ABW Dec 2016

ALL SOULS REGATTA
SIARGAO SURFING CUP
2016 VOLVO HONG KONG TO HAINAN RACE
ROUND TAAL VOLCANO REGATTA
CRUISING THE CORAL CARPET
2016 DIVE SHOW
FISHING IS MORE FUN
IN THE PHILIPPINES
SAILING TIPS
Destination
EASTERN VISAYAS ACTIVE
DEC 2016 Vol. V Issue 4
BOATING & WATERSPORTS PhP120
1

2
NOW AVAILABLE AT

3

Introduction by BARRY DAWSON
In keeping with
PGYC tradition
all racing was
done on a
pursuit basis,
with slowest
boats starting
first. This
worked to
perfection
with the fleet
finishing within
a time frame of
approximately
30 minutes.
Within the Philippine sailing calendar there are many bewitching regattas where idyllic scenery, elegantly
graceful yachts and a friendly competitive spirit are combined with a robust joie de vivre. The Royal Cargo ‘All
Souls Regatta’ held each year at Puerto Galera is among the best of them. Even before getting there, the seaward
approach to Puerto Galera via Verde Island and the Batangas Channel is one of the most photographed, and most
photogenic, sights in the archipelago and all visitors to the Philippines should witness it at least once.
This year the ‘All Souls Regatta’ was held between October 29 and 31. For a comprehensive wrap of the
racing, please see the following story by former commodore of the Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Tony Stephens.
Those yachties who like to combine a spot of benign sailing in delightful surroundings followed by more than a
few drinks among like minded companions will do well to keep an eye on the PGYC website for the 2017 regatta
dates. And, just for the sheer hell of it, throw in a fancy dress costume or two to get the most out of the Halloween
party.
Words by TONY STEPHENS
Photographs by TERRY DUCKHAM
With a record number of 31 entries the
Puerto Galera Yacht Club’s 2016 All Souls
Regatta has been voted the best yet. Coinciding
with the Club’s 25th Anniversary, the Royal Cargo
sponsored event attracted entries from as far afield
as Hong Kong, Australia, Germany and France to
name just a few of the countries.
The weather Gods smiled on competitors with winds
averaging around 15 knots, which allowed courses to
include a 23 mile passage race around Verde Island.
This race proved a serious challenge for navigators
4

Regatta
All Souls
Soars to New Heights5

6
with boats being given the option of rounding
the island either clockwise or anti clockwise. As it
happened Anthea, skippered by Oliver Gully, was the
boat which made the best tactical decisions, coming
in a comfortable First. They were followed home by
Redshift, with Bella Uno, Third.
New courses for the race were planned months in
advance in consultation with some of Asia’s most
experienced yachtsmen, including Chris Pooley and
John Berry from Hong Kong. Water operations over
the three-day event were in experienced hands with
internationally recognized official, Jerry Rollin, as
Principal Race Officer and former commodore of
PGYC, Tony Stephens, as official handicapper.
In keeping with PGYC tradition all racing was done on
a pursuit basis, with slowest boats starting first. This
worked to perfection with the fleet finishing within a
time frame of approximately 30 minutes.
Major sponsor was the ever faithful Royal Cargo,
which has supported the regatta for many years.
Sponsor numbers were at an all time high this year
with several newcomers that included the government
body, the Philippine Retirement Authority, sea plane
agent Air Juan, Hyde Sails, Papaya Cove Yacht Charter
Services, and Rayomarine. Other major sponsors
included Broadwater Marine, Tricom Projects, Lane
Archives, and Asia Tiger.
The racing was divided into three classes, Multi hulls,
Racing division and Cruising division.
Competitors from Subic included Selma Star, Princess
Arieta, Dale Godkin, Bella Uno, Michiel Brinkers the
multi hull Kerida, Garry Kingshot and the new sports
boat Redshift skippered by Austen Chamberlain.
Each night at prize giving, bottles of fine rum were
handed out to the class winner and place getters and

on the final night, beautifully carved marble items
from Romblon Island were presented to the class
winners.
Overall winner of the regatta was the Multi hull MYG2
skippered by Vincent Ruais. Second overall was Bella
Uno skippered by Michiel Brinkers, third was Hanafe,
skippered by Peter Stevens.
In concert with the All Souls Regatta was a PGYC
Junior Sailing regatta held the week before the main
event. The juniors’ prizes were presented by the
Governor of Mindoro, The Honorable Alfonso Umali
Jnr. on the opening night of All Souls.
The All Souls Regatta was not just about racing,
with the club in full-on party mode each night.
Entertainment included live music, traditional Filipino
folk dancing courtesy of the local high school, and
of course the inevitable karaoke. Halloween night
was celebrated with crews competing for prizes by
dressing in ghostly and in some cases totally
outrageous costumes.
8

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Time is moving on far too quickly as we see another year fly by.
So again we wish all our readers all the best for the festive season and
the coming of 2017.
2016 showed us some amazing sailing events and records being
broken all over the Philippines. With the Hobie challenge that seen
newcomers Kerlie and Ali from Australia taking honors. The arrival
of the Yachts from Hong Kong in the Rolex China Sea race. To the 3
island challenge in Romblon, cliff diving in Punta Fuego to All Souls
Regatta in Puerto Galera, all culminated in a great year of sailing, that
can only point to bigger and better events in 2017.
In our destination we reveal all the hidden secrets that Samar and
Leyte have to offer, with a multitude of activities and fun to be had,
Samar all the way to Maasin in Southern Leyte. This is truly an island
worth visiting, and should be included in your things to do list.
Once again all from Active Boating and Watersports wish all of our
readers A Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
All Souls Regatta Soars to New Heights 4
Sandon Steps Up at 12
Siargao Surfing Cup
2016 Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan 18
Uitemate Joins Zambales 24
2016 Dive Show 28
Cruising the Coral Carpet 34
Destination -EASTERN VISAYAS 42
Fishing is More Fun 66
in the Philippines
Sailing Tips 72
Round Taal Volcano Regatta 76
Destination: Eastern Visayas, page 42
Photos courtesy of DOT and Yorko Summer
Next Generation Marinas
Cover photo courtesy of Rayomarine
The views expressed and advertisements published in Active Boating & Watersports
are those of the authors and advertisers, and not Rodbar Publishing.
Rodbar Publishing does not accept any liability whatsoever for errors or omissions.
9

The New Image of
“A more
professional
approach to
operations is
already reaping
customer
benefits and
a new
perspective
on pricing has
seen prices
dropping on
major capital
purchases
such as generators,
life
rafts, outboard
motors and
RIBs etc.”
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Broadwater Marine, a name synonymous for its
service to the boating industry is now under
new management and is expanding even more with
more distributorships lower prices and more outlets
to bring the boating fraternity a higher quality
service than it is already noted for, with a larger
range of products from the world’s leading suppliers
such as Garmin, Fusion, DeBug, Red Paddleboard,
Boat Models, API Marine engine parts and much more.
Since operations commenced in early 2005
Broadwater Marine has always strived to provide
top quality products and service at realistic prices.
Now with new ownership this is going to get even
better Peter Baird the new owner and Managing
Director of Broadwater Marine said.
“A more professional approach to operations is
already reaping customer benefits and a new
perspective on pricing has seen prices dropping
on major capital purchases such as generators, life
rafts, outboard motors and RIBs etc.”
This continual growth will also see another new
showroom opening in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in
early 2017, and with showrooms already established
in Subic Bay, Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and Samal
Island, Davao this new showroom can only increase
the quality of service to the boating industry right
across the Philippine archipelago.
New suppliers introduced into the already impressive
range of quality products stocked by Broadwater
Marine are the Garmin Range of electronic equipment.
Garmin is noted as one of the market leaders in high
quality GPS, Fishfinders and Radar etc. and now the
full range is available at all Broadwater Showrooms.
For the highest possible quality sound and
entertainment equipment Broadwater have
introduced the Fusion range of audio. You can test
the impressive quality of these units at any of the
Broadwater Showrooms.
For a higher fuel efficiency De Bug has also been
introduced into the Broadwater Range of quality
products, De Bug is designed to keep your fuel clean
of all fuel bug contamination giving you cleaner fuel
and cleaner fuel system that results in higher fuel
efficiency.
Other products introduced to enhance the range of
supplies are API Marine Engine Parts giving Broadwater
clients a far wider selection of readily available
engine starter motors and alternators.
Red Paddleboard increasing your choice of water
sport toys.
For fond memories of your prized possession you
can now have a replica model made to have place
of honour in your display cabinet Boat Models will
make you a scaled replica of you pride and joy for
an enticing price.
With all that has happened to increase quality and
services at a more realistic price in the short time
Peter Baird took over Broadwater Marine, we can
only look forward to bigger and better things to
come from the Philippines leading marine
equipment dealer.
BROADWATER
MARINE
10

YACHT PARTS SALES AND SERVICE
Under
New
Management
New Brands. Lower Prices. Greater Value.
➤ SUBIC BAY 0939-922-3238
➤ MANILA 0918-963-8148
➤ CEBU 0939-902-0494
➤ BORACAY 0918-963-8155
➤ SAMAL ISLAND 0918-963-8151
➤ PUERTO PRINCESA (opening soon)
11

Sandon Whittaker
at the Finals
SANDON
Crowd at Cloud 9
STEPS UP AT
S
12

September is a busy month for water sports
enthusiasts in the Philippines. And one of the
most eagerly awaited events is the World Surf League
(WSL) Siargao Surfing Cup Qualifying Series (QS)
1,500, held annually at Cloud 9. This internationally
sanctioned competition brings mostly young surfers
from many countries to Siargao to embark on an
almost gladiatorial challenge. The winner of this multileg
competition gets the chance to compete with the
big boys and girls in the pro league of surfers; matching
skills with past, current and future world champion
surfers on the international circuit.
Of course, you need a series of half decent waves
to hold a successful surfing competition, but those
waves were conspicuously absent on Day One,
forcing organizers to call a lay day. For the most part
the surfers ran through their routines, waxed their
boards and tested their gear in preparation for the
promised waves which, hopefully, would arrive the
next day. They also checked out the island’s many
excellent facilities, mingling with the crowds of
spectators while avoiding, as far as possible, the
coterie of adults and officials acting as chaperones.
“Coming up
against Philmar
was scary
because local
knowledge is so
important here.
I’ve seen him
switch-footing in
barrels and doing
all sorts of crazy
stuff so I knew it
would be tough.”
Sandon
Whittaker
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
The contingent of 64 international and local surfers,
as well as the event organizers, pored over the weather
forecast which showed a typhoon swirling around
in the Pacific. This same typhoon was expected to
deliver the much anticipated swell that culminates
in the perfect barreling waves for which Cloud 9 is
famous. And on the afternoon of Day Two the waves
arrived, rolling, tumbling, surging towards the shore,
oblivious to the crowd waiting anxiously for their
iargao
arrival. Somehow, within seconds, it seemed that
every surfer on the island from the beginners to the
pros was in the water, paddling furiously to catch a
wave or two before the contest began.
SURFING CUP
13

Me and Dad getting our Hobie cat ready
Above: Board
breaking tradition
Right: General Luna
Mayor Rusillion
22nd Siargao
Surfing Cup
Opening Ceremony
Contest Director Gerry Degan sent out a call to the
surfers to be in the Cloud 9 Tower at 5 am the following
day, ready to start Round One of the competition.
“It will be mid tide tomorrow at about sunrise, so we
want to run as many heats as we can as the tide is going
out,” said Degan. “If the swell isn’t too big, we’ll be
able to run through the low tide and get a full day
of competition in. We’re hoping the swell gives us at
least two or two and a half days of pumping waves,
which is what we need to complete the event, so we’ll
run as long as we can each day,” he explained.
With a total prize purse of US$50,000 on the line,
as well as important WSL Qualifying Series and ASC
Championship points up for grabs, competition was
expected to be be fierce but fair. Local surfers know
the Cloud 9 wave so well they could almost catch it
blindfolded, so the international competitors had to
find something special as they chased the elusive prize
money and points.
The first heat of Round One, pitched last year’s winner,
local boy John Mark Tokong, with Manuel Selman
from Chile, recent Quiksilver Young Guns winner Rio
Waida from Indonesia, and local Glenn Figueron.
In Heat Two, current ASC rankings leader Dede
Suryana from West Java (Indonesia) was up against
Fraser Dovell from Australia, Joe Keogh from Hong
Kong, and local Philmar Alipayo, who recently won
the ASC sanctioned West Sumbawa Pro at Supersucks
in Indonesia.
14

It was an epic tube fest with some high flying aerials
and deep hacks to keep the judges busy, the
spectators entertained, and the media outlets and
photographers ever alert for that special moment.
Sandon Whittaker
Sandon Whittaker surfed a great final day making the
most of the waves on offer at Cloud 9. He utilized the
lefts and rights, walls and barrels to post solid scores
throughout the event. His lightning quick backhand
snaps saw him post a heat total of 12.85 (out of a
possible 20) to win the Final. “This is a dream come
true,” said Central Coast surfer Whittaker. “This is only
my third QS event so I had low expectations, especially
being a 16-year-old with all the older guys, it doesn’t
feel real. Coming up against Philmar was scary because
local knowledge is so important here. I’ve seen him
switch-footing in barrels and doing all sorts of crazy
stuff so I knew it would be tough. With this win I’m
keen to look toward more QS events and try and get
into the QS6,000’s next year.”
The young goofy-footer not only had to overcome 63
other hungry competitors but a viral illness that almost
forced him to pull out of the event before the final.
This win is not only the perfect remedy for Whittaker
but the best result of his young career.
Mitchell James Bennett
“When my heat was coming up yesterday I could
hear the announcer calling my name and I was still at
my hotel ready to give up because I felt so sick. The
people I’m staying with were all showing me so much
support, along with my dad, so I thought I’d have a go
and have a crack and not disappoint them. I’m feeling
a lot better now, just an amazing vibe.”
Local surfer Alipayo was the crowd favorite all day
and proved he can really mix it with guys who follow
the QS. His backhand tube-riding was something to
be admired as was his air game. Whittaker’s competitive
awareness and use of priority left Alipayo hunting
smaller inside waves during the final. He was unable
to overcome the young Aussie in the end but still came
out with the best result of his career.
Philmar Alipayo
“I’m stoked I made it to the final – it’s the best
result and day of my career,” Alipayo said. “I’m still
disappointed that I did not win but Sandon is an amazing
surfer and has an epic backhand. Without the barrels
he was going to be hard to beat. It’s been a really good
day and I can’t wait for next year.”
On the way to the final, Alipayo ousted Australasia
QS Championship hopeful Shane Holmes. Holmes
displayed raw power all contest and the Semi-final was
no different. Holmes threw his trademark power hacks
earning him a stranglehold on the heat; until, in the
dying seconds Alipayo found a set, took off deep and
weaved through a tight tube getting spat out of the
end. This got him the nod from the judges earning a
near excellent 7.87. Holmes took off on the next wave
15

Philmar Alipayo and
Shane Holmes
Starting to Fire
but it didn’t offer enough to retain the lead and
finished the event with a respectable equal 3rd place
to go with his two seconds for 2016.
It’s annoying to go out like that in the dying seconds,”
Holmes said. “Third is still a good result so I’m really
happy with it but would have liked the waves to pump
the whole time. The two previous days had amazing
waves and today was still okay, that’s just surfing I
guess. I’m turning my focus towards the Taiwan Open
of Surfing now, hopefully I can get the win there.”
About the World Surf League
Contributed by Tom Bennett, WSL Australasia Media/
Communications Officer
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association
of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to
celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best
waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms.
The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly
global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa,
North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing
since 1976, running global events across the Samsung
Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the
Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard
Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave
Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for
the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression,
innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform
at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app,
the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions
tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning,
John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long,
Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly
Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most
unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport
in the world.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.
com.
16

17

2016 Volvo Hong
“The highs: it’s
terrific to rush
to sail down
the waves and
be out there
in the open
water! The
biggest high
was when we
arrived as we
had not realized
we had
won!”
-Anthony Root
Words by
KOKO MUELER/
RHKYC
Photographs by
RHKYC/
GUY NOWELL
It was clear blue skies and a 6-7 knot north-easterly
breeze for the start of the 390nm Category 1
offshore Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race which
started today, [3 November], at 1320 hours. Race
Officer Simon Boyde set a committee boat start line
to the north of the RHKYC main clubhouse at Kellett
Island, with the warning signal sounding at 1310
hours. Most boats seemed to favour the pin end of
the line. It was only the 100ft super maxi Scallywag
that favoured the committee boat end; possibly to
make sure to keep clear of the other boats.
With all boats getting away cleanly at the start, they
tacked their way through Victoria Harbour. Scallywag
was the first to make it through the Lei Yue Mun
Gap, followed by the TP52s Standard Insurance Centennial
and FreeFire. Next through the Gap was the
Ker Custom 42 Black Baza with Jo Aleh on board. Jo
won a gold medal and a silver medal at the London
and Rio Olympics for New Zealand. Surprisingly this
was Jo’s first offshore race and she said, “I am looking
forward to sending her downwind, hopefully the
forecast stays in so we get to Sanya quickly!”
The last boat to make it through the gap was the
Sun Fast 3600 Ymir which was the smallest boat in
the fleet. Crew member Darren Catterall said, “We
may be the smallest boat in the fleet but the boat is
built for downwind, hopefully we arrive in Sanya in
one piece before the beer runs out.”
Once through Lei Yue Mun Gap, the fleet headed
south-east towards Waglan Island then bore away
towards the north-east tip of the Dangan Liedo Island
rounding it to starboard, with the rest of the Lema
Islands. Once past the Lema Islands the fleet headed
south-west to Sanya on the southern tip of Hainan
Island in China.
The current race record for the Volvo Hong Kong
to Hainan Race is 25h 54m 33s set in 2014 by Karl
Kwok’s Beau Geste. Everyone, including FreeFire
owner Sam Chan, was looking to Scallywag breaking
the record. Says Chan, “If we can do it in 24 hours,
they can do it in 12 … and definitely under 18.”
18

Kong to Hainan
19

All boats carried Yellowbrick trackers, which
updated live tracking information at 30 minute
intervals throughout the race, and this could have
been viewed at http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/hkhainantracking.aspx.
Fans could also take part in the race through www.
sailonline.org who bring the virtual version of the
Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race to armchair sailors
around the world. This enabled them to pit their
navigational skills against the real fleet, with the
feed from the Yellowbrick tracker showing the position
of the real yachts overlaid on the virtual race screen.
The challenge was expected to be negotiating the
conditions; Sailonline uses almost real-time weather
downloaded from NOAA and the boat physics are
considered to be the most life-like of any online
simulation.
After the arrival of Scallywag at 12:51:52 yesterday
and their record breaking race with a Line Honours
win of 23h 31m 52s. The next boat to arrive was
Sam Chan’s TP52 FreeFire; she crossed the line at
20:19:54 cementing her position as First in IRC Racer
0, and Second in IRC Racer Overall.
Owner Sam Chan commented on the race, “The race
was fast … well, not as fast as last time but still fast.
We had lighter wind to begin with but very good
wind offshore. We were sailing a VMG around 12 to
13 knots and a much bigger boat speed. We ended
up jibing around four or five times. My top boat
speed was 23.2 knots but another crew member
got 23.8 knots. I think the top wind speed we saw
was close to 3 knots. Yes it was a good race and
I enjoyed it!”
After FreeFire, and ahead of the other TP52 last
night, was Anthony Roots’ Ker Custom 42 Black
Baza finishing at 23:09:54; giving her the win in IRC
Racer Overall and the win in her division, IRC Racer
1. Black Baza has added this victory to her previous
wins in IRC Overall in the 2016 Rolex China Sea Race
and the 2015 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race!
Anthony Root commented on the highs and lows
of the race, “I think the lows of the race were easy,
we had some troubles with various types of gear on
the boat that we had to overcome; there was a point
that we couldn’t get our spinnaker down. The highs;
it’s a terrific to rush to sail down the waves and be
out there in the open water! The biggest high was
when we arrived as we had not realized we had won!
Top boat speed was around 23 knots.”
The last boat to arrive in the IRC Racer 0 Division was
TP52 Standard Insurance Centennial at 00:23:23.
Owner Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echauz said, “It was a very
20

2016 LUXURY JET BOATS
Distributed by Rayomarine Inc.
The Leading Luxury Motorboat and
Sailboat Distributors in the Philippines
27/F World Center Building
330 Sen. G. Puyat Avenue
Makati City Philippines
Tel no: =632 867-8603
info@rayomarine,com
sales@rayomarine.com
21

good race although we got caught in some fishing
nets at 1823 hours on the first evening out. Getting
the nets off was a big challenge as we had to pull
the net up on a halyard with people on the grinders
and then try to cut it off. There were many fishing
nets where we got caught [and] it took us quite a
while to find our way out; we had to go north, then
we had to go west. It was a good thing we had the
Yellow Brick tracker so people knew what we were
doing. Besides the nets it was fantastic sailing; the
wind was very strong downwind and consistent, and
I have never experienced this type of sailing before.”
After the arrival of Standard Insurance Centennial,
the race management team were able to get a bit
of shut eye before the arrival of Fred Kinmonth and
Nick Burns’ Sydney GTS 42 Mandrake III at 9:14:31
next morning morning. Mandrake III went further
offshore than any of the other boats in the fleet
and was able to stay with a great breeze right until
Luhuitou Jiao Point where it turned into a bit of a
drifter for about three hours before they finished.
Fred Kinmonth spoke about the race, “Overall it was
great race, really windy and we had a lovely time.
Everything went absolutely fine although we blew
up three spinnakers, but apart from that we had
great ride down, absolutely no trouble at all. There
was great rapport amongst the crew; most of us
have sailed together for about 14 years.”
With the breeze changing direction, Mark Whitehead
and Andy Lam’s Mills 40 Straight Up came into
Sanya Harbour with the kite up, only changing to
the headsail right before the finish as the breeze
shifted. Straight Up crossed the line at 13:11:43 giving
them a Third in IRC Racer 1.
The final two boats still racing in the Volvo Hong
Kong to Hainan Race were Outlaw and Ymir, which
were estimated to arrive around 1800 hours and
2300 hours respectively.
All boats have now safely crossed the finish line in
the 390nm Category 1 offshore Volvo Hong Kong to
Hainan Race.
The smallest and final boat in the fleet from the
IRC Racer 2 Division to finish was Kjartan Furset’s
Sunfast 3600 Ymir arriving at 23:04:00 on Saturday
night. Also from IRC Racer 2, Adrian Bell’s Azuree
46 Outlaw crossed the line some 5 hours 30 minutes
before Ymir at 17:39:10, taking the win in their
division. Outlaw had a very nice breeze coming into
Sanya of 8-10 knots, unlike the earlier arrivals into Sanya.
Kjartan Furset said, “The race was a bit tough in the
beginning; very bumpy seas. It took a bit to get used
to the boat in these conditions as it was our first real
big downwind race. Surprisingly it wasn’t very wet
on board — the Rolex China Sea Race was far wetter
this year. The first night was a bit rough but the rest
of the sail was beautiful. The highlight of our race
was surfing down the waves in the big rolling swell.
Our top speed was around 18 or 19 knots. One thing
I wish we had done before the race was spend more
time on crew training; we tore a spinnaker and it
would have been good to be more prepared for this.
The last two days of the race were absolutely beautiful,
nice breeze, very, very nice sailing.”
IRC Racer 0 was won by Sam Chan’s TP52 FreeFire
on corrected time of 1d 18h 24m 21s after a fantastic
run. Seng Huang Lee’s 100ft Super Maxi Scallywag
came in second in IRC 0, took Line Honours and
cemented themselves in the record books with a record
of 25h 22m 33s after a very quick race with top
speeds of 34 knots!
IRC Overall and IRC Racer 1 was won by Anthony
Root’s Ker Custom 42 Black Baza. After a cracking
race they arrived at 23:09:5 4 on Friday night ahead
of the last IRC 0 boat, Ernesto Echauz’s TP52
Standard Insurance Centennial.
22

The Leading Luxury
Yacht Distributor
in the Philippines
Rayomarine Premium Sail Boats and Yachts. Explore our extensive range of boat for sale in Philippines.Our brands consists
of Flybridge & V Class Yachts, Sailing Yachts and Catamarans, Sport Cruisers, Ski Wakeboard boats, and Sport Fishing vessels.
Our range of water crafts are built to the highest world class standards in quality, design, durability and engineering, with
only safety, performance, efficiency and depandability in mind.
Robalo
Robalo’s heavy-duty construction and efficient bottom design pays off with a
smooth, comfortable and controllable ride. Whether you choose a Center Console,
Dual Console or Walkaround model, Robalo is the most reliable, durable and
technically designed SUV on the water
Our Partners
Princess
Since the launch of their first 31-footer in 1965, Princess Yachts have been quietly
rewriting the rules of luxury cruising. From their legendary Flybridge range and
thrilling V-Class sports yachts, to their long-range Motor Yachts and ground-breaking
M-Class superyachts. All are unmistakeably Princess.
Hobie
Novurania
As the leading manufacturer of luxury yacht tenders, innovation is apparent in every
model of our comprehensive line of boats. Our in-house engineers, equipped with the
most advanced hardware and software applications, continue to introduce new
models based on the needs of our direct clientele. Leading industry through innovation
has always been paramount at NOVURANIA.
It seems incredible that one man’s vision could provide so much fun for watermen and women
the world over, but in that department, Hobie Alter stands alone. He didn’t just create toys,
he created a way of life, a new way of looking at our watery world. The dream born on the
beach in 1950 has become reality not just for Hobie but for new generations of dreamers, all of
whom continue to spell fun in the sun, the surf and the sand with a flying capital H.
Distributed by Rayomarine Inc. The Leading Luxury Motorboat and Sailboat Distributor in the Philippines
27/F World Center Bldg, 330 Sen. G. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
info@rayomarine. com I sales@rayomarine.com
Phone: +632 867 8603 I www.rayomarine.com
23

Uitemate Join
The Society of
Water Rescue
and Survival
Research has
numerous
documented
examples of
non-swimmers
surviving using
their “Uitemate”
system,
with a number
having survived
the 2011 Tsunami
in Japan.
Uitemate 2016 was conducted at the YMCA
Offices in Ermita Manila on November 12 –
13 and presented by The Society of Water Rescue
and Survival Research from Nagaoka University of
Technology, Nigata, Japan. Bestowed by professors:
Hidetoshi Saitoh and Takahiko Kimura.
Due to their constant commitment to water safety
and drowning prevention, Mr. Roger Bound of
Zambales Lifesaving Inc. was invited to attend this
event, he was also requested to bring potential
candidates to become “Uitemate” Instructors.
Uitemate (pronounced Ui-te-ma-te) from is a
composition derived from 2 Japanese words, “Uite”,
meaning to “float on ones back” and “Mate” meaning
“waiting for assistance to come”.
In English “float and wait (to survive)”, or in Filipino
“lumutang at magantay (upang manatiling buhay)”.
The program was conducted over 2 days. Day one was
composed of lectures and presentations including a
presentation given by Mr. Bound on Water Accident
prevention activities, along with the program Swim-safe
held by Zambales Lifesaving Inc. His performance was
based on years of experience with the lifeguard training.
The Swim-safe program which was designed by them
also on the “float to survive” principal is almost
exactly the same as the Uitemate program.
Day 2 was in water demonstrations, practical training
and assessment of participants as to who would be
issued with Instructor Certificates, 6 of which were
from Zambales Lifesaving Inc.
24

ins s Zambales
25

Old Jack
We asked Mr. Bound his opinion and comments on
the program, --“the program is very good, in fact
very similar to the program we designed and piloted
this last summer for elementary school children, one
of the interesting things that they did, was to let the
students to use plastic bottles for floatation aids
to start with, thus giving them more confidence,
then to discard the floatation assistance once more
comfortable.
This is a very good idea and we will incorporate
into our program. If a person is a complete nonswimmer,
but knows how to float, they can survive
an aquatic accident. The Society of Water Rescue
and Survival Research has numerous documented
examples of non-swimmers surviving using their
“Uitemate” system, with a number having survived
the 2011 Tsunami in Japan. This program has been
taught to thousands of people in Japan over the last
several years.
26
It is really encouraging to know that we are defiantly
on the right track with our program, which was
featured in the June Edition of your magazine, I had
a copy with me that I presented to Professor Saitoh,
he was quite impressed and very happy to receive it.
Lastly I congratulate the Society of Water Rescue
and Survival Research, that they are interested to
travel to other countries, such as the Philippines
which have such alarming drowning statistics and
share their knowledge and information for free.

Live bait fishing
The next event on the Zambales Life Saving calendar
is the Standard Insurance 6th Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge to be held at the Rama International Resort,
Botolan Zambales on January 14th & 15th 2017. A
number of teams from other parts of the Philippines
will be there to compete in the challenge. Also with
Zambales Lifeguard Challenge now being confirmed
as an International event we can expect to see a lot
more international teams competing including the
confirmed entry of a Lifesaving Team from Griffith
University, on Queensland’s Gold Coast in Australia.
If you want further information on how to increase
water safety in your area contact Roger Bound on
+63918-922-2863 or email slszambales@gmail.
com.
27

2016 Div
The show offers
the local
market greater
opportunities,
not only to
promote the
Philippines as
a top diving
destination,
but to also
advertise their
own business to
a much wider
audience.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
28

e Show
The Philippines, which has some of the best
diving sites in the world, hosted the second
Diving & Resort Travel Expo. This 3 day event was
held from 9th September to the 11th September
2016 at the SM Megatrade Hall in Pasay, Philippines.
This event showcases products from Marine & Boat,
Travel & Tourism industries, and promotes the ever
growing diving industry in the Philippines.
The DRT Show is considered to be the largest gathering
for diving enthusiasts, marine conservationists and
anyone with a passion for the underwater world.
The DRT Show considered to be one of the major
gatherings in Asia Pacific for diving enthusiasts,
marine conservationists and anyone with a passion
for the underwater world, has now been met with
an overwhelming response as an important regional
event. And is fully supported by the Department
of Tourism, top-level exhibitors and leading dive
equipment manufacturers, water sport equipment
manufacturers, dive resorts, tourism boards, marine
conservation and diving organizations. DRT Show
greatly promotes trading and export business and
has become the most important and ‘MUST VISIT’
diving equipment and diving destination event in
the Philippines.
29

C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
The diving industry in the Philippines is far from
new, with scuba diving operators being around for
more than 30 years. Experiencing a massive growth
over the past six years which has been noticed and
promoted by Active Boating and Watersports Magazine
The Philippines was more than ready for a
comprehensive Dive expo and came to the notice of
the organizers and the inaugural show was held in
2015 with a huge and resounding success.
CMY
K
30
The show offers the local market greater opportunities,
not only to promote the Philippines as a top diving
destination, but to also advertise their own business to
a much wider audience. There are a few facts which
might come as a surprise to some people. Such as,
the local middle class, even though small compared
to the western world, is plentiful. The locals just
need to be offered the right packages that they will
find attractive. The expat community in Manila is
huge as well. This community has a lot of spare time
on their hands and grabs every opportunity they see
to visit new and exciting places in the country. Many
of the expats are here on 2 or 3 years contracts,
working for big companies, and they want to make
the most of it while they are here. The dive show has
now given these people the opportunity to see what
is on offer all under one roof.

Organized by:
Supported by:
Media Partners:
Sponsor:
31

32
All of the exhibitors at this year’s expo were keen to
get the word out and a huge amount of promotional
bargains were on offer from top exhibitors such
as Raid, Amundo, Scuba Gear and the many dive
resorts. 2016 was a resounding success and we can
look forward to an even bigger and better event
on the 8th to 10th September 2017 featuring
exhibitors such as dive equipment and manufacturers,
water sport equipment and suppliers, wholesalers,
exporters, retailers, dive organizations and institutions,
diver training certification agencies, dive clubs,
travel agencies, tourism board, hotels and dive resorts,
live-aboard dive operators, underwater photography
and videography and commercial diving companies.
Plus much more. So be sure to put the 2017 DRT
show on your must to do list. Further information
and updates can be found at: http://www.philippinesdiveexpo.com/thedrtshow.php

33

Cruisingt
Of the
7,100+
islands in
the country
4000 are
inhabited by
humans. By
contrast, in
Japan there
are an estimated
6,852
islands, but
only 400 are
inhabited.
Words by
BRUCE
CURRAN
Photographs
as credited
Along the “Bamboo Corridor” the sailing
grounds are as good as anywhere on our
planet. The sea passages begin off Myanmar, continue
down the west coasts of Thailand and Malaysia, then
cross east through the northern tip of the Indonesian
archipelago and along the north coast of Borneo with
Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah as well as offshore islands
as great destinations, before the tropical magic of the
Philippine islands takes you further into cruising
paradise. The “Bamboo Corridor” should be on everyone’s
cruising list.
The cruise along the northern coastline of Sabah
going east from Kota Kinabalu City is a unique
experience, since you get a magnificent view of the
highest mountain in South East Asia looming high and
mighty inland … Mount Kinabalu especially at sunset or
sunrise it is a truly soulful and spiritual encounter.
It is 30 miles from the last Malaysian island to the
first one in Philippine waters, with Balabac Island lying
off the southern tip of the main Palawan Island.
Palawan actually sports 1,780 islands in all, which
makes up a ¼ of all the islands in the Philippine
archipelago totalling 7,107.
There is a suitable anchorage on the south eastern
side of Balabac Island off Cape Melville, which has a
magnificent Spanish lighthouse built in the 1890s to
welcome you with its majestic and classical European
light tower at the start of your visit.
Then there is the choice of cruising up the Palawan
Passage to the West of the main island, or to trip
through some reef areas and islands off the East coast.
The WEST COAST Route:
The deep Palawan Passage (watch out for whale
sightings) is a major shipping route.
Sailing in the main passage takes you offshore and
away from the continuous reefs that run all along the
west coastline, but after several hours it is possible to sail
closer to the shoreline and several anchorages exist that
are best taken if the winds are blowing offshore.
Then the perfectly sheltered long and inviting Ulugan
Bay is a good resting spot.
Just up the coast from here is one of the newly declared
‘Wonders of the Natural World’, named the St Paul’s
Underground River by a British ship Captain, since the
main stalactite and stalagmite cavern reminded him of
St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Now they like to call it
the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Either way it
is an essential visit, with a possible anchorage off the
beach near the entrance, where the river runs several
kilometres under the mountain and can be accessed with
34

Coral
Carpet
the
35

guides by paddle boats, after you have passed the area
where wild monkeys and large monitor lizards hang out
and will enhance your experience in this amazing area of
the “Bamboo Corridor”.
To the north lies a set of islands surrounding Port Barton,
worthy of a stop with some protected anchorage areas
and a number of restaurants and bars in a resort or three.
Further up lies the longest single beach in the entire
country on the edge of Imuran Bay, with many good
anchorage spots and all with the beautiful backdrop of
the main Palawan Island riddled with mountainous and
forested scenery.
Next comes the Malampaya Sound, being brackish
water due to being fed by umpteen rivers and streams,
and is home to the only pod of Irrawaddy Dolphins
that live in the country.
Then begins some real magic, with the cruise into the
endless scenic attractions fuelled by mountainous limestone
cliffs on a multitude of islands in the area known
as El Nido, which is a true cruising paradise. There are
anchorages galore, island and mainland resorts to suit all
pockets, and the whole area has a magic all of its own.
Paradise doesn’t stop here, and after a scenic cruise
to the northern tip of the main Palawan island, you
enter a group of 128 islands known as the Calamian
Islands, which I have named “the Jewel in the Crown”
of the Philippine Islands in my cruising guide book
titled ‘Combing the Coral Carpet’.
Besides having ¼ of all the islands in the Philippines,
Palawan is inhabited by only 1% of the total population
36

SEE YOU AT THE
SEPT. 9-11, 2016 SM MEGAMALL
37

in the country estimated at just over 100,000,000. Of
the 7,100+ islands in the country 4000 are inhabited by
humans. By contrast, in Japan there are an estimated
6,852 islands, but only 400 are inhabited.
There are a plethora of all sorts of exotic anchorages,
as well as many resorts on islands big and small in this
veritable cruising ground. Near the coast off the south
eastern end of Busuanga Island there are hot volcanic
springs which are an ideal place to rest weary cruising
limbs before taking off on the next session of water
cruising.
To the NE of Busuanga Island lies the famed and well
protected Apo Reef, preserved for nature for many many
moons already, where the coral and the underwater life
has a chance to thrive provided responsible shipping
does not run aground.
Best to hire a dive boat to go there, available from
several resorts and dive operations in Busuanga, and
even from Mindoro Island in and around Pandan Island.
Pandan Island has a neat resort, ‘foreign’ owned. They
know the area intimately if you need the inside edge!
Paluan Bay on the NW tip of Mindoro island is a pleasant
anchorage surrounded by nature and just the locals.
Through the Calavite Channel brings you to the ancient
Spanish favoured anchorage of Puerto Galera on the NE
tip of Mindoro. The welcoming Puerto Galera Yacht Club
is the focus for the cruising fraternity wishing to glean
more about where to go to experience more and more
of this endless paradise.
•Going north from here you head towards Manila, or
further north still to Subic Bay.
•Going East and south you start to explore the magic
islands within the Sibuyan Sea.
This end of the “Bamboo Corridor” is truly a pleasure
and a rich treasure for all those who are willing and able
and committed to experience sail cruising at its very best.
The advice is …. Go close those doors on land and raise
those sails at sea … and tune in to nature at its finest!
38

39

40

41

EASTERN
42

DESTINATION
VISAYAS
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
Many visitors to the Philippines will be
familiar with the main islands of the
Eastern Visayas — Samar, Leyte and the much
smaller Biliran — without actually having been
there. Known in local government parlance as
Region VIII it faces the Philippine Sea to the east
and further east lies the Pacific Ocean, source of
a great deal of anguish during the typhoon season.
For most of the year, however, the weather is
benign with bright, sunny skies of a vibrant
blue, occasionally broken by a few clouds, scudding
playfully before a gentle breeze.
Samar itself is the easternmost island in the Visayas,
and the third largest island in the Philippines.
It is separated from Leyte by the San Juanico
Strait, which at its narrowest point is only about
two km across. This strait, with its whirlpools
and a smattering of islets offering magnificent
views is crossed by the San Juanico Bridge, the
country’s longest. For the geographically challenged,
Samar is southeast of Luzon’s Bicol Peninsula
and is separated from the country’s largest island
by the San Bernadino Strait.
Take an exciting
river ride in a
dug-out boat at
the Ulot Watershed
Ecotourism
Loop in Paranas.
Or be thrilled as
expert boatmen
maneuver a
torpedo boat
between imposing
rocks as they
progress up and
down stream on
the Ulot River.
43

EASTERN VISAYAS
Calbayog Zipline
To the south of Samar is the Leyte Gulf, the site of
the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the most decisive
Pacific theater naval battles during the Second
World War. The gulf opens into the Philippine Sea.
As the commercial and cultural center of Eastern
Visayas, Tacloban City on Leyte provides easy
access to several of the island’s magnificent whitesand
beaches, which lure growing number of local
and overseas tourists each year without ever seeming
to be crowded.
Samar province, too, has her share of nature’s
bounty. Among the jewels which entice visitors
and locals are the unexplored mountains and caves
with their exotic wildlife, pristine shores rimmed
by unspoiled coral reefs, cloud-hidden lakes of
blue surrounded by multi-colored flowers and
beautiful beaches and waterfalls nestled beside a
mountain.
Malajog Zip Line
The Malajog Ridge Zipline and Nature Park, is
Calbayog City’s newest tourist attraction. The
Nature Park was opened to the public on March
27th, 2016, and the zipline adventure ride was
opened not long after. Zip from Malajog Ridge
Point across the ocean to Daraga Islet, one of
those harmless little specks of land which serves
no purpose other than the amusement of man,
(although I dare say the flora and the marine life
may not agree), opposite Malajog Beach.
As splendid as all that seems, there is a bit of work
to be done to reach the zip line starting point.
There’s no avoiding the trek along the Malajog
Ridge nature trail which crosses volcanic and
limestone formations and passes through dense
jungle that conceals many crevices, hidden caves
and some simply stunning views along the way.
The length of the eco-trail is about 1,850 meters
and there are over 830 steps to be clambered up
before reaching the zip line summit, where the
line begins. It is hot and tiring work and visitors
are urged to bring plenty of water, apply a liberal
coat of sunscreen and be sensible enough not
to undertake this trek without being certain of
finishing it in one piece. It may be hard work to
reach the zip line but the ride back down is simply
exhilarating.
The zip line, which costs about P200, covers a
distance of some 850 meters and is considered
the country’s first “mountain to island” zip line
by local experts: it is also one of the longest in
the country. The zip trip lasts nearly 1 minute and
10 seconds. The zip line and nature trail are part
of the Malajog Tourism Development Project. The
nature trail provides four separate areas along the
trail for picnics, to rest, or for shelter from the
elements should the weather suddenly turn nasty.
It is sure to be fun for the entire family, but there
is a cautionary note. The Zip line is not available
to persons under the age of 15 years old.
44

45

VI-
Lo-ok Beach in
Calbayog
Ulot RiverEASTERN
On the western side of Samar, nature-lovers will
find unusual landscapes and a whole lot of spelunking
sites; after all they don’t call Samar the “Caving
Center of the Philippines” for nothing!
The more adventurous traveller will become giddy
at the thought of Samar’s numerous cave systems
and the chance to get up close ad personal with
them. Among its most famous are the Sohoton
Caves, a two-hour trip from the town of Basey.
The 840-hectare park, which surrounds the cave
system, features limestone walls, a natural rock
bridge, underground rivers, lush forests and caves
with stunning and expansive interiors. There’s
also the Langun-Gobingub Cave in Calbiga, one
of the largest karst caves in Southeast Asia.
Swimming spots, too, are generously spread
throughout the area. The biggest problem most
newcomers face is deciding where to go first,
which isn’t a bad problem to have. Lo-ok Beach
in Calbayog City boasts icy blue waters facing the
Samar Sea and natural rock formations that present
a more rugged beach-going experience.
Remember to pick up a ticog mat, (they’re
surprisingly cheap, comfortable and are generally
quite durable), to place over the sand for those
seaside picnics; ticog is made from a local weed
that, when woven, makes smooth and supple
mats, tote bags, and home and office furnishings.
Take an exciting river ride in a dug-out boat at
the Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop in Paranas.
Or be thrilled as expert boatmen maneuver a
torpedo boat between imposing rocks as they
progress up and down stream on the Ulot River.
And dare to plunge into the waters by leaping
from one of the huge boulders.
46
Bahandi 700/Wikimedia Commons

Lawrence Ruiz/Wikimedia Commons
Those in the mood for something with more
kick should check out Samar’s waterfalls. The
Bangon-Bugtong Falls cascade elegantly into a
large circular pool, while the fun Mawacat Slide
lets all comers zoom down a mossy passageway
into the sparkling waters below. A highlight of
the Lulugayan Falls and Rapids is the strong and
thundering current that feeds into the Calbiga
River and makes for thrillingly enjoyable white
water rafting.
And while here, make sure not to bypass the quiet
towns of Marabut and Daram. Marabut rewards its
visitors with islets fit for snorkelling and diving, as
well as the rock islands that artfully jut out from
the sea, as if carefully placed by an unseen sculptor.
Have a close encounter of the best kind with
colourful fish and rare giant clams while snorkelling
at Agutay Island in Daram.
Sohoton Caves
The Sohoton Caves, located within the Sohoton
National Park, is a cathedral-like dome with an
entrance that’s almost a parabolic arch about fiftymeters
high. There is a flat, open area near the
entrance, about twenty meters wide and fiftymeters
long. Spike-shaped crystalline stalactites
reach languorously down from the ceiling and
the rustic and cavernous walls while stalagmites
jut up perkily from the cave floor. At the far end
of the cave are a Juliet-like window cum balcony
overlooking the natural swimming pool below.
Experiencing Sohoton Caves is like a flashback to
a very distant time, or being marooned in a galaxy
far, far away.
Sohoton Caves, or more accurately, (to give it
its correct title), the Sohoton Natural Bridge
National Park, can be found at Rawis near Basey,
Samar. Within the 840 hectare park, fascinating
geological features such as caves, limestone
boulders, rock-holes, weathered formation rocks
and underground rivers form an uneasy alliance
with nature. The National Park is reached by
chartering a boat in Tacloban or, more cheaply, in
Basey, Samar.
Basey is about 45 minutes by car from Tacloban.
Tours to the National Park start at the Basey pier,
where a pump boat, tour guide, and light men
Entrance to
Sohoton Cave
Stalactites inside
Sohoton Cave
47

48

49

EASTERN VISAYAS
Sto. Niño Shrine and
Heritage Museum
Langun-Gobingub Cave
50
are rented, before the 45-minute ride by boat up
a winding river, passing through small villages;
gracefully swaying nipa palms line the banks as a
motley parade of river craft ply their trade up and
down the river. Nearer to the park, the scenery
changes rather dramatically as river banks with
magnificent limestone walls and overhangs come
into view.
Tacloban
Known as the pearl of Leyte, Tacloban was nearly
destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013,
when pictures of the devastation were beamed
live around the world by news hungry media eager
to capitalise on the suffering and heartbreak of
the local residents. Today, however, when walking
through the center of Tacloban, it is almost
impossible to imagine the extent of the destruction
that greeted the citizens on that fateful morning.
Since then, the city center has largely been rebuilt
and re-building continues still. Hotels have been
repaired or rebuilt; the bars are finally filling up
with locals and tourists instead of just the relief
workers from many parts of the globe, who
generously offered their assistance in rebuilding
what remained of the city. And, with credit to the
local citizens, Tacloban has now resumed its role
as the commercial heart of both Leyte and Samar.
Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
The shrine is actually a mansion located in Real
Street, Tacloban, and is one of the mansions the
late president, Ferdinand Marcos, built for his
wife, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, during his sometimes
turbulent, and often controversial, regime. While
Super Typhoon Yolanda caused some damage to
the shrine, the grandeur and extravagance of the
mansion can still be seen by the many visitors
who flock here each day. There is an entrance fee
to the site that is valid for three people, where
sightseers can explore the mansion at a gentle
pace, and bask in the reflected luxury of a bygone
presidential era. Take photos of the decor and listen
to stories — some of which may even be true —
about the Marcoses and the Romualdez family
from the guide/escort on a progress through the
various state and family rooms, the grand ballroom,
past expensive furniture, antiques and other
collections assembled by the Marcos family during
their time in power. For more than a few years
many of those visiting the heritage museum
have been struck by just how much kitsch can be
assembled in one place by those who have the
money to acquire it and the room to house it: a
sort of tasteless conspicuous consumption run rampant.

51

EASTERN VISAYAS
The long and winding
San Juanico Bridge
52
Sto. Niño de
Leyte Fiesta
San Juanico Bridge
With a length of 2.16 km it is the longest bridge
in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar
and Leyte. The bridge can be reached from downtown
Tacloban in 10-15 minutes by bus, passenger
jeepney, multi-cab or private vehicle. Those who
are reasonably fit can enjoy a walk across the
bridge from end to end and experience the vibrations
when a bus or truck passes by. The bridge has a
lane for walkers, joggers and runners on either
side, so pedestrians can enjoy the walk and the
views without being unduly troubled by the passing
traffic. But road traffic in the Philippines is always
a little chaotic, so it’s best to take extra care when
setting up a selfie. The best times to cross the
San Juanico Bridge are in the early morning or
late afternoon when the heat of the sun is not as
excruciating as it is when at its peak.
The Grand Festival of Festivals
Tacloban doesn’t only celebrate its fiesta (Sto.
Niño de Leyte Fiesta: June 30) in a single day,
but Taclobañons and their visitors enjoy several
events related to it throughout June. During
these days, the city becomes just that bit livelier:
parks are transformed into dining outlets and live
performances from various local artists and rock
bands reverberate through the evening, as many
tourists flock to the city to witness the colorful
festivals. A few days before the grand fiesta, tourists
can enjoy the Sangyaw Festival. The grand event
of the Sangyaw Festival is a parade held on the
streets of Tacloban attended by various local
tribes, and participated in by local women and girls
dancing in the streets, wearing colorful costumes and
accessories. There are contests for street dancing
and awards are given for those best in costume,

53

EASTERN VISAYAS
54
McArthur
Landing
Memorial
Park
Original
photo of the
supposed A
Day Landing
best in music and of course for the Sangyaw
Festival Grand Champion.
The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is
organized by the province of Leyte. Delegates
from other famous Philippine festivals, specifically
the Maskara Festival of Bacolod, the Sinulog Festival
of Cebu and the Buyogan Festival of Abuyog also
participate and perform during the Festival of
Festivals to make the event more spectacular. The
Sangyaw Festival and the Pintados Kasadyaan are
just two of the festivals celebrated in Tacloban
that showcase the talent of the residents in terms
of dancing and costumes. These festivals also
provide onlookers with an experience straight
from the pages of history and a chance, however
fleetingly, to experience the culture of Visayas.
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park
The MacArthur Landing Memorial Park is located
in the town of Palo. The memorial park commemorates
one of the most important sea battles of all time
and, also, the legendary words of General Douglas
MacArthur, who famously proclaimed, “I shall return”,
as he was ordered to leave Corregidor to board a
waiting submarine bound for Australia. The Battle
of Leyte Gulf, (October 23–26, 1944), is generally
considered to be the largest naval battle of World
War II and the largest naval battle in history in
terms of the total tonnage of the participating
ships. The monuments of General Douglas
MacArthur, President Sergio Osmeña, Brigadier
General Carlos P. Romulo and others mark the
spot where they landed, with the American
Liberation Forces, on 20 October 1944, to begin
the Battle of Leyte Gulf and thence to liberate the
Philippines from Japanese forces.
The memorial is not only one of the most famous
in country, but also in the world, as it symbolizes
the beginning of the end of World War II in the
Pacific. Leyteños and veterans from all over the
world annually celebrate the Leyte Landing
Anniversary. The government of Leyte organize
various activities throughout October, including
a re-enactment of the Leyte Gulf Landing,
commemorative awards for the surviving veterans,
a memorial ceremony for Japanese veterans,
and other observance programs. There’s also a
marathon or fun run, but that’s for the more
sprightly. To witness the annual re-enactment of
the Leyte Landing, go to Palo in October. Visitors
can, of course, spend some quiet, reflection
time at the monuments and the memorial park
throughout the year.
Kananga
Kananga is a first class municipality in the province
of Leyte. The majority of Kananga’s economic
activity has historically been concentrated in
agriculture. Some are engaged in commerce and

trade since the town is geographically close to
the commercially progressive nearby city of Ormoc
and coastal town of Palompon, Leyte. The town’s
main crops are coconut and rice.
Palompon, Leyte
Palompon is a port city serving the region of north
western Leyte. The port itself has undergone some
much needed modernisation recently, making it
busier, more relevant to shippers and a leading
generator of employment in the area. Available
figures point to there being a net outflow of
citizens, i.e. emigration to Cebu and Manila, or
even abroad, as there is simply insufficient local
employment to meet demand, which is something
of a problem throughout Region VIII.
The education programs offered by the highly
acclaimed Palompon Institute of Technology,
(PIT), which focus on marine transportation and
engineering are, unintentionally, contributing to
this trend by producing highly trained and qualified
graduates with little prospect of work close to
home. Chronic underemployment is, however,
a nation wide problem and arguably the single
most significant factor preventing the country
from achieving its full economic potential.
The city is easy to get around and local residents
go about their business without undue haste
or concern in the rather colorful and attractive
business center.
There is not a lot to do in Palompon. Some of the
older ‘historic’ sites around the city were sacrificed
to the gods of modernization in an era when
preserving history for posterity was seriously out
of favor with swaggering politicians and unscrupulous
developers. The Palompon Liberty Park remains
largely unscathed and is a favorite spot for residents
and visitors to relax and spend time in quiet
contemplation as others stride purposefully by,
barking into their cellular phones.
While the Justinians may have been the first of
the Spanish to land here some time around 1737,
it wasn’t long before they were supplanted by
the Augustinians, although it’s unlikely the local
tribes noticed much in the way of improvement in
their daily life. A useful legacy of the Augustinians
is what is now Leyte’s oldest church, completed
here in 1784 after 44 years of hard labor.
There is also a canon in the town plaza to
commemorate the week long battle between the
local townspeople, who sought shelter in the
recently completed church, and Moro raiders,
which took place in the late 17th century.
Try to visit in early November so and be part
of the exciting Abre Grande Festival. Activities
Kayak Racing in
Palompon
Kalanggaman
Island in Palompon
55

EASTERN VISAYAS
56
Kalanggaman
Sandbar
included in the festival are two tri-sport events,
and a 15km kayak marathon. Abre Grande marks
the beginning of a series of festivities that lead
up to the Palompon Lawig Festival in December.
There are environmental, cultural and social
activities such as a coastal clean-up, an iron-man
triathlon race where competitors swim a set
distance before a lengthy bicycle ride, which in
turn is followed by a rather gruelling run. There’s
the somewhat less taxing ‘fun for all combo race’
including kayaks and SUP’s, a single boat race,
a pedicab race and, of course, culminating with
a lively concert. This festival presents a fantastic
opportunity to enjoy a variety of competitive
sports on the pristine beaches and picturesque
hills of this beautiful part of Leyte.
Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman has been described as the ‘quintessential
tropical island’ with its sweeping sandbar and
clear water. The island is an escapists dream
as there are no hotels. Most visitors prefer to
pitch a tent and camp on the beach and let
nature’s soothing spirit and rather stunning
sea views by day and by night surround them.
The island is about an hour’s boat ride from
Palompon. It is important for visitors to check
details, costs and facilities at the Palompon
Office for Eco-Tourism, which is found near the
Municipal Hall, adjacent to Liberty Park. Summer
visitors should wear appropriate clothing against
the sun, sun screen, and to prepare both mentally
and physically for the relentless heat. Then be
enchanted by the beauty that this island has to
offer.
Lantaw
This is the ideal spot for a perfect view of the
sunset over Palompon. Lantaw, with its viewing
platform, is built on a hill beside the road from
Palompon to Isabel. There’s a walk of 100m from
the road, but when this majestic place is reached
there is a perfect, unobstructed view over Palompon
and the sea. There is a pleasant terrace with tables
and chairs for rent, with food and drinks available
for the peckish and the thirsty. Simply sit back
and enjoy delicious satē and cold beer while basking
in the glorious sunset.
Ormoc, Leyte
The coastal City of Ormoc, more generally
referred to as simply Ormoc, is the center of
commerce and industry of western Leyte. It is a
showcase of progress and development despite
its somewhat turbulent past as a ‘whipping boy’
for Moro pirates keen to plunder the sea trade
local residents had steadily built with Malay and
Chinese merchants.
From its unimposing beginnings as a small town of
mainly dirt roads interspersed with a few asphalt
streets in the center of town during the 1950s,

57

EASTERN VISAYAS
Queen pineapple
plantation in
Kanaga-Ormoc
58
Ormoc has metamorphosed into a modern, urban
environment replete with concrete and glass
buildings and some much needed and meaningful
infrastructure. Wide, well maintained roads and
bridges mean that Ormoc has, for the most
part, avoided the frustrating rush-hour delays
that plague most of the country’s leading cities.
There are well-equipped government and private
hospitals and clinics to cater for the sick, a more
than serviceable airport, banking and financing
institutions, commercial organisations, housing
projects, factories and industrial plants … ample
evidence of what a provincial city can achieve
when people work together to get things done,
rather than bicker endlessly over how the revenue
pie will be distributed. Ormoc is now fast becoming
a regional development hub. With its strategic
geographical location, it serves as a gateway to
the Eastern Visayas, and this has led to further
economic growth and opportunity. Although the
city’s initial early and rapid development was
largely attributed to the many peripheral activities
spawned by the PNOC Geothermal Power production
project in Tongonan, few will argue against that
development, which was necessary to accommodate
the rising number of people and businesses
in the area.
Today, Ormoc City is a picture of steady progress
and stability. Each year more and more investors
are coming to the city, and the vast majority of
them like what they see, which contributed to Ormoc
being judged some years ago as the ‘2005 Most
Business-Friendly City in the Visayas’ by the
prestigious Philippine Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. And although the city has embarked on a
programme of planned modernization, it has also
kept in tune with its environmentally responsible
protection programs. To this end Ormoc has been
a consistent ‘Cleanest and Greenest City’ awardee
in Region VIII and one of the Cleanest and Greenest
Cities in the country. This prestigious award is a
leading tribute to showcase Ormoc as a “beauty
by the bay”, a wonderful place to visit for business
or pleasure.
Hang out at local watering holes like cozy cafés,
restobars, snackbars, and restaurants at the Ormoc
City Plaza, near Ormoc City Superdome and the
old Executive Building — or head to the public
market and try native fare like pacdol, (a clear

oth with carabao knee meat), at Doro’s
carinderia. And for the most mouthwatering BBQ
in the Philippines, a visit to the Ormoc Bus
Terminal any evening is de rigeur. There are two
terminals and after 6pm terminal one closes and
becomes the venue for what is, by any standard,
a pretty good BBQ.
Lake Danao
The violin-shaped Lake Danao, a pristine
148-hectare inland lake is surrounded by the
verdant mountains and invigorating cool air of a
Natural Park and just a thirty minute drive from
the city. Enjoy a picnic and banca ride or go
biking and examine local flora and fauna, all
the while soaking up the area’s hard-to-beat
tranquility. The lake is also quite popular for boating,
kayaking and a spot of fishing, although visiting
fishermen should release any fish they catch in
the lake.
Lakes Kasudsuran and Janagdan complete the
three beautiful lakes of Ormoc. The 5-hectare
Lake Kasudsuran is located 27 kms northeast of
Ormoc City on the fringe of virgin forest around
barangay Ga-as. Lake Kasudsuran is also a place
to explore for visitors to Ormoc. The lake is a
Pintados
Kasadyaan
Festival
Aerial view of Tacloban
59

VISAYAS
Lake Kasudsuran
Lake DanaoEASTERN
beauty to behold with surrounding fresh green
trees and vegetation, and a calm and serene
atmosphere.The lake is only accessible by foot.
Mt. Janagdan, sits rather majestically atop a plateau
1,000 m. above sea level.
Queen Pineapple
The ‘Queen’ pineapple was, apparently, named
in honor of Queen Victoria. This seems unlikely
as many experts have described the queen
pineapple as ‘small and juicy’ and it has been a
long time since either adjective sat comfortably with
modern images of the queen … perhaps when
she was younger. The name, like the pineapple
itself, was imported and both have remained firm
favorites within the Philippines.
The Queen Pineapple is Ormoc’s most famous
product and an essential purchase for pasalubong,
(gifts for friends at home). Savor its unparalleled
sweetness with juicy slices fresh from the pineapple
plantations north of the city in Kananga, which
can be visited providing arrangements are made
beforehand.
Important commercial varieties of pineapple include
“Smooth Cayenne”, which is the most popular
pineapple used in the canning industry, the yellow
“Queen”, which is cultivated for eating fresh, as
well as those varieties in the Spanish group, “Red
Spanish” likewise being suitable for eating fresh.
Baybay City, Leyte
Baybay City is a major port on the central west
coast of the province of Leyte. Fondly known
as, “A Place of Discovery, Beauty, and Serenity”,
Baybay is one of the major transportation hubs
for the region, as the port has ferries running to
Cebu and to other islands in the Visayas. For those
who want to see more of the countryside they’re
passing through, air-conditioned buses regularly
depart the main terminal and then spread like
veins through the Eastern Visayas to Tacloban,
Ormoc, Southern Leyte, north to Manila, and as
far south as Davao.
Baybay is an easy 93km drive from Tacloban, and
proudly displays its many beautiful, historic, cultural,
and natural attractions for those who take the
time to come here. The Seaside Promenade is one
of Baybays’ historical landmarks, and one of the
best places on Leyte to see the magnificent Visayan
sunsets, with many locals and tourists gathering
on the promenade to pay homage. While walking
around the city, the Veterans’ Memorial, the
park, the church, and the heritage houses which
are within the central district of the city are quite
noticeable.
Baybay literally means beach, so it stands to reason
that its major tourist magnet is a stretch of beach
that would shame some of the country’s better
known beaches. Baybay may not be as wellknown
as other popular white sand island beaches
60

61

EASTERN VISAYAS
Mt. Pangasugan
62
in a country somewhat over endowed with
spectacular beaches coated in fine, powder-like
sand, but what it offers is its natural charm and
privacy far from the madding crowd.
Mt. Pangasugan
Is one of the recognized mountains in Leyte. Mt.
Pangasugan stands approximately 1,150m tall
and is considered as “the last forest frontier in
Eastern Visayas.” Many years ago, this mountain
was the venue of the Visayas Mountain Festival
organized by the Mountaineering Federation of the
Philippines, Inc. Those who are fit and experienced
can trek to the summit of Mt. Pangasungan, but
its somewhat isolated location means it is not a
recommended trek for beginners.
Bakwitan River and Falls
Is for the more adventurous, those who wish to
explore the cavernous chambers of Lintaon Cave,
take a refreshing dip in the rejuvenating waters
of the Bakwitan Falls, or paddle down Ambacan
River.
Visayas State University
VSU-Isabel is located in the progressive town of
Isabel, Leyte, which is 76 km northwest of the
VSU main campus which is sited in Baybay.
The Visayas State University (VSU) is a premier
university of science and technology in the Visayas.
It has qualified for Level IV Reaccreditation from
the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges
and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP)
in its eight academic programs including Bachelor
of Animal Science, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness,
Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of
Secondary Education, Masters of Science in Agriculture,
and in Education, Masters of Agricultural
Development in Agriculture, and in Education.
It was established in June 20, 1971 as Isabel Rural High
School by virtue of Republic Act 4583. Seven
years after its inception, the school was converted
into Isabel National Agricultural and Vocational
School (INAVS). The establishment of the Leyte
Industrial Development Estate, a Special Economic
Zone that has the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Inc.
(PhilPhos) and the Philippine Associated Smelting
and Refining Corporation (PASAR) has spurred
the flourishing of the industries in the locality.
Based within the campus are several agricultural
research and training centers: the Philippine Root
Crop Research and Training Center, (PhilRootcrops);
National Abaca Research Center (NARC);
National Coconut Research Center (NCRC) -
Visayas; Farm and Resource Management Institute
(FARMI); Philippine Carabao Center (PCC); and
Agricultural Training Institute - National Training
Center (ATI-NTC) - Visayas.
Maasin
Legend has it that navigator and explorer
Ferdinand Magellan, on his way from Limasawa
to Cebu, dropped anchor in the Canturing River
in 1521 to replenish his dwindling stock of fresh
water. His men found the taste of the water salty,
which led to the name Maasin.
The Jesuits founded the Maasin Settlement in
1700; and once again the Augustinians then took
over from 1848-1896. Ancient Maasin soon
became the hub of business and government
activity from Palompon to Hinunangan after
becoming a town in 1755. A fiscal’s office, a court
of First Instance, (“Administrador de Hacienda”),
which is equivalent to the office of Treasurer today
was then established in the newly minted town.
When Southern Leyte became a province, Maasin
was made the provincial capital and seat of the
lone congressional district. The municipality was
elevated to city status on August 10, 2000.

Now, a budding city discovering its potential
and many advantages, Maasin City is opening
its doors with the promise of a memorable
experience for tourists, travellers, and entrepreneurs.
Some of the city’s more interesting spots are: the
City Forest Park, which is currently being groomed
to be the city’s convention capital; the Cacao
Mountain Resort; the beach resorts dotting the
coastline from Barangay Pugaling to Ma. Clara;
the country’s tallest shrine of the Assumption of
Mary on Jalleca Hills in Barangay Mantahan; and
of course, the triple eco-treat of Cagnituan —
a huge subterranean cave, cool waterfall, and a
refreshing lagoon. This wonderfully impressive
grotto can be found in Barangay Cagnituan,
15 km from the city and 276m above sea level;
it’s a bit of a climb but well worth the effort.
Entrepreneurs might also appreciate the current
construction of an integrated public market — an
addition to the city’s developing economic zones.
Visayas State University
63

EASTERN VISAYAS
Cagnituan
subterranian river
64
Sogod
Sogod (pronounced “suɡud”), officially the
municipality of Sogod, is a municipality in the
province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. The
name has its origins in the Cebuano word, sogod,
meaning “to start.” Founded as a Catholic mission
station by the Society of Jesus in 1601, Sogod
became a regular municipality on June 10, 1853.
According to the 2015 National Statistics Office
(NSO) census, it has a population of 44,986
inhabitants.
Sogod is to be found on the Southern Leyte
section of the Pan-Philippine Highway, 126 km
south of Tacloban City. Rugged mountains envelop
most of the town’s northern terrain with many rivers
winding through the southern lowlands. These
rivers sustain the production of rice, corn,
coconuts, tobacco, abaca and root crops. Quarrying
firms in the river of Subangdaku greatly affect the
economic performance of Sogod.
The municipality is home to Southern Leyte State
University (SLSU) Main Campus and Saint Thomas
Aquinas College (STAC), one of the oldest parochial
schools in the province, established in 1946.
Sogod is becoming increasingly popular with divers
for the range and diversity of its marine life.
Diving in Sogod
Sogod Bay is an underwater paradise. These gentle
waters host a profusion of beautiful marine life —
all waiting to be explored in uncrowded dive sites.
With exceptional reefs, divers revel in gardens of
coral, steep drop-offs, shelves and walls, as well as
black sand teeming with macro life.
With dedication to marine conservation, the Sogod
Bay Scuba Resort has sponsored various Marine
Protected Areas throughout Sogod Bay. The
bio-diversity of the marine ecosystem offers visitors
an unforgettable experience. In addition to a
vast array of both soft and hard coral, Sogod Bay
supports aquatic life from tiny pygmy seahorses,
nudi-branches and pipefish to turtles, frogfish,
napoleon wrasse, and even, at the right time of
year, whale sharks. All responsible water sports
enthusiasts are invited and welcome to discover
the pristine waters, virgin reefs and abundant marine
life of Sogod Bay, a place most visitors want to
return to again and again.

Where to Stay
Where ever your travels take you in Samar and
Leyte there are numerous resorts and hotels all
offering an array of services to fit your taste and
budget and very easily located.
Where to Eat
Each Barangay or township has restaurants and
cafes catering for all types of cuisine. Our advice
is to look where the locals go, as usually the food
is delicious and inexpensive. One of the best local
places we encountered in Leyte was the evening
BBQ at Ormoc bus terminal.
towns the bus passes through en-route through
Samar, Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay and Maasin.
Another way of reaching Maasin is to fly into Tacloban
and hop onto an air-conditioned bus to Maasin.
Then again, Philippine Airlines have a daily flight
to Surigao Mindanao, where you can connect
with a ferry to Maasin.
Whichever mode of transport is preferred to
reach these magnificent islands, the end result
will be the same: a memorable holiday among
friendly locals, largely unspoilt scenery, abundant
water sports and spectacular views that will remain
engraved in ‘the little grey cells’ forever.
How to Get There
Depending on the first port of call in the Eastern
Visayas there are a variety of ways to reach Samar
and Leyte, with a number of flights daily to the
islands.
To Samar: Philippine Airlines have 6 flights a week
to Calbayog. For those who want to take in more
of the country and can tolerate a long-ish road
journey, a number of bus operators such as Philtranco
run a daily service.
To get to Tacloban: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and
Philippine Airlines fly there daily, and with over
9 flights a day getting there is not a problem.
Alternatively the bus trip is long and sometimes
beomes a bit tiring, but well worth it to take in
some of the Philippine scenery en-route.
When catching a bus from Manila destined for
Davao, travellers can select any of the cities and
65

Fishing
Is More Fun In
the Philippines
Fishing in the
Philippines is
just as enjoyable
here in
the Philippines
as it is
back home
and you can
use the same
techniques
as you have
become used
to at home.
Words by
JAMES
WEBSTER
Photographs
as credited
If you loved fishing in your native country
and have retired to the Philippines, don’t
despair. The Philippines waters are abundant in
most of the species you are used to with a few
more thrown in.
Its 7,107 islands with almost 11,000 miles of
coastline provide a limitless diversity of fishing
possibilities. Species such as Marlin. Barracuda
and Mackerel can be found from deep oceans and
reefs to inland lakes and rivers. In many cases,
species such as Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish or Darado)
and Snapper that you had to hit the open waters to
catch back home, can be hooked from the shore
here in the Philippines. March and April are the
best months at most sites for good results, however
there are many all year prospects.
If Manila was your choice of abode when moving
to the Philippines, then just 57 mile away is
Calatagan, Batangas, an excellent fishing spot.
The tepid waters and coral reefs of Balayan Bay
and the Verde Island Passage offer a great locale
for huge Giant Trevally and a species you may not
have heard of, the African Pompano which can
grow to 20 kilo.
100 mile from Manila is Subic Bay where sports’
fishing has grown at a great rate in recent years.
Designated fishing areas along the banks of Subic
Bay offer an extensive variety of bottom fish
including Grouper and Snapper and even pelagic
species such as Dorado. By hiring a boat, which
incidentally comes with your own captain, you
are able to venture into open sea and tackle the
66
Lake Caliraya fishing

67

likes of the larger Sail Fish, Blue Marlin, Dorado
and Spanish Mackerel. By asking the operators of
the hotel you are staying or local fisherman for
advice, you will quickly be pointed in the right
direction of endeavor.
Those of you in and around Cebu are in luck
as Cebu is a fisherman’s paradise. Because of a
constant year round water temperature of 27°C-
29°C, no fish species are seasonal with only some
of the smaller fish affected by the slight change
in water temperatures. A 20 kilometer trip from
Cebu City will take you to Naga Baywalk, an
excellent destination for most species of fish,
including Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda and
Dorado. Mactan Island, just a few kilometers off
the coast of Cebu City is one of the Philippines
chief draw cards for both recreational and commercial
fisherman. Bounded by reefs, channels and open
waters, Mactan is home to the most assorted collection
of game fish in the Philippines. It would be no
surprise to venture home with good sized Trevally,
Mackerel, Dorado, Wahoo or Tuna in your bag.
Fishing under the moon is especially fruitful with
reef species such as Grouper feeding more prolifically
during nocturnal hours.
The inland, neighboring freshwater lakes of
Caliraya and Lumot in Cavinti on Luzon provide
a fishing experience unique to Asia. While both
lakes are manmade they harbor prolific numbers
of introduced American Large Mouth Bass with
catches of up to 5 kilos being taken. Both lakes
are wide and deep with yearly Bass Fishing contest
Malabar
Grouper
caught off
Mactan Island
68

Fishing in
Subic Bay
69

eing held on Lake Lumot. They both will provide
an abundance of Tilapia for your dinner table.
Another highly sought after fish species that
are delectable to the palate is the Barramundi
(Apahap in Philippines). They can also be found
in most coastal Philippines waters, estuaries and
rivers. So, the fishing in the Philippines is just
as enjoyable here in the Philippines as it is back
home and you can use the same techniques as
you have become used to at home. No need
to retire from your pastimes because you have
retired to the Philippines.
For the best fishing spots close to your area, and
the spots mentioned here are just the tip of the
iceberg, contact your local fishing club and they
will gladly provide you with all the information you
need including the best places to acquire your fishing
tackle. Most fishing locales have hotels and resorts
nearby and they also will provide information on
best areas for a successful days fishing.
fishingthephilippines.files.wordpress.com
70

Sailing Tips
There should
be a strong
fastening
point near the
hatchway so
that harness
lines can be
slipped on
before the
crew leaves
the cabin.
You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing technobabble,
and what little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no
more. This continuing series of articles is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats,
as well as common sailing techniques, terms and definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware,
and much more. This will keep you informed about most things you will need before you begin your own
sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor and someone knowlegeable about boats.
Article
excerpts
reprinted
from
the book
CRUISER
HANDLING
by BOB BOND
& STEVE
SLEIGHT
A boat correctly
secured in alongside
berth with the warps
rigged both bow
and stern
72
Fender types
Equipment for Berthing
Your boat is probably going to have to spend a good
deal of its life berthed alongside a quay or pontoon.
It is therefore crucial to know how to secure it properly
to prevent it from moving around and damaging
both itself and other craft. You will also need the
proper equipment with which to secure it – good
quality rope warps fenders of a suitable size and
shape for your boat that are strong enough to withstand
chafe on rough walls, and cleats and fairleads
fixed to your boat, sturdily made and securely bolted
on. All the equipment should be checked regularly
for signs of wear and tear, if you do not wish to
find yourself adrift one night in the middle of a
gale. In normal circumstances, you would choose a
berth which is sheltered from the full force of wind
and waves, but now and again you may have no
alternative. Any equipment must be strong enough
to withstand considerable pressure. Make sure that
any knots you tie will not come undone.

Fenders
Fenders are usually made of plastic, although
you do get rope ones occasionally. They are hung
over the side of the boat, tied to stanchions or
grabrails, and are carefully positioned to prevent the
boat from rubbing against the sides of the berth, or
another boat. They come in a variety of shapes and
sizes to suit the needs of different boats and berthing
situations. You will need at least four large fenders on
board, preferably more, they are however bulky and
take up a lot of space. Since only the widest part of
the boat normally touches the side of the berth, you
need only to position them where the side of
the boat and berth meet. If you are berthed up
alongside an uneven quay wall, you may find it best
to hang a fender board (a wooden plank) outside
the fenders, to spread the load correctly and protect
the boat.
Cleats and fairleads
The cleats on your boat should be as large as possible,
since the larger the cleat the less wear this is on the
warp. There should be no sharp edges to it, and every
boat should be equipped with at least four deck
cleats which can be used for mooring. Bigger boats
will need more. If the warps are under great strain,
you should have a Sampson post. Your boat should
have a fairlead on either side, at the bow and stern,
so that the warps do not rub against the stanchions
or the rigging. The fairleads can be open or closed
at the top, although the closed type are safer since
the warp cannot slip out accidently.
coming alongside. The bow and the stern lines have
to be strong enough to carry the main load of the
boat and long enough to allow for any rise and fall
of the tide, roughly three times the tidal range. Two
other warps, rigged as springs, prevent the boat from
moving backwards and forwards, and from rubbing
against the side of the berth. These don’t need to
be as long as the bow and stern lines; one and a half
times the tidal range is sufficient. The bow and stern
lines and the springs need adjusting as the tide rises
and falls. The bow and stern lines, provided they are
long enough, need only be adjusted at half tide; the
springs may need more adjustment. If you are going
to leave your boat unattended for some time, you
must make sure you have left enough length on the
lines to allow for the tidal range. When lying alongside
a quay or wall do not lead the springs through or
under the rails, but take them instead through the
fairleads and then outside the rigging.
Preventing chafe
No matter how strong your warps, you will find
that they chafe against the sides of the boat and
berth unless adequately protected. Since warps are
expensive to replace, make sure you cover the parts
likely to get worn with plastic tubing. Although the
tension on the line should keep the tubing in place,
you can lash it in place with a light line if you prefer.
Warps
The warps used for berthing a boat serve different
functions. Two warps, which form the bow and stern
lines, position the boat correctly in the berth, and
are used by the crew to control the boats sped when
Use plastic tubing to
prevent chafing
Left: Deck layout
with cleats and
sampson post
Lower left: A fender
board positioned
correctly outside the
fenders
Inset: Use at least
three fenders
73

74

75

Round Taal Vol
There should
be a strong
fastening
point near the
hatchway so
that harness
lines can be
slipped on
before the
crew leaves
the cabin.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited:
76
Sixteen years ago, Peter Capotosto and members
had to decide which weekend to choose, for
Taal Lake Yacht Club’s most important event. They
picked the 3rd weekend in November. The Northeast
monsoon is past its fickle entry stage, decidedly
overpowering the Southwest Monsoon, but it’s still
in its early, weaker stage. Winds will be 8-15 knots,
rather than the overpowering 25 knot winds that we
often see in late December thru February. This year
was no exception, with ten Hobies, one multihull
and eight oz goose from home-builts competing
made for a good competitive weekend. There were
seven races, over two days, for the Hobie 16s, and 6
for the other boats, with everyone getting one drop.

lcano Regatta
It is a particularly important event for the Hobies,
because the RTV counts for points in the PHINSAF
Travellers Series.
With perfect sailing conditions for the ‘Round Taal
Volcano Regatta. The first day got off to a great
start and featured two special races, with awards
that would be presented at the first awards dinner,
at Balai Isabel, a successful growing resort community,
that has been the Regatta’s sponsor for the past
decade.
77

The Governors Cup:
The Governor’s Cup, which is for the Hobie 16 class,
a race around Volcano Island, is the main trophy up
for grabs.
The club promotes other classes too. Many of them
are too small to go around the island and still make
it to Balai Isabel for lunch, so their “Governors Cup”
course is a bit shorter. This year embedded in the
other classes, was a group of sailors from “Sailability”,
a group representing the sport of disabled sailing.
They sailed surprisingly well, with one sailor even
coming second in the OZ Goose class, the class
that this year, even outnumbered the Hobie 16s, in
number of boats.
By far the most exciting part of the RTV was the
huge jump in the capability of the Oz Goose sailors.
The amazing thing was in the six races; even though
many skippers were either relatively new or sailing
the Oz Goose practically for the first time, there
were only two capsizes. Both recovered quickly and
finished their races.
The new racers were visibly improving race by race
in the rough conditions, graduating from dashing
about during countdown to confidently sitting
relaxed and depowered near the start line, keeping
their places despite the rising winds. Starts improved
with everyone crossing on time, better course
understanding and just about everyone had a good
race result or two.
78

79

A large part of this was due to the good work done
the week before in the regular club race, with Roy
Espiritu having rounded up recreational sailors
to show up. November’s 2nd Sunday race for the
PY fleet became a brilliant Goose fleet coaching
session, thanks to TLYC Commodore Peter Capotosto.
He ran short back to back races to hone everyone on
critically needed skills - timing starts, mark rounding,
efficiently getting their Geese upwind at speed, plus
an impromptu lunchtime lecture on a bunch of basic
racing stuff.
Some of which I had to work on too! I was having real
problems remembering how many laps I had done in
the RTV and getting the details of the course right.
In this particularly trying conditions we noted the
well-sailed two-crew Oz Geese were quite capable
of mixing it with singlehanded Geese. A two-hander
sailed by Paralympic sailor Cherrie Pinpin with crew
Cholo Espritu ended coming in second overall while
para sailors Clytie Bernardo and Joy Habana gamely
sailed with adventurous crew before sailing together
on Sunday to take 5th place out of 9 boats.
80
That evening after the first day’s events the
traditional awards dinner was hosted by Sponsors of
the RTV Balai Isabel, where again a sumptuous feast
was enjoyed by all and major awards given out for
the day’s events. Like the Governor’s cup and the
Noel Lim Cup. The winners were in the Hobie 16 class
the ever popular and regular winner again showing

81

his expertise with the Hobies was Michael Ngu with
Boyet Magsanay, with another regular crew on the
awards podium was Maria and Joe Hagedorn taking
second place while avid supporter and Hobie dealer
Monchu Garcia took out third place with the
assistance of his daughter Bianca. The same three
teams took out the Masters with Monchu & Bianca
in first place, Maria & Joe Hagedorn kept the average
going with another second with Michael and Boyet
in third place. In the B fleet section the winner was
Jose Gonzales and Sara Black coming first in both
Governors cup and over winners for the weekend,
while Jolada Pablo and Noki Jarvata came in second,
there were only two placings in this division because
of the diminished numbers of entrants.
In the Oz Goose and handicap there was a huge
increase in entrants with Michael Storer taking out
first place while Job Ferranco secured secon spot
and the ever present Cherrie Pinpin representing
the handicapped sailors came in third with crew
Cholo Espiritu.
The ‘Round Taal Volcano Regatta” (RTV) is the only
event during the year that considers handicap racing.
Although the courses are not the same for all classes,
there is one part of the course for each class, that
overlaps the courses of everyone else, and they all
race on it, at approximately the same time. The time
over that section is calculated, and the Noel Lim Cup
is awarded for that “all Classes” section of the course.
After the awards were over it was back to party time
where everyone enjoyed the hospitality of the Balai
Isabel, and basking in the comradeship of all present
at this year’s event.
The second day’s racing also got off to a good start
with ideal sailing conditions, with 5 races being
completed, again with the traditional delicious BBQ
luncheon sponsored again by Broadwater Marine.
After the days racing was completed awards were
presented to the overall winners before enjoying a
few cold ones then heading home and looking forward
to an even bigger and better RTV in 2017.
82

83

84