on the boom for<br />
short periods. When you do have to rig the mainsail, however,<br />
you will find it easier with two people. Most mainsails have<br />
battens which should be inserted into the appropriate pockets<br />
before rigging. Normally the mainsheet is left attached to the<br />
boom. The method you sue to stow the mainsail will depend to<br />
some extent on whether you have roller reefing gear. If you do,<br />
you could roll up the mainsail loosely on the boom. If you don’t<br />
then you will have to fold the mainsail neatly over the boom<br />
before tying it down and covering it securely.<br />
Rigging<br />
The clew end of the foot is fed into the track on the boom, and<br />
pulled along until all the foot is on the track. The tack is the<br />
fastened at the gooseneck and the clew outhaul tensioned and<br />
secured. The mainsail luff, or slide fittings if it has them, are<br />
fed into the mast track. There should be a mast gate fitted to<br />
the mast track to prevent the sliders dropping out of the base<br />
of the track.<br />
Hoisting<br />
The wind must be forward of the beam before the sail is hoisted,<br />
or it will fill with wind. Shackle the main halyard to the head,<br />
checking first to make sure that it is not fouled aloft, and the<br />
release the sail ties or shock cord around the mainsail. If the sail<br />
fits into a groove on the mast, a crew member may be needed<br />
to feed it in. Haul on the main sail halyard taking a turn around<br />
the winch, until the sail is pulled most of the way up the mast.<br />
Use the winch handle to fully hoist the sail, taking care not to<br />
over tension it. Ease off the topping lift and stow the surplus<br />
halyard neatly.<br />
Lowering and stowing<br />
To lower the mainsail, the wind must be forward of the beam,<br />
and the mainsheet should be eased to allow the sail to flap.<br />
Don’t forget to tighten the topping lift before releasing the<br />
halyard, or the boom will come crashing down on the coach<br />
roof. As one of the crew member eases the halyard, the other<br />
gathers in the mainsail and stows it. How you stow the mainsail<br />
depends to some extent on the type of system the boat carries.<br />
If the sail is attached to the mast with sliders you will normally<br />
use the folding method, taking care not to bend the battens as<br />
you do so. Tei the sail down with shock cord or sail ties when it<br />
is neatly furled. With a roller reefing system, you can simply roll<br />
the sail around the boom, securing it with sail ties.<br />
Sail controls<br />
Every cruising boat will be equipped with various forms of sail<br />
control. The sophistication of the equipment will depend on how<br />
much you want to spend. For most cruising boats nothing very<br />
elaborate is usually either needed or wanted. However, it is a help<br />
if the mainsheet is mounted on adjustable traveller so that you
Handling the Mainsail<br />
can control the amount of downward tension on the sail, and<br />
the angle of the sail to the centerline of the boat. A kicking strap<br />
is also needed to exert downward pressure on the boom and<br />
mainsail, and a downhaul and outhaul can be fitted to the luff<br />
and leech of the sail respectively to tension the luff and the foot<br />
of the mainsail. Battens can be used to stiffen the leech of the sail<br />
and adjustable fairleads can be fitted through which the headsail<br />
sheets can be led to give a better set to the sail.<br />
Mainsheet system<br />
The mainsheet controls the angle of the mainsail to the<br />
centerline of the boat, and is often mounted on the traveller<br />
running on an athwartships track. The traveller gives greater<br />
control over the sheeting angle and over the leech tension. In<br />
light winds it should be set to windward of the centerline and<br />
the mainsheet eased to put out the boom in the center of the<br />
boat to produce an even curve on the leech of the mainsail. In<br />
moderate winds, the traveller should be set in the center and<br />
the mainsheet tension adjusted to keep the top batten parallel<br />
with the boom. In stronger winds, the traveller should be eased<br />
to leeward with the mainsheet kept tight, to reduce the amount<br />
of heeling force on the boat. You will find it easier to gauge the<br />
leech tension if tell-tales are used. It will correct when all telltales<br />
stream aft.<br />
Kicking strap<br />
Most cruising boats need a kicking strap with a purchase power<br />
of at least six to one, preferably with the end of the purchase<br />
led to a winch to give greater power. If no kicking strap is fitted,<br />
power will be lost when sailing off-wind as the leech of the sail<br />
will twist forward, and the boat will roll when broad reaching or<br />
running. A tightened kicking strap will effectively stop this, by<br />
preventing the boom from rising and falling, which causes the sail<br />
to chafe on the shrouds and spreaders. Increased purchase on the<br />
kicking strap allows the mainsheet to be used for lateral control.<br />
Luff tension<br />
The luff of the mainsail should always be just tight enough for<br />
any horizontal wrinkles to be removed, but not so tight that a<br />
vertical crease forms near the mast. The luff tension affects the<br />
way the sail performs when it is eased, the point of maximum<br />
draught moves aft and when it is tightened it moves further<br />
forward. Ideally the point of maximum draught should be where<br />
the sail-maker intended it to be in moderate winds. In stronger<br />
winds you should increase the luff tension and in lighter airs<br />
you should reduce it. You can use the mainsail halyard, a<br />
cunningham hole and tackle near the clew, or a boom downhaul<br />
and sliding gooseneck to tension the sail of the luff.<br />
Clew outhaul<br />
The clew outhaul affects the amount and position of the camber<br />
in the sail. By tightening the outhaul you can pull the point of<br />
maximum draught further aft, and thus flatten the sail or you<br />
can ease the outhaul and move it forward, thus giving more<br />
fullness to the sail. Ideally, the outhaul should be tensioned just<br />
enough to prevent vertical creases appearing in the sail, but not<br />
so much that a horizontal crease is formed. The outhaul should<br />
be eased in light winds and tensioned in stronger winds.<br />
Battens<br />
Battens are used to support the curved leech of the mainsail<br />
and can greatly affect its shape. Those not designed to be full<br />
length should be tapered at the inner end so that when the<br />
sail is set no hard spot is formed at the inner end of the batten<br />
pocket. If such a spot occurs the batten is too thick and should<br />
be exchanged for a more tapered one. Full-length battens<br />
normally have some means by which the tension on them can<br />
be increased or reduced.<br />
Leech line<br />
On many cruising boats a thin line, known as a leech line, is<br />
threaded down the leech of the mainsail or the jib. It can be<br />
used to control any flutter or flap in the edge of the leech by<br />
increasing the tension upon it. However, care should be taken<br />
not to over-tension it to the point where the leech area distorts<br />
and curves to windward. Since you sometimes get leech flutter<br />
only in a reefed mainsail, in the upper part of the sail, you can<br />
fit a leech line with an adjustment point above each reef point,<br />
so that it can be tensioned as necessary to remove the flutter.<br />
Headsail sheet fairleads<br />
The position of the headsail sheet fairlead is crucial to the<br />
good set and performance of the headsail, and therefore it is<br />
important to have an adjustable headsail sheet fairlead sited<br />
on the track, so that the sheeting position can be altered to the<br />
different sizes of the headsail. The fairlead should be positioned<br />
so that when the sail (regardless of size), is sheeted in for a<br />
close-hauled course, it has the same curve across it at the foot<br />
as it does at the head. The leech of the sail should have an even<br />
curve, matching the curve on the leeward side of the mainsail.<br />
On most boats the leech of the overlapping headsail, when fully<br />
sheeted should be within 15cm from the end of the spreader.<br />
If the fairlead is set to far aft, the foot of the sail will be overtensioned<br />
while the leech will drop off to leeward, reducing the<br />
driving power in the top of the sail. On the other hand if the<br />
lead is to far forward, too much tension will be put on the leech,<br />
causing it to hook in, but not enough will be put on the foot.<br />
The sail will be too full and the boat will heel more.<br />
Headsail luff tension<br />
Much the same rules apply to the headsail luff tension as to<br />
the mainsail. Normally on a cruising boat the halyard is the only<br />
control for adjusting headsail luff tension, although some boats<br />
which race have a cunningham hole and tackle fitted to give<br />
finer adjustment. Generally you will have to use the headsail<br />
halyard, taking care not to over-tension it in light airs, and<br />
tension it enough in heavy weather.<br />
Tell tales<br />
Every headsail in your sail wardrobe should be fitted with telltales,<br />
lengths of wool or ribbon about 30cm long, stitched<br />
through the sail and knotted on either side, so that 15cm lies<br />
on each side of the sail. Normally they should be positioned<br />
about 15cm aft of the luff of the sail, with three or four of them<br />
down the length of the luff. By attaching tell-tales you will be<br />
able to check that your sheeting angle is correct and you will<br />
also have a useful steering aid. To check the sheeting angle,<br />
sail the boat on a close-hauled course and see if the tell-tales<br />
stream aft. If they do the angle is correct. If the top tell-tales<br />
flutter while those lower down, stream correctly, the lead is too<br />
far aft, and if the reverse occurs the lead is too far forward.<br />
Provided you have sheeting angle correct you can also use the<br />
tell-tales as a steering aid. If you are sailing windward with the<br />
sheet properly trimmed the tell-tales on the leeward side of the<br />
sail should stream aft evenly. Although those on the windward<br />
side of the sail can flutter, the leeward tell-tales must not be<br />
allowed to do so, or the sail will stall. Provided you watch the<br />
tell-tales carefully you should get the boat to pint windward.<br />
Fitting slugs on<br />
the luff of the<br />
mainsail<br />
Fold mainsail<br />
Hoisting Mainsail<br />
Lowering the Mainsail<br />
Track Boom<br />
The Profurl roller furling<br />
jib clew leads to one of<br />
two through bolted sail<br />
tracks on the bridge deck.<br />
79
Flukey Winds<br />
Make For Interesting<br />
Sailing In<br />
Taal Lake<br />
Yacht Club’s<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Women’s<br />
Helm Regatta<br />
80
Peter Capotosto’s Flickr Album description:<br />
Since 2004, Taal Lake Yacht Club has had<br />
an annual Women’s Helm Regatta. As the name<br />
connotes, only women can drive.<br />
Its quite unique. It’s very<br />
different than a women’s<br />
race, because women are<br />
not limited to women<br />
crews. They can get<br />
anybody they want. It’s<br />
also an opportunity<br />
for our usual<br />
skippers, male or<br />
female, to let their<br />
crews, or women<br />
friends drive. It<br />
gets women into<br />
sailing, in an<br />
unusual, but<br />
very exciting<br />
way.<br />
Then there are even<br />
less women who<br />
can competently<br />
sail Hobie 16s.<br />
Limiting the<br />
racing to female helms also knocks<br />
out male competition, allowing the<br />
women a choice of crews that they<br />
would normally not have access<br />
to, mostly experienced skippers<br />
who often acted as coaches.<br />
It was good for the men too. Because they were able<br />
to adjust things such as rig tension that they would<br />
not even be able to see, if they were driving. Overall<br />
the April 22 <strong>2018</strong> TLYC Women’s helm regatta was a<br />
great success.<br />
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Taal Lake Yacht Club, Sun 22<br />
April <strong>2018</strong>. If you think that<br />
local/ locally-based catamaran<br />
sailors are scarce, the women<br />
who sail for fun are few. Then<br />
there are even less women who<br />
can competently sail Hobie<br />
16s. I like to think of myself<br />
as part of the tiny percentage,<br />
even if I do spend more time<br />
sailing small boats.<br />
So here I was, thrilled to<br />
skipper a Hobie 16 again after<br />
years of not racing this class, I<br />
was tense in the low wind as I<br />
turned our borrowed Hobie 16<br />
towards the start line in the<br />
countdown. We surprised ourselves with a good<br />
start, out the gate on time leading the fleet of<br />
women skippers. Martin Marty kept our sails loose<br />
to power us beating to the windward mark, oddly<br />
towards the small dormant volcano, not the usual<br />
Balai Isabel area.<br />
Words by<br />
CHERRIE<br />
PINPIN<br />
Photographs<br />
by CARLA<br />
KRAMER<br />
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Peter had spotted the lift well before I did and<br />
advised his skipper Mikee Vinzon to point their<br />
Hobie 16 higher. By the time I noticed what was<br />
happening, I tried to match their angle but could<br />
not get enough speed to get ahead to tack clear.<br />
She would get me on<br />
starboard and the low<br />
wind would make trying<br />
to duck her big mess.<br />
Unable to tack as Mikee<br />
guarded her position, I was<br />
finally forced to tack too<br />
close to the mark else get<br />
over stood. While Mikee<br />
rounded with ease, the<br />
already weak breeze died. We watched in horror as<br />
we drifted helplessly into the mark, cut to: internal<br />
scream with a mad real time scramble aboard to<br />
deal. Drat the light wind and current! So much for<br />
the lead as we did penalty in an awfully painfully<br />
slo-mo way, while the fleet cheerfully passed us,<br />
mentally blowing us kisses as they jockeyed for<br />
speed to the finish.<br />
We watched in horror as<br />
we drifted helplessly into<br />
the mark, cut to: internal<br />
scream with a mad real time<br />
scramble aboard to deal.<br />
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The 5th<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
OFFS<br />
S<br />
HIP build<br />
Philippines<strong>2018</strong><br />
H<br />
ORE<br />
P H I L I P P I N E S <strong>2018</strong><br />
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PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY<br />
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HILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY
Then losing by a<br />
whisker in the fiercest<br />
downwind match race<br />
against Joida Pablo (I<br />
must quit eating bread<br />
and butter for a year).<br />
A string of disasters aboard in the next races –<br />
uncoordinated crew (ourselves) making the worst<br />
start in the world (a.k.a. brown paper bag award)<br />
and losing time while going around the wrong<br />
buoy (thanks to the lack of<br />
skippers briefing and not<br />
knowing which color buoy<br />
was the right one to round),<br />
while watching the most<br />
underweight crew of the fleet<br />
– first time sailor Paola Orozo<br />
round the mark ahead of us<br />
with expert coaching from<br />
crew Jose S. Gonzalez. Then<br />
losing by a whisker in the<br />
fiercest downwind match race<br />
against Joida Pablo (I must quit eating bread and<br />
butter for a year). To add insult to injury, discovered<br />
my supposedly secret weapon, my “wind-spotting”<br />
Deep Water polarized lenses had decided Taal Lake’s<br />
(possibly) sulfur-infused waters was too much<br />
abuse, and promptly delaminated in large swathes,<br />
leaving me with blurry vision and tears as the rest of<br />
the Women’s Helm skippers fleet gaily romped off to<br />
squabble betwixt themselves for top places, leaving<br />
me to eat their wake.<br />
Obviously any of the women skippers competing<br />
regularly on the Hobie 16 –pro-level sailor Maria<br />
Vidoeira and lethal fire poi swinging Jana Everett for<br />
example, or Mikee and Joida, the former who’s had<br />
more recent sail time or the latter young ‘un who’s<br />
clocked more consistent Hobie hours, had a distinct<br />
advantage over the sprout-out-of-the-woodwork<br />
silly me wanting to scratch my yearly catamaran<br />
itch sans putting in enough catamaran time on the<br />
water. Excuses excuses… Martin was at least very<br />
nice to agree to crew for me and did all he could<br />
to keep us racing given the wicked fluky winds and<br />
the not-quite-coordinated crew aboard. Last note to<br />
self: Must improve my light wind handling skills!<br />
Back ashore, putting the boats a-bed then at the<br />
prize giving, Maria’s sage comment, “Cherrie must<br />
come back to the Hobie 16. Aye! See ya’all next<br />
year, ladies!<br />
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About the author: Cherrie had a few hours<br />
training on the Hobie 16 with experienced sailor<br />
Luigi Manzi then raced in TLYC’s Women’s Helm in<br />
2006 and 2007 editions. Starting 2014, she has<br />
raced 18 and 16 ft Topcats in Romblon’s yearly 3<br />
Island Challenge and is always game to try sailing<br />
small beach multihulls when not racing dinghies<br />
to win for the Philippines. Last year she won the<br />
Hansa 303 Women’s bronze medal in the 2017<br />
Para World Sailing Championships, Kiel, Germany<br />
and is on the medal hunt this year, hoping to make<br />
it to the <strong>2018</strong> Para World Sailing Championships,<br />
She went to the USA, to defend her title, then to<br />
compete in the <strong>2018</strong> Hansa Class World Sailing<br />
Championships, Hiroshima, Japan. Cherrie hopes to<br />
lead her Paralympic Sailing team to victory in the<br />
2019 ASEAN Para Games, Philippines likewise help<br />
Para World Sailing convince IPC that Paralympic<br />
Sailing be reinstated in the Paralympics, starting the<br />
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.<br />
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P H I L I P P I N E S<br />
YACHT PARTS, SALES and SERVICE<br />
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