ABW Sept 2016

NATIONAL HEROES DAY REGATTA 

PGYC 25th ANNIVERSARY 

INDEPENDENCE DAY REGATTA 

CONQUERING DAVAO GULF 

FORERUNNERS IN WATER SAFETY 

THE HISTORY OF FISHING 

RESORT OF THE MONTH: 

BOHOL BEACH CLUB 

TRAVELLING WITH WHALES 

Destination 

BOHOL 

SEPT 2016 Vol. V Issue 3 

ACTIVE BOATING & WATERSPORTS 

1 

PhP120

2 

NOW AVAILABLE AT

3

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

Because of 

the adverse 

weather 

conditions 

it was only 

possible to 

complete 1 

race each day, 

and the second 

day was still 

continuing 

heavy rains all 

day, but with 

less wind and 

more rain some 

failed to finish 

through lack of 

wind. 

National He 

Bad weather is no deterrent to the adventurous 

sailors in Subic Bay where 7 yachts competed 

in the National Heroes Regatta over the Saturday 

and Sunday in August. Wild storms and heavy rain 

for most of the weekend did not dampen the 

enthusiasm of all involved, albeit to say the clothes 

were more than dampened as sailors returned to 

shore after the racing soaked to the skin and full of 

smiles. Competing in the event was Red Shift owned 

by Hans Woldring, Selma Star owned by Jun Avecilla, 

Cocobolo owned by Tan Van Hiender, Bugo-Bugo 

Owned by Harold Flaminia, Princess Arietta owned 

by Dale Godkin, Centennial II owned by Martin 

Tanco and the ever popular Kerida owned by Gary 

Kingshott. 

It is this type of enthusiasm and comradeship 

amongst sailors that is making Subic bay one of the 

best sailing venues on the Philippine sailing calendar. 

Again hosted by The Lighthouse Marina with Zed 

Avecilla, taking control, in the absence of his father, 

National H 

who is overseas at the moment. Ricky Sandoval 

of Watercraft Venture was there to also make sure 

everything went smoothly over the two day event. 

The first day, when able to see in the heavy rains 

went quite well, with heaps of drenched sailors 

fighting the adverse conditions which saw Red Shift 

take out line honors with a time of 2 hours 13 minutes 

and 47 seconds, followed by Centennial II with a 

time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 59 seconds, with 

Bugo-Bugo taking 3rd spot with a time of 2 hours 

23 minutes and 7 seconds. 

Because of the adverse weather conditions it was 

only possible to complete 1 race each day, and the 

second day was still continuing heavy rains all day, 

but with less wind and more rain some failed to finish 

through lack of wind. But after a well fought race in 

these conditions, Centennial II emerged victorious 

with a time of 2 hours 46 minutes 40 seconds, while 

coming in second was Red Shift with a recorded 

time of 3 hours 6 minutes and 24 seconds, with 3rd 

4

eroes Day 

Regatta 

5

6

Distributed by Rayomarine Inc. 

The Leading Luxury Motorboat and Sailboat Distributor in the Philippines 

27/F World Center Bldg. 330 Sen. G. Puyat Ave Makati City Philippines 

info@rayomarine.com I sales@rayomarine.com 

Phone: +632 867 8603 

www.rayomarine.com 

7

place going to Selma Star with a time of 3 hours 43 

minutes 37 seconds. 

The awards were held that evening at the 720 bar 

of the Lighthouse Marina after a sumptuous dinner 

sponsored by the Lighthouse was enjoyed by all. 

Ricky Sandoval thanked all for attending and 

supporting Subic Sailing before Zed Avecilla took 

over and gave out the awards for the first two days 

racing before awarding to the overall winners for the 

weekend, who were in 1st place was Centennial II 

who was tied at 3 points with Red Shift but won 

on the countback, so Red Shift came second overall 

with Selma Star with 7 points taking 3rd place. After 

the awarding it was party time till the wee small 

hours, lots of reminiscing and looking forward to the 

next Subic Sailing event, all coming events are listed 

on http://subicsailing.com/. 

8

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 

Another quarter of the year has flown by, which has seen even more 

advancement the watersports activities of the Philippines. Subic bay, 

one of the forerunners promoting watersports through Subic Sailing, 

has continued to lead the way with events like the Independence Day 

and Nation Heroes Day Regattas. While Zambales is still showing the 

rest of the Philippines the importance of water safety. 

Our resort of the month is the beautiful Bohol Beach Club, this 

beautiful resort has so much to offer after just going through an eight 

month renovation program to enhance their already spectacular 

service and facilities. 

We also see the Puerto Galera Yacht Club, home of the All Souls 

Regatta, are celebrating their 25th birthday and congratulations go 

out to them for a job well done in the contributions made to improve 

watersports in the Philippines. 

Our Destination this edition is a revisit to Bohol that was featured in 

the September 2011 edition, but with the improvements done and 

the resilience of the people of Bohol after the devastating earthquake 

in October 2013 we felt it very important to revisit them. 

WHAT’S INSIDE? 

National Heroes Day Regatta 4 

Independence Day Regatta 12 

25 Years Old and Counting..... 18 

PGYC Celebrates its Birthday 

The History of Fishing 24 

Zambales Forerunners in Water Safety 28 

Conquering Davao Gulf 34 

Destination -BOHOL 42 

Travelling With Whales 66 

Sailing Tips: Deck Equipment 72 

Cruising Philippine Waters - 74 

Negros and Surrounding Areas 

With events like the All Souls Regatta and Taal Lake Round the Volcano 

regattas we can only look forward to bigger and better things in 

December. 

Bohol Beach Club, page 40 

Chapparal Vortex 

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

10

11

Independe 

Regatta 

12

ence Day 

June saw Subic Bay Sailing again in the forefront 

with another great sailing event. The Independence 

Day Regatta, with a number of yachts competing 

in only what could be described as ideal conditions. 

Having one race on the Saturday and two races on 

the Sunday. After the skippers meeting it was out into 

the fray with a start time of 11.30 am for racing class and 

11.35am start for the cruising class, and with the 

first day of racing, there was plenty of action in the 

good winds that prevailed at the start and in the racing 

class Martin Tanco showed a clean pair of heals as 

he took the lead at the start, but the ever vigilant 

Jun Avecilla soon showed how to tack and took the 

lead two thirds of the way through the race. Stiff 

competition prevailed for the rest of the race which 

seen fairly close times achieved. After the days racing 

and general clean a freshen up, the next stop was the 

720 bar at the Lighthouse Marina to enjoy a few cold 

With the goods 

winds for the 

day all racing 

was over by 2pm 

allowing crews to 

enjoy a few cold 

ales then relax 

and freshen up 

ready for the 

awards dinner. 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

13

Me and Dad getting our Hobie cat ready 

ales and rums with coke. With first day’s racing over 

it was time to party and reminisce of whys and what 

fore’s of the day’s events. Which saw Jun Avecilla on 

Selma Star take out first place with a recorded time 

of 2 hours 8 minutes and 59 seconds? Martin Tanco 

and crew snaffled second place for the day’s events 

with a recorded time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 53 

seconds. Hans Woldring and crew came comfortably 

in 3rd place with a time of 2 hours 16 minutes and 48 

seconds. While in the cruising class Ricky Sandoval on 

Selma recorded a time of 1 hour 49 minutes and 21 

seconds firmly securing first place, Dale Godkin and 

crew sailed Princess Arieta into second spot with a 

recorded time of 2 hours 9 minutes and 32 seconds 

just beating Jeff Williams on Tiamat by 91 seconds 

with a time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 1 second. 

Day two got off to a brisk start at 11.30am for the 

racing class and 11.35am for the cruising class, and 

with good winds of about 10 knots, and the first 

race finished in record of under an hour which then 

allowed the second race for the racing class to get 

underway at 12.35pm. With the goods winds for the 

day all racing was over by 2pm allowing crews to enjoy 

a few cold ales then relax and freshen up ready for 

the awards dinner again hosted by Lighthouse Marina. 

Results of the second day’s racing: In race 2 racing 

class was won by Selma Star with Jun Avecilla and 

crew recording a race time of 46 minutes and 46 

seconds, 2nd went to Martin Tanco and Centennial 

II with a time of 48 minutes and 10 seconds, Hans 

Woldring on Red Shift recorded a tgird place time of 

57 minutes 49 seconds. In the cruising class Ricky 

14

15

Sandoval and crew timed in at 2 hours 6 minutes 

and 5 seconds to take first spot while Dale Godkin on 

Princess Arieta recorded a time of 2 hours 16 minutes 

and 46 seconds securing second place. Because of 

the adverse heat of the day Tiamat did not start. 

The 3rd and final race for the racing class finished 

with Martin Tanco on Centennial II take the lead 

with a time of 45 minutes and 20 seconds, Selma 

Star was up there again securing second spot with a 

time of 48 minutes and 56 seconds while Red Shift 

had a time of 52 minutes and 33 seconds to come 

in 3rd. 

A sumptuous dinner was enjoyed by all before 

announcing all the winners and the overall winners 

for the weekend. In the Racing Class Jun Avecilla 

on Selma Star with 4 points took a well-earned first 

place just pipping Martin Tanco of Centennial II who 

had 5 points and came in second while in 3rd with 

9 points was Hans Woldring on Red Shift. The cruising 

class overall winners were with a point score of 2 

Ricky Sandoval on Selma was first while Dale Godkin 

on Princess Arieta with a score of 4 points was second 

and Jeff Williams scoring 5 came in 3rd. After the 

awards it was party time till the wee small hours 

before everyone rested then headed home after 

another fantastic weekend of Sailing organized by 

Subic Sailing. Keep up to date with the events of 

Subic Sailing in the Events Calendar of Active 

Boating and Watersports. Or check out Subic Sailing 

at www.subicsailing.com. 

16

We Make Owning a Yacht FUN and 

Sailing It, a Meaningful Experience 

z The PYCS Facility for recreational 

yachts is Brand New and one of the 

best in the Philippines 

z We will make sure your boat is 

seaworthy and in the water where it 

should be…..not on land 

z Our product and service quality 

standards are high and assured 

z We have a highly qualified work 

force (in-house and contractors) 

z Excellent Customer Service 

z Strict implementation of Safety and 

Security House Rules 

z PYCS is conveniently located in 

Papaya Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas 

z Very reasonable and competitive 

pricing 

PAPAYA YACHT CHARTERS & SERVICES, INC. 

Papaya Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines Website: www.pycsi.com Email: info@pycsi.com 

Contact Persons: 

Ronnie Empuerto, Technical Director Phones: 0917 504 7759, 0939 912 6715 

Email: rbe.pycs@gmail.com 

Admin Office c/o Ms Letty Morales Phones: 0915 868 2772, 0917 685 9372 (office hours only) 

Email: letty.pycs@gmail.com 

17

25 25 years old and 

Besides local 

kids learning 

to sail through 

the Club, 

groups have 

come from 

Manila, China 

and from as 

far away as an 

international 

school in the 

Middle East. 

Words and 

Photographs 

by ALAN 

SOLLEY 

The Puerto Galera Yacht Club has long been a 

household name in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. 

The Club, has played host to dozens of successful 

international sailing regattas and been a hub of social 

life for locals and expats alike for all of its 26 years. 

Known for its community involvement through a 

long standing junior sailing program, the club has 

helped many young sailors plot a course to success 

in the local and international racing events. 

Juniors from the club have competed in a world 

championship in Ireland and events in Australia. 

Naming past commodores and committee members 

is like a Who’s Who of the Philippines sailing scene 

sailing scene with names like Alan Burrell, Russ 

Hughs, Peter Stevens and Tony Stephens springing 

to mind. 

The Club’s now successful junior sailing program began 

from the humblest beginning with a discussion at 

the bar between Charlie Romig and Russ Hughes 

deciding that teaching kids to sail would give the 

club a brighter image. 

Adding to the fleet, in 2011 the Round Table Club of 

Hong Kong donated 10 Optimist dinghy 

A second hand dinghy was acquired 2004, a mold 

was flopped from it, and the thanks to generous 

donations a fleet of the Club’s Lawin sailing 

dinghies was the result. The rest is history. 

Besides local kids learning to sail through the Club, 

groups have come from Manila, China and from as far 

away as an international school in the Middle East. 

With some 30 moorings for rent club has become 

home to visiting cruising yachts many, many of 

which have stayed permanently. 

The clubhouse was 

recently extended to 

accommodate a full 

size pool table. 

Junior sailors 

trained by PGYC 

have gone on to 

international 

competition 

18

d counting ….. ….. 

Puerto 

Galera 

Yacht Club 

Celebrates 

its birthday 

Socially the Club has become renown for its Wednesday 

evening curry buffet night and BBQs every Friday. 

The Club has also hosted weddings and other functions. 

Besides racing the Club has held successful rallies 

to such places as Romblon and Marinduque with a 

dozen or so boats taking part. 

The clubhouse was recently extended to accommodate 

a full size pool table, which is a hit with the members 

who compete for hours on end. 

Commodore Bob Johnson explained that the Club 

has can boast having members from more than a 

dozen different countries. 

“We always welcome new membership applications 

and we offer generous discounts moorings, food and 

beverage to all members and their partners”. 

(Opposite page) 

The club celebrates 

all manner of sporting 

events, here the 

girls cheer on their 

favorite football 

team during a 

football Grand Final 

game. 

Young sailors collect 

their medals from 

Small Boat Program 

stalwart and former 

Commodore Peter 

Stevens (center) 

19

SO SMART, IT ALMOST DRIVES ITSELF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFF 

FFFFFFFEFTFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTEFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFEFTFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFEFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

PERFORMANCE 

WE TAKE A BACSEAT TO NO ONE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

THE VORTEX CHALLENGE 

Feature for feature, horsepower for horsepower, we’ve stated 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

differences between Rotax power and our leading competitor. But 

what does that mean when you get behind the wheel. Let’s not pull 

any punches. If you’ve owned boats but never driven a jet boat, it’s 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFEFFFFFFF 

unlike anything you have evefr experienced. Even if you’ve owned a 

jet, a Vortex is a new and diferent world. Get onboard. 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

READY,SET,BLAST OFF 

You’re in for the ride of a lifetime. The instant you hit the throttle 

you know that driving a Vortex jet boat is unlike anything you have 

FFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

evr experienced. Instant acceleration. Phenomenal throttle 

response. Bexause we started with a clean sheet of paper, our 

Vortex hull designs are expertly crafted to maximise all the 

TFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFEFFFFEFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

advantages of Rotax power 

NOTHING CORNERS LIKE A VORTEX 

It’s the rst thing everyone wants to do. You just can’t resist. Nothing 

on the water corners like a Vortex. No sterndrive. No Outboard. 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFF 

No inboard. It’s an adrenaline rush you want, this is the way to go. 

PUT THE THROTTLE DOWN 

Across the board, Vortex enjoys a horsepower advantage. In twin 

engine applicationsx, it can be over 35 percent. Translated that 

means quicker palnning times. More midrange punch, Awesome 

top-end. better performance while wakeboarding or pulling a tube. 

Faced with a boat load of people? Vortex’s horsepower advantage 

delivers a strong performance no matter how big the payload. 

ENJOY A FEELING OF TOTAL CONTROL 

Here’s the bottomline. The performance advantages of a jet are 

clear cut. What makes a Vortex special is the feeling of total control. 

Whether it’s a tight docking situation, taking in the sights, or making 

a full throttle jaunt back to port, when you’re behind the wheel of a 

Vortex you know exactly what to expect. 

MORE TIME ON THE WATER, LESS TIME AT THE GAS DOCK 

Thanks to the marvels of high technology, you’ll be amazed at how 

efficient a Vortex operates. Go into “Eco” mode (literally) and let the 

most advanced drivetrain in the jet boat world do the rest 

QUAD RADIAL LAMINATION WITH KELVAR REINFORCEMENT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFTFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFTFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFEFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

EFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFTFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

2016CHAPARRAL 

EFTFFEFEETEFFTF 

243VRXVORTEX 

EFFFEFFFFFFTFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 


FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFT 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFTFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

WE’RE NOT JUST BUILDING JET BOATS 

WE ARE BUILDING CHAPPARRALS 

WITH JET POWER 

TAKE 

THE 

20 

We launched the Vortex Series three years ago. Why? To raise the bar in the jet boat world. How are we doing? You decide. Based on styling, quality, performance and service, 

all we can say is “Game On”. Take a close look. Chaparral’s DNA is showcased bow to stern. The look is unique. The performance unmatched. Attention to detail exceeds your 

highest expectations. Then there’s the matter of price. Chaparral’s Real Deal pricing takes the guesswork out of buying a new boat. 

T 

Factor 

T FFF 

in that our Real 

FFF 

Deal pricing includes a 

E E FT 

trailer and there’s no question that Vortex wins the value battle. Amidst all the facts and figures, the number one reason to own a LENGTH Vortex BEAM is the Chaparral WEIGHT DRAFT name on FUEL 

the hullside. 

All we do is boats. And we do it right. For more than five decades Chaparral has been the innovation leader. Check out our trophy case. We’ve been recognized for Customer 

Satisfaction eight years in a row by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association. We’ve earned more than 50 awards for product excellence. Boating experts and satisfied 

customers worldwide all agree that Chaparral is a boating icon. Considering a jet boat? We can help. Take the Vortex Challenge. Dare to compare. In the pages that follow—but 

even far more indepth on our Vortexboats.com website— we’ll detail the Vortex Advantage. The facts are the facts. Things you can see and things you cannot see. We’ll peel 

back the gelcoat and show you what our boats are made of. We’ll talk honestly about performance. Believe it, all jet boats are not created equal and we are proud to prove it. 

CHALLENGE

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

SO SMART, IT ALMOST DRIVES ITSELF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFF 

FFFFFFFEFTFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTEFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFEFTFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFEFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

WE TAKE A BACSEAT TO NO ONE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFEFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

TFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFEFFFFEFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFF 

QUAD RADIAL LAMINATION WITH KELVAR REINFORCEMENT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFTFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFTFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFEFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

EFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFTFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE 

2016CHAPARRAL 

EFTFFEFEETEFFTF 

243VRXVORTEX 



FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFEFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFT 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFFTFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFFTFFFFFFFFFFFFEFEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEF 

T T FFF FFF 

E E FT 

LENGTH BEAM WEIGHT DRAFT FUEL 

TAKE 

THE 

CHALLENGE 

22

FUNrelaxation 

ADVENTURE 

leisure 

DISCOVERY 

treats 

GETAWAY 

sceneries 

PARADISE 

EXPERIENCE 

ALL THESE 

AND MORE 

WHEN YOU 

VISIT 

LA LUZ BEACH RESORT 

Brgy. Hugom San Juan, Batangas, Philippines 

CONTACT US: Trunkline: (02) 726-6687 

with local nos. 103 / 106 / 

108 / 109 / 110 / 113 

Resort wireless Manila landline nos.: 

994-7656 / 994-7667, 806-7581 / 806-7667 

Globe/TM: 0916-258-8309 / 0927-805-3484 

Smart/TNT: 0920-603-8814 / 0998-338-7111 

Website: http://laluzbeachresort.com 

Quote 025J when booking to get 

special promotional offers 

23

Words by 

JAMES 

WEBSTER 

Photographs 

as credited 

The hook was 

the first piece 

of tackle made 

from metal, 

with the arrival 

of copper and 

bronze. It was 

attached to 

a hand line 

fashioned from 

animal and 

plant material 

strong enough 

to hold and 

land a fish. 

The History 

The fishing industry and fishing in general 

has, since the beginning of time, furnished 

humans with an abundant source of wholesome 

nourishment. Hunters and gatherers throughout the 

ages have recognized the importance of fish to the 

hominoid diet. 

But, have you ever wondered where it all began. 

Who developed fishing rods? What was the first bait 

used and who first used lures? It certainly wasn’t in 

our lifetime or in the many lifetimes before us. 

The proven practice of fishing for food dates back to 

prehistoric times, 40,000 years ago and the Neanderthals 

were fishing 200,000 BC. The first humans to leave 

Africa 60,000 years ago were probably following 

schools of fish along the African coast. 

Isotope analysis is the identification of isotopic 

signature, the distribution of certain stable isotopes 

and chemical elements within chemical compounds. 

Isotopic oxygen is incorporated into the body 

primarily through ingestion at which point it is used 

in the formation of, for archaeological purposes, 

bones and teeth. The oxygen is incorporated into 

the hydroxyl carbonic apatite of bone and tooth 

enamel. This can be applied to a food web to make 

it possible to draw direct inferences regarding diet. 

This form of analysis was used on prehistoric 

remains which disclosed the regular consumption of 

fish. Ancient cave paintings, throughout the world, 

have displayed the importance of seafood to 

prehistoric man’s survival. The oldest known painting 

of an angler using a rod or staff comes from Egypt 

circa 2000 B C. 

24

of of Fishing 

Egyptian painting 

25

Illingworth Reel 

Hooking a fish 

Kirby Bend 

bamboo fishing rod 

26 

Gorge Hook 

The early history of fishing centers on the Nile River 

which was abundant with fish. Fishing scenes were 

rarely depicted in Greek historic findings reflecting 

the low importance of fishing in that area, however, 

the Egyptians invention of a variety of tackle and 

methods for fishing are clearly depicted in many 

tombs, drawings and papyrus documents. Reed 

boats, woven nets, harpoons and hook and line 

were being used. There is historic proof that barbed 

metal hooks were being used from 1991 BC. 

American Indians are known to have fished along 

the California coast with gorged hooks (predecessor 

to the modern fishing hook, a piece of wood, bone, 

or stone 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so in length, pointed at 

both ends and secured off-center to the line. The 

gorge was covered with some kind of bait. When a 

fish swallowed the gorge, a pull on the line wedged 

it across the gullet of the fish, which could then be 

pulled in.) attached to line tackle from 7500 until 

3,000 years ago while tribes are known to have used 

plant toxins to stun stream fish, enabling their capture. 

Research has shown that fisherman in India used 

harpoons attached to long cords for fishing since 

early times. 

The methods and tackles have evolved slowly and it 

wasn’t until the late 15th century did sport fishing, 

as it is now known today, really begin. The earliest

English written instructions in the use of a fishing 

rod for recreational fishing appeared in 1496, soon 

after the invention of the printing press. 

The hook was the first piece of tackle made from 

metal, with the arrival of copper and bronze. It was 

attached to a hand line fashioned from animal and 

plant material strong enough to hold and land a 

fish. By attaching the other end of the line to a stick 

or tree branch made it possible to fish from a bank 

or shore. These rods remained short for more than 

1,000 years until the 4th century when references 

to jointed rods made from timber where found. This 

form of rod was dominant well into the 19th century. 

A wire loop attached to the tip of the rod allowing 

for a free running line making it possible to cast and 

play a hooked fish was the first major improvement 

to fishing tackle during the mid-17th century, leading 

to the invention of the fishing reel. In 1667, 

experiments with fishing line material led to the use 

of gut lines and in 1676, lute string became popular. 

Improved methods of making hooks were devised by 

Charles Kirby in the 1650’s who invented the Kirby 

Bend which is still widely used today. He launched 

hook making factories in Redditch in 1730 and 

they remain the center of the English hook making 

industry today. 

By 1770 a rod with guides for the line along its length 

and a reel were in common use. The first true modern 

reel was a geared multiplying reel attached under 

the rod, in which one turn of the 

handle moved the spool through 

several revolutions. Never popular 

in Great Britain, such reels became 

popular in the United States and 

inspired the bait-casting reel 

devised by Kentucky watchmaker 

George Snyder in 1810. 

(called an overrun in Britain and a backlash in the 

United States) could result. Governors were contrived 

to prevent this. 

In 1896 the level-wind, a traveling bracket on the 

reel that automatically spread the line evenly as it 

was wound was devised and in 1905 English textile 

magnate Holden Illingworth filed the first patent 

on the spinning reel. The increased casting distance 

presented by the spinning reel and new lines with 

smaller diameters revolutionized freshwater fishing. 

During the early 20th century bamboo was replaced 

by fiberglass and then graphite in the 1970’s. 

The 1930s saw the fixed-spool reel become popular 

in Europe and following World War the rest of the 

world, creating a surge in spin casting. Nylon monofilament 

line was developed in the late 1930s and 

became dominant after World War II. Plastic coverings 

for fly lines allowed them to float or sink without the 

application of grease. Plastic also became the dominant 

material for artificial casting lures, replacing various 

types of low-density wood, such as balsa. 

Fishing is the world’s foremost outdoor pastime as it 

was thousands of years ago and as it has been virtually 

from the beginning of time. 

fishing-pole 

Around the same time moreelastic 

imported woods, such as 

lancewood and greenheart from 

South America and the West Indies 

and by bamboo where replacing 

the heavy native woods of England 

and United States as rod materials 

and by 1870 bamboo became the 

material of choice on both sides 

of the Atlantic. 

From 1880 tackle design progressed 

rapidly with lines made of silk, 

cotton, or linen enabling the 

angler to cast three times farther. 

This increased distance provoked 

the development of artificial 

lures. With longer casting potential 

and more line, a significant tangle 

27

A Junior 

Lifeguard is a 

program for 

children from 8 

to 16 years of 

age, they learn 

the full lifeguard 

program, 

including 

rescue 

techniques, 

first aid, CPR 

Etc. and can 

assist Senior 

lifeguards on 

duty. 

Zambales is leading the way with water safety 

and awareness with successful programs 

such as the Zambales Surf Lifesaving and swim safe 

Programs, these inspired programs were introduced 

by Roger Bound and fully supported by the coast 

guard, Australian Surf Life Saving, and major sponsors 

like Standard Insurance. 

The efforts by all are shown in the results of in-club 

competitions held each year with teams from Cebu 

and other areas, now taking notice of the efforts of 

Zambales and the importance of water safety. 

The surf lifesaving programs encourage youngsters 

from 8 upwards to become a worthwhile member 

of the community in efforts to increase water safety 

and ultimately reduce the number of drowning’s 

each year in the Philippines. 

Each year more and more people and companies are 

getting involved in this very worthwhile program 

and one of the latest events held was supported by 

representatives from Australia and other parts of the 

Philippines. On July 14 – 15 a visit from representatives, 

Mr. Andrew McLean and Miss Katelyn Pomroy of 

Griffith University, Gold Coast Queensland Australia 

to discuss the assistance of Zambales Lifesaving 

Inc. to train Lifeguards for Baler in Aurora Province, 

where they wish to assist with water safety, Zambales 

Lifesaving Inc. will partner with them and are currently 

awaiting feedback from Australia on getting the 

program underway. 

Zambales For 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

Water 

Safety 

28

Also a courtesy visit with the Griffith University 

representatives to Zambales Governor Hon, Atty. 

Amor Deloso brought about assistance for the 

Zambales Swim Team, of which a large number are 

also Zambales Lifeguards, from a Gold Coast swimming 

organization of which Andrew McLean is a member, 

there is also a high possibility that Griffith University 

will assist Zambales Lifesaving Inc. with a number of 

AED’s for deployment in Zambales. 

July 23 Batangas Fuego Open Water Swim. Leg 3. 

Through the generosity of newly installed Governor 

Hon. Atty Amor Deloso’s by his supplying the 

Provincial Bus for the Zambales Swim Team, 

many of which are also Zambales Lifeguards and 

Zambales Junior Lifeguards, they were able to 

compete in this event so far from Zambales. The 

event was held at Terrazas de Punta Fuego Resort 

in Nasugbu Batangas in almost perfect conditions. 

Events included 1 kilometer, 2 kilometer and 4 

kilometer open water swims for Open class, 12 and 

above, with divisions for Male and Female. Also 200 

meter and 400 meter events for below 12. 

One kilometer open ladies division, with FIRST. Colleen 

Sanguyo, SECOND Ivy Bernal and THIRD. Sylvern 

Bound. All Zambales Junior Lifeguards and the oldest 

only 13 years old, against more than 35 swimmers 

of all ages. FOURTH was Lean Floresca, a Zambales 

Senior Lifeguard. A great result with Zambales Girls 

making a clean sweep of the Ladies division. 

rerunners in in 

29

Men’s Division, THIRD. Donnell Wayne Sanchez. 

Also a Zambales Lifeguard. 

Two kilometer open event saw Zambales Junior Lifeguard, 

Lovely Floresca take the FIRST place against 

swimmers of all ages in the female division. 

Men’s Division saw Miguel Villamin, also a Zambales 

Junior Lifeguard, take a very creditable THIRD place. 

Four Kilometer. Zambales swimmer and lifeguard, 

Issac Daylo took FOURTH place. 

The under 12 competitors also performed well with 

all Zambales competitors swimming well, the best 

of which was Zyrie Mychele D. Ruelos who finished 

THIRD in the 400 meters. 

JULY 30. Swim Competition in Baguio. 

Again through the assistance of our new Governor 

the Zambales Swim team went to Baguio for the 

19TH CLSCA INTER SCHOOL SWIM SERIES the 

competition was divided into “Open” and “Novice” 

sections, in all the Zambales contingent consisted 

of 23, being 15 in the open class and 8 in the novice 

class. Overall results were Open Class, Zambales a 

close second placing behind the Cabalen Sharks 

swim school. 

In the Open division notable Zambales swimmers were: 

Donnel Sanchez-1 gold, 2 silver,1 bronze - 

A Zambales Lifeguard 

Isaac Daylo - 3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze - 


Lean Floresca - 5 gold, 1 bronze - 


Lovely Floresca- 2 bronze - 

A Zambales Junior Lifeguard 

Ivy Bernal- 2 bronze - 


Miguel Villamin - 6 gold, 1bronze - 


Novice division. 

Ian Tongson- 1 gold,1bronze, 1silver 

Zyrle Mychele D. Ruelos- 4 silver 

Swim-safe 2016, proves a huge success. 

Zambales Lifesaving Inc. ran a pilot course this year 

for a free community based drowning awareness 

and prevention program, target group was elementary 

school children 10 and below, as this is proven to 

be one of the age groups at greatest risk, we also 

required them to bring along their parents. 

The reason for requesting the parents is that if the 

parents also do not know the risks and dangers and 

how to recognize such risks and dangers, by doing so 

and learning what their children learned, all would 

be far better off should an emergency arise. 

30

NOW AVAILABLE AT 

SUBIC BAY 0939-922-3238 

MANILA 0918-963-8148 

CEBU 0939-902-0494 

Yacht Parts Sales & Service 

BORACAY 0918-963-8155 

SAMAL ISLAND 0918-963-8151 

31

32

In the last edition there was some coverage of the 

first of these events, run at Palmera Garden Beach 

Resort in Iba and sponsored by the Rotary Club of 

Iba, which was highly successful, so much so that 

Palmera are requesting that we double the number 

of days and participants for next year. 

Our aim was to have a joint venture of Resorts and 

Community minded sponsors, with the sponsors 

covering the travel expenses and salaries of the lifeguards 

and the resorts supply their facilities free of 

charge and also to supply foods and snacks for the 

Lifeguards and Junior Lifeguards doing the training, 

you may well ask, what is a Junior Lifeguard? A Junior 

Lifeguard is a program for children from 8 to 16 years 

of age, they learn the full lifeguard program, including 

rescue techniques, first aid, CPR Etc. and can assist 

Senior lifeguards on duty, they also compete in Lifesaving 

Sports competitions. 

We incorporated junior lifeguards into this program 

to increase their skills and of course children interact 

much easier with younger people, also doing so 

helps draw attention to the junior programs in our 

lifesaving programs and trainings. 

As Zambales host a number of International Schools in 

the Subic Bay Freeport area, our second swim-safe was 

aimed at the International school students, who have a 

different holiday schedule than the local schools. 

The program was set up as a one day course for 60 

children, 10 children per day, 2 days a week over 

3 weeks and consisted of lectures about dangers 

that exist, such as rip currents, inshore holes and 

other dangers, not only at the beach, pool or other 

aquatic recreation areas, but also around the home 

and during bad weather such as typhoons, storms, 

local flooding Etc. Actually it was very encouraging 

to see the interest of the parents during the lectures 

which were presented by a audio / visual PowerPoint 

presentation by the lifeguards and junior lifeguards. 

We approached 2 resorts in the Subic Freeport with 

pools to see if they were interested, Subic Park Hotel and 

Lighthouse Marina Resort, both were very interested 

and enthusiastic, however to our disappointment and 

amazement we could not find a single sponsor willing 

to assist, it was not like we were talking a lot of money, 

only around P10,000.00 per venue, so it looked like 

having to cancel the program for Subic, when the 

resorts were notified, they were also disappointed 

that no one in the private sector was interested in 

drowning prevention for children. 

was very pleasantly surprised when he said, this is 

a great program and should not be cancelled, the 

Lighthouse will also be the sponsor. 

Likewise there was little support from most of the 

schools, with the exception of Brent International 

School, who put up advertising banners and even 

assisted in taking registrations for participants, so a 

big thank you also to Brent School for their enthusiasm 

and support. 

So at least half of our plan for the Subic area went 

ahead, not just went ahead, but was a huge success 

with both parents and students very involved and 

very satisfied. 

Once again I was pleasantly surprised as on day one 

when the morning break time arrived, the Lighthouse 

not only supplied snacks for our lifeguards, 

but also to the children and their parents, the same 

happened for lunch and afternoon snacks on every 

day of the program and to top it off I was also 

informed that all were invited back on the afternoon 

of the final day for a formal presentation of certificates, 

all supplied free of charge by the Lighthouse Marian 

Resort. 

If only all resorts could see the value in supporting 

community projects as did the Lighthouse, the 

industry would be far better off and the community 

much better protected. 

As this was a pilot program, we also had a lot to 

learn, from the success of this year we are already 

planning swim-safe 2017 and are pleased to say that 

we hope to greatly increase the number of children 

and parents who will be able to join this free program, 

for 2017 we hope to add at least 2 more Zambales 

municipalities, if so then the numbers should reach 

into 500 plus participants compared with this years 

120 and hopefully it will grow so we can by 2020 

cover all municipalities in Zambales and other parts 

of the Philippines each year. 

Resorts or sponsors that are concerned about water 

safety and are interested in supporting this great 

free to the public community program for 2017 

please contact Zambales Lifesaving Inc. President 

Mr. Roger Bound, best via Email at slszambales@ 

gmail.com. 

However, when I spoke with Mr. Zedrik Avecilla manager 

at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, he responded 

with, well how much is required from the sponsor 

for us here, I informed him, around P10,000.00, I 

33

Conquer 

At some 

points the 

boats were 

confronted 

without wind 

and patience 

was the key 

word, while 

nature took 

its own time 

to bring in 

some moving 

air so the 

boats could 

carry on with 

their planned 

journey. 

Words by 

BRUCE 

CURRAN 

Photographs 

as credited 

Far below, the waters of the Davao Gulf shimmered 

in the afternoon sunlight. The plane banked 

to the right and the outline of Samal Island graced 

the blueness of the seaway, before a smooth landing 

at the Davao airport. I had arrived on a Sunday 

afternoon as a guest of a thriving local business 

group who had recently taken delivery of six 17 foot 

sailing trimarans (3-hulled boats) called ‘Windriders’ 

that had been containered over from the Californian 

manufacturers. 

My mission was clear - I was allocated six days to 

teach 12 Filipino employees the theory and practice 

of seamanship. Monday came sunny and bright, 

and the shore-side whiteboard was quickly awash 

with theories using the unique vocabulary that is 

the pure language of sailing. Diagrams and new 

words flooded their minds and the waves of a new 

world blew like a fresh breeze. Manoeuvring a boat 

using only the power of the wind and the movement 

of the seas is an art form that enriches a person’s 

understanding in a world that is aimed at “tuning 

in to nature”. It is an exciting learning curve that 

opens up the mind and keys in to one’s awareness 

and hones in the senses. A sailor is a person who is 

acutely aware of exactly what is going on all around 

them, and must act accordingly to ensure a wellplanned 

and safe journey to any destination. 

The challenge to the team was made and accepted, 

and by lunch time the wind was blowing in strongly 

from the North. The theory was about to be put to 

practice on a passage in the Davao Gulf to the north 

of Samal Island. 

Three catamarans set off from the shore line just 

north of Davao City, and the 12 trainees were 

confronted with some quite boisterous sailing. 

Trimarans pick up speed quickly and strong gusts 

had the boats flying along. Fine tuning of the two 

sails was critical to maintain stability and safety. The 

crew were one hundred per cent tuned in, and had 

to be totally aware of the wind and sea conditions. 

It was a straight line sail along the northern coast 

of Samal Island, and then a quick turnaround for a 

direct sail back. All trainees performed admirably 

and the truth of the matter was that they had 

encountered critical conditions, and had survived 

with flying colours! The day had been full-on and a 

rigorous and vigorous experience for all. 

34

ing the 

Davao 

Gulf 

35 

Romulo Sotelo, roamulofied.wordpress.com

The second and third days involved a range of activities. 

An active session was learning about how to tie a 

range of knots developed over hundreds of years, 

when the only means of transport worldwide was by 

sailing boats without the invention of the engine. 

A session on how to navigate from one point 

to another by using charts (sea maps), and a long 

list of sailing terminology was applied to the days 

theory, before the lighter sailing conditions each 

afternoon. 

Essential in all of this was getting each person to 

take the steering position and learn “person overboard” 

drills, in other words, in the rare event of 

somebody falling overboard into the sea, how to sail 

back and pick them up quickly and safely. Importantly 

there was a sailing afternoon with each crew practicing 

how to work efficiently and speedily as a unified 

team, in order to gain the ability to reduce the sail 

size for safety when the wind became stronger. 

Now the time was ripe, and the day finally arrived 

for a full day of sailing. The objective was a 60 nautical 

mile (100 kilometre) circumnavigation of Samal Island. 

The boats were launched at 5 am and were destined 

to return to the starting shoreline at 7.30 pm. Passing 

down the west coast of Samal then around the southern tip 

saw light, variable and some nice southerly winds. 

The East coast trek was gentler, and by late afternoon 

the winds had swung around to the north. 

At some points the boats were confronted without 

wind and patience was the key word, while nature 

took its own time to bring in some moving air so the 

boats could carry on with their planned journey. By 

night fall everyone had taken turns in participating 

in all activities, including steered, tacking through 

the wind, gybing with the wind from behind, and 

generally getting a full day of exercise tuned in to 

nature. A final hour with night time winds blew the 

three trimarans back to base and it was definitively 

time for a full nights rest for the 12 well versed, 

highly active, keen and diligent, and by then very 

tired crew members. 

36

SEE YOU AT THE 

SEPT. 9-11, 2016 SM MEGAMALL 

37

The final day proved that all had thoroughly enjoyed 

their six days of seamanship, had learnt a great deal, 

and curious as it might sound, during the course 

of the week all crew had ended up with their own 

nicknames- amongst them ‘Invincible’, ‘Big Smiler’, 

‘Walo Walo’ (sea snake). ‘Sexy Merienda’, ‘Swankie’, 

‘Bowline’ and others ……but how they got these 

names is for another story! 

The week was a welcomed introduction to the art 

and science of sailing in a place which is ideal for 

the development of a sailing club. In fact it is the 

intention of the vibrant successful and keen business 

group leader to introduce sailing to the people of 

Davao, particularly the youth. After all it is the 

opposite side of the universe for the modern youth 

of today who spent most of their time focused with 

blinkers on eyeballing screens in front of their faces, 

and are a million miles away from “tuning in to nature” 

that ultimately makes the world go round. Here is an 

opportunity for the youth and others to leave their 

tech-gadgets behind on shore, and go out there in 

the seaways of the Davao Gulf and smell, feel, taste 

hear and touch nature in all its pure roar invincible 

reality. 

From the plane window seat I could see the whole 

of Samal Island and felt satisfied that I had done my 

part, and am convinced that Davao will soon have 

a thriving fresh lively sailing community. It will be a 

perfect balance to counteract modern technology, 

and those smart enough to give sailing a go will see 

a whole new world open up all around them, and 

give them a fulfilling partner as a counter balance to 

modern high technology. My nick name was given 

as the ‘Red Lobster’, and my suntan was a kind 

reminder of the all-day sunny side of the beautiful 

and welcoming Davao Gulf. Where there’s a will 

there’s a way, and my advice is “Go Sailing and tune 

in to nature”. My host and the 12 new seafarers 

have done just that, and definitely have a new vision 

on the world, and no doubt their fresh breeze will 

spread the word far and wide. 

38

39

RESORT of the MONTH 

BOHOL BEACH CLUB 

This resort 

has everything 

you 

could possibly 

wish for, so 

who needs a 

5-star rating 

when you can 

have a dream 

holiday at the 

Bohol Beach 

Club. 

T 

he Bohol Beach Club Resort in Panglao, just 

1km from the Tagbilaran airport, is a true 

tropical paradise with enchanting settings to wipe 

away all the pressures of city life. 

This 4-star resort has just gone through an 8 month 

renovation to improve its already spectacular 

service and facilities even more. The rooms and 

suites are designed to ensure the full comfort of its 

guests with plush furnishings, super comfortable 

bedding and all the creature comforts, like flat 

screen TV, internet Wi-Fi, hot water and verandahs 

that overlook the pristine water of the beach that is 

part of the Bohol Beach Club. 

The resort boasts complete watersports activities, 

like kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. The bars and 

restaurants with a menu that would please the most 

discerning diner make your stay complete. It has 

swimming pool, a business center and a courtyard 

for the dream wedding of a lifetime for any lucky 

couple choosing the venue for their big day. 

This resort has everything you could possibly wish 

for, so who needs a 5-star rating when you can have 

a dream holiday at the Bohol Beach Club. 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

40

Bohol’s First . . . Bohol’s Best! 

Bohol Beach Club now offers new rooms, 

new suites and modern facilities and amenities. 

Aside from having the best private white sand 

beach in the island, the resort is well laid out so 

that space is optimized, giving guests the feel 

of freedom, privacy and solitude without the 

maddening crowd and unwanted distractions. 

Add to this the impeccable service of the 

Boholanos; genuine service that comes 

straight from the heart! 

Truly, Bohol’s first is still Bohol’s best! 

Bo. Bolod, Island of Panglao Bohol, Philippines 6340 

T/F: (038) 502.9222 / (038) 411.5222 

Globe : (+63-927) 452.7054 

Smart : (+63-999) 992.1880 / Sun : (+63-923) 250.7828 

reservations@boholbeachclub.com.ph 

www.boholbeachclub.com.ph 

https://www.facebook.com/theboholbeachclub 

41

DESTINATION 

BOHOL 

Chocolate Hills 

42

Bohol is a compact but elegant island a few 

kilometers south east of Cebu City. For many 

years it was overlooked by overseas and domestic 

travellers who preferred to visit the country’s more 

popular and ritzy tourist destinations but now the 

tide is turning in favor of Bohol as visitors become 

less tolerant of crowds and inflated prices. Even 

today Bohol lacks the facilities and infrastructure 

required to accommodate hordes of visitors: but that 

same absence contributes to its quaint charm. Not 

being one of the archipelago’s largest islands means 

Bohol is quite easy to get around. 

Tagbilaran City 

Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol, the only city on the 

island and blessedly free of the forests of concrete 

and glass towers that dominate many of the 

Philippines’ largest cities. Tagbilaran is also the gateway 

to Bohol from other islands and the province’s 

commercial center for trade, transportation and 

education. The city is well placed within easy reach 

by boat or ferry of many towns and cities throughout 

the Central and Eastern Visayas and by plane from 

cities further afield, which has seen it become 

increasingly popular for national conventions and 

conferences. 

Buses run from Tagbilaran on a daily schedule to 

major towns and villages throughout Bohol but are 

not really suitable for travellers wishing to stop and 

explore along the way. Many of the island’s more 

popular tourist attractions are difficult to get to and 

from with any degree of certainty by public transport. 

Being marooned by the roadside waiting for a bus 

which may or may not arrive does not make a pleasant 

holiday experience for all but the most ardent 

of travellers. Cars, motor bikes and scooters are 

available for hire and are far more convenient for 

anyone wanting to visit the Chocolate Hills, the 

Tarsier Sanctuary and the Loboc River floating 

restaurants. Any of the ubiquitous tricycles which 

swarm over Philippine roads and laneways can be 

hired for shorter trips in and around the towns. 

The road which forms a somewhat lopsided ring 

around the island’s coastline is in quite good condition 

and while some of the interior roads are a bit rough 

Generally 

considered one 

of the oldest 

towns in Bohol, 

Loboc was 

founded in 

1602 when Fr 

Juan de Torres 

persuaded the 

local barangay 

chieftains to 

settle here. 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON 

Photographs 

as credited 

43

BOHOL 

and ready in parts, the scenery more than compensates 

for the inconvenience of a few ruts and potholes, at 

least during the dry season. 

All the facilities and services expected in a major city 

can be found in Tagbilaran as well as a congregation 

of churches, heritage sites, hotels, restaurants, 

nightlife, travel companies etc to satisfy most people 

from most parts of the world. The city’s main shopping 

malls stock a variety of merchandise but apart from 

some stylish and colorful beach and resort wear, 

nothing really shouted “buy me” during my travels. 

The Bohol Museum is housed in the old city library 

not far from the town center. There’s not a lot on 

offer beyond some local and natural history exhibits 

and the results of archeological exploration and 

excavation that provides an insight into the pre-history 

of Bohol. Even on the gloomiest and wettest of days 

the average visitor would be hard pressed to spend 

more than 30 minutes inspecting the exhibits. 

Well before the Spanish appeared and so forcefully 

inserted themselves into local society, the settlement 

which became Tagbilaran was doing very nicely for 

itself trading with China and Malaya. Then in 1565 

that prince of plunderers, Don Miguel Lopez de 

Legazpi, turned up unwelcome and uninvited and, 

after convincing the locals he wasn’t one of those 

frightful Portuguese chaps who skirmished so 

unsuccessfully with Lapu Lapu 40 years earlier, sat 

down to negotiate a friendship treaty with the local 

chieftain, Datu Sikahuna. Those negotiations yielded 

the Sandugo or Blood Compact which is considered 

by some to be the first act of diplomacy to have 

taken place between Asia and a western power. The 

Blood Compact Site, complete with life size bronze 

statues of Legazpi and Datu Sikahuna is on the outskirts 

of the city and a popular gathering spot for locals 

and visitors. The Blood Compact is re-enacted 

annually in a gaily exuberant spectacle of streettheater 

known as the Sandugo Festival. 

Siti Ubos, the old harbour, was a bustling port for 

about 300 years before fading into relative obscurity 

with the advent of larger vessels and increased 

mechanization in the early 20th century. Because 

of its history Siti Ubos retains much of it s periodic 

charm and some of the area’s original houses are 

well worth wandering around for the architecture 

of the period. Many of the older buildings were 

demolished or abandoned as unworthy of additional 

maintenance and attention to such an extent they 

basically withered and died of shame and neglect, 

robbing succeeding generations of a glimpse into 

past lives. In 2002 wiser heads prevailed and Siti 

Ubos was declared a ‘Cultural Heritage Area’, thus 

preserving the integrity of the remaining heritage 

houses. 

Panglao Island 

The island of Panglao dangles from the southern tip 

of Bohol like a pendulum and is easily reached by 

causeway from Tagbilaran. To get to the township 

of Panglao, more commonly referred to as poblacion, 

which means center or central, travellers first pass 

through Dauis, the island’s only other settlement 

Aerial view of Tagbilaran City 

44

45

Island City Mall 

Tagbilaran, Bohol 

PalmtreeBOHOL 

Alona Beach 

worthy of the name. The town of Panglao still 

preserves the traditional layout of a Philippine rural 

town: a large grass covered town-square, with the 

Church on one side, on another sits the town hall in 

its somewhat faded glory, and on a third the local 

school. Add to this the remnants of an older church 

(of which only one stone wall remains as the rest of 

it was made of bamboo), and a massive hexagonal 

watchtower, the largest on Bohol, and that’s about 

it for poblacion beyond a few shops and cafes. 

Panglao, the island, only has one industry: tourism — 

and it does tourism very well. Dumaluan and Alona 

beaches boast of glistening white sand, an alluringly 

racy and energetic waterfront and jumbled clusters 

of beach resorts, cafes and dive shops come together 

to form a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment 

in which everybody is welcome; and the diving is 

pretty special too. 

Dauis 

Dauis is the other municipality on Panglao island, 

and its entrance is through two bridges to the mainland. 

Why are we not surprised that it, too, has a church 

that is worth visiting, including the watchtower and 

presbytery. The town is the home of Hinagdanan cave, 

a small underground lake surrounded by stalactites, 

which is one of the tourist attractions in Bohol. A 

large number of souvenir shops have collected 

around its entrance, which is a drawback but they’re 

not yet overly aggressive. 

Baclayon 

This small town not far east of Tagbilaran is mainly 

known for its rather imposing coral-stone ‘Church of 

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception’ completed 

almost 300 years ago and its equally weathered 

three storey watchtower opposite the pier. Attached 

to the church is a small museum displaying a few 

minor religious relics. Far more interesting are some 

of the traditional houses with floors hewn from massive, 

often teak, logs and sliding windows made from 

capiz shells. A group of these homeowners formed 

the ‘Association of Baclayon Ancestral Homes’ and 

members open their houses for overnight guests, 

which can be as interesting as it is challenging for 

visitors. Baclayon is also the base for some of the 

dolphin watching tours that are often operated by 

fishermen from the nearby Pamilacan Island, but the 

fisherman are perfectly willing to pick up sightseers 

46

47

Loboc Children’s ChoirBOHOL 

Panglao 

underwater 

scenery 

in front of the resorts on Alona beach or elsewhere 

on Panglao. 

Pamilacan Island 

A 45 minute boat ride from Baclayon is a speck of 

land known as Pamilacan, which is essentially 

an undeveloped and uninhabited blob of sand 

surrounded by a marine sanctuary. 

Pamilacan is ideal for dolphin watching as many 

species course playfully through these serene waters 

and there are regular sightings of whales, including 

sperm whales and the remarkably reticent blue 

whales, basking and feeding not far way. The best 

time to indulge in a spot of marine mammal watching 

is the early morning when the dolphins are roused 

into action in search of a hearty breakfast before 

spending the day teasing the tourists with just a 

hint of their presence. 

The marine sanctuary teems with brightly colored 

marine life, some quite languid others apparently 

hyperactive bustling around like an officious school 

mistress wanting to know what is going on, which 

somehow transforms the sanctuary into a sparkling 

mobile mosaic. 

Loboc 

Generally considered one of the oldest towns in Bohol, 

Loboc was founded in 1602 when Fr Juan de Torres 

persuaded the local barangay chieftains to settle 

here. There is, of course, the usual Spanish era 

church, a small museum within a rather grand 

presbytery and a separate bell tower. 

More recently the town formed the Loboc Children’s 

Choir. The choir consists of 30 schoolchildren aged 

between 9 and 13 who attend Loboc Elementary 

School. From a purely local audience, word of their 

soaring angelic voices soon spread and the Loboc 

Children’s Choir became one of the most acclaimed 

choral groups in the country. 

The choir has performed at the International Children’s 

Culture and Arts Festival in Tianjin, China, and held 

concerts in Hong Kong and Beijing. The ‘On Angels 

Wings: From Bohol to the World’ toured key cities in 

the USA and the choir has performed concerts with 

the World Youth Orchestra. The Loboc Children’s 

Choir repertoire is an eclectic mix of classical, folk, 

modern and children’s songs. 

48 

Loboc is also well known for the floating restaurants 

that cruise the Loboc River where diners are treated 

to deliciously tangy Filipino food, enjoy a live band

49

BOHOL 

50 

or watch the Filipino folk dances performed by the 

local dancers. The tour ends at Busay Falls before 

returning to its origin which is downstream, making 

the return trip so much quicker. Not far from the 

town of Loboc, a zip-line and cable car have been 

constructed and while it is not as long and high as 

the one in Danao, it offers an impressive flight across 

the Loboc River. 

Sevilla 

It’s not uncommon in a certain genre of film for the 

intrepid hero, the valuable item which he just recovered, 

or looted, in his rucksack, to be seen fleeing a horde 

of villains intent on his destruction when he rounds 

a corner and stops. His sole means of escape, and 

possibly his survival, is a particularly precarious looking 

bridge made of woven vines or rope with a few 

planks of mostly rotting wood to walk on, about a 

third of which are missing, the bridge swaying in a 

light breeze and spanning a chasm with rocks, rapids or 

monsters below. One thinks. “Oh sh*t”. Well the infamous 

Hanging Bridge crossing the upper reaches of 

the Loboc River not far from Sevilla is a less grim and 

foreboding challenge even though it hangs about 

25meters above the river. 

In the past villagers had to scramble down the cliff 

then ride a small banca across the river before 

continuing their journey. Fortunately at some point 

common sense prevailed and the Bohol government 

put up a bamboo bridge for easier and faster access 

from one side of the river to the other. As tourism 

grew and local and international visitors enjoyed the 

culinary delights of the Loboc River floating restaurants 

they noticed, then became interested in, the Hanging 

Bridge. Many younger travellers wanted to experience 

the thrill of crossing the bridge, especially as it sways, 

swings and bucks with each footstep offering visitors 

a frisson of danger that is more than rewarded by 

the compellingly spectacular views of the river. 

As tempting as this activity might appear, vertigo 

sufferers should do their fellow travellers a favor 

and stay far away from the Hanging Bridge lest they 

damage themselves or others. 

Bilar 

Bilar is less than 20km north east of Loboc and as 

the road climbs into the higher reaches of Bohol 

it degenerates into a series of hair-pin bends and 

switchbacks which the locals have named ‘tina-i-samanok’ 

or chicken guts. Despite its pejorative the 

road is quite safe although drivers should be especially 

alert and attentive as any problems are likely to be 

caused by other road users who are, as often as not, 

‘away with fairies’ when driving.

51

to the border between the two towns there is 

a 2km stretch of forest, made up of red and white 

mahogany trees, lining the road like a military regiment 

forming an honor guard for a visiting dignitary. This 

man-made mahogany forest is most noticeable for 

the symmetry of the trees — the height, the size 

of the trunks, the spread of their branches and the 

shape and patterns of the leaves are all eerily similar 

and a little bit spooky. Because of the lush, verdant 

canopy of the surrounding forest it is often dark 

and chilly, even in the middle of summer. It is also 

disturbingly silent. Birds and other native flora and 

fauna do not, for the most part, dwell in this forest 

as mahogany is an alien species and native plants 

have not taken root and the animals tend to avoid it. 

The man-made forest was part of a larger reforestation 

project covering almost 20,000 hectares which 

BOHOLClose 

commenced in the late 1940s. It really took off in the 

late 1960s and 1970s when a myriad of government 

employees, students, volunteers and civic leaders 

descended on the area to plant mahogany seedlings 

from the nearby Logarita nursery. 

Bilar, however, has more to offer. It is currently being 

developed as an eco-tourism destination, and rightly 

so, as within its borders is the Raja Sikatuna National 

Park, which is a 9,000 hectare nature reserve that 

offers great trekking, curious and interesting lime-rock 

formations, some of the last remaining primary forest 

on Bohol, caves, and many opportunities for observing 

animals and bird watching. Logarita, where there is a 

large swimming pool fed by a natural spring, makes 

an excellent starting point for treks into the park. In 

Bilar, the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, is 

home to many varieties of hand raised native butterfly 

and watching these dazzlingly scatty creatures flutter 

whimsically about on seemingly flimsy wings is quite 

therapeutic. 

Maribojoc 

52 

Maribojoc, located near the coast at the south western 

tip of Bohol, is known for its triangular Spanish 

watch tower, the Punta Cruz Watch Tower, built in 

1796. From the tower there’s a good view of Panglao 

and Cebu and, on a clear day, Siquijor and Negros 

are readily discernible. Maribojoc was severely 

affected by the October 2013 earthquake which 

damaged many houses and other buildings, including 

the church. At places, the sea-bed was lifted more 

than a meter and, as a result, the coast-line receded 

some 50 to 100 meters. Because of this, the Punta 

Cruz Watch Tower is no longer directly on the sea 

front.

53

Festival of Lights 

BOHOL 

54 

One of the more eco-friendly tours in Bohol is Firefly 

Kayaking, which takes place on the Abatan River, 

near Maribojoc, most days from 4:30pm to around 

8:30pm. As darkness falls the trees bordering the 

river come alight as thousands of fireflies perform a 

synchronized light show, sparkling on and off, as visitors 

drift by in awe. Kayaking is the much preferred 

method of enjoying these nightly performances as 

the gentle motion of paddles silently manoeuvring 

kayaks through the water does not disturb the calm 

quietness of the firefly habitat. Tours are available 

and the price will generally include free transfers, 

certified kayak guides, kayak rental and a full dinner. 

The Chocolate Hills 

The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol’s most famous 

tourist attraction. Since mankind first discovered 

them hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago the 

origin of the Chocolate Hills has been a source of 

fascination, wonder, speculation, exploration and 

exploitation. 

These smooth round hills resemble giant scoops 

of chocolate ice cream, dolloped randomly over 

an area of about 50 sq km. The tallest of the hills, 

or more accurately mounds, barely reaches 120m 

while most are a scant 30 to 50m in size yet 

completely uniform in shape. It is towards the end 

of the dry season when the grass covering the hills 

drys and turns from a rich green into the chocolate 

brown that gives the hills their name. No matter 

the season, the hills are equally spectacular all year 

round and, apparently, no trees or shrubs have 

been known to grow on them.

Mystery still surrounds the formation of the Chocolate 

Hills. One of the more fanciful local legends is that 

long ago two giants fought for days, hurling earth 

and stones at one another, until they fell exhausted, 

friends once more, into each other’s arms. A more 

romantic tale is that of a handsome young giant 

named Arogo, who fell in love with a mortal woman. 

When, as mortals must, she died, the giant wept, 

his great teardrops turning into the Chocolate Hills. 

Geologists, however, have differing views about 

how they were formed. One plausible theory is that 

they are weathered formations of a marine limestone 

lying on top of an impenetrable clay base. This more 

prosaic explanation is probably more accurate, but 

not nearly so intriguing or romantic. Whatever their 

origin, being in the presence of the hills is a surreal 

experience and, as landscapes go, one of the most 

bizarre. 

The Chocolate Hills are located between Bilar and 

Carmen and not easily reached by public transport. 

For those not wanting to travel individually or hire 

a car or bike there is an abundance of guides and 

tour operators happy to arrange a trip either as a 

separate journey or as part of a day tour. 

Tarsier 

The tarsier is a lightly wacky little critter that should 

have been created in the ‘props’ department of a 

major Hollywood studio to star in a ghoulish horror film, 

but is actually one of God’s creatures and should be 

respected as such. It is the smallest primate in the 

world with its head and body measuring between 4 

and 6.5 inches and hind legs and feet that double 

its body length. Not, perhaps, one of nature’s beauties 

although it does possess a certain animal charm. 

Over millions of years the tarsier has developed 

super-long fingers, not unlike E.T., to grasp the tree 

branches in which it spends much of its life and it 

can leap up to 16 feet when it feels threatened. 

And this furry nocturnal predator is severely threatened. 

For millions of years tarsiers inhabited the world’s 

rain forests, creating for themselves a comfortable 

if not luxurious lifestyle in fairly decent surroundings 

with a more than adequate supply of food: these 

days, however, they struggle to survive on a 

few southern Philippine islands, on Borneo and in 

Indonesia as their rainforest habitats have gradually 

been destroyed. It is not a struggle the tarsier is 

likely to win. 

The most noteworthy feature of the tarsier is its 

disproportionately large eyes which are fixed in 

their sockets. To compensate for eyes that don’t 

rotate, the tarsier’s neck can move 180º in either 

Tarsier 

55

BOHOL 

Chocolate Hills 

56 

direction, in the same manner as an owl’s neck, to 

guard against a sneak attack from behind, which is 

an ever present danger for one so small. 

With excellent night vision and acute hearing a 

tarsier will lie in wait for its unsuspecting prey to 

approach, perhaps while scavenging a meal, 

looking for a mate for a quick knee trembler in the 

undergrowth, or even just out for an evening stroll 

to enjoy the moonlight, then wham!, the tarsier 

ambushes its victim, pouncing with deadly effect. 

Tarsiers are not fastidious eaters and enjoy a diverse 

carnivorous diet of lizards, frogs, snakes, birds and 

bats. 

Your average tarsier is unlikely to be seen in the wild 

as they are notoriously shy and hide in the dense 

tropical undergrowth or cling to a tree’s leafier lower 

limbs up to 6 feet above the ground. The Philippine 

Tarsier Foundation in Corella operates a successful a 

sanctuary in an attempt to help the little critters 

survive and this is the closest most of us will ever 

come to a wild tarsier. Within the Foundation there 

is a research and development center, a visitor 

facility and a habitat reserve in which the tarsiers 

can roam freely while protected by a 3m tall fence 

to keep out any predators, the most dangerous of 

which are feral cats. 

Loon 

Loon is a friendly old town with an impressive 

church. Inside, there are interesting murals of Bohol, 

although several of them are in dire need of 

restoration. But most of the damage was caused 

when Loon was severely hit by the 2013 earthquake 

when many houses were ravaged, and the historic 

‘Our Lady of Light’ parish church was completely 

destroyed. The port of Catagbacan in Loon was also 

badly damaged. 

But the tremendous efforts of Mayor Lloyd Peter 

Lopez and his staff soon had Loon flourishing again. 

Loon has one of the safest bays in the area and the 

mayor is encouraging investors to look at establishing 

a safe haven marina, amongst other business 

enterprises. With what Loon has to offer both in 

the town and on Cabilao Island, it should attract 

some astute investors looking to participate in the 

rejuvenation of one of the most promising 

municipalities in Bohol. 

One of the more famous festivals of Loon, is the 

Sidla Kasilak or Festival of Light held in September 

each year. The festival strives for those magical otherworldly 

effects in a harmony of light, sound and 

dance. Dances performed by local students mesmerize 

the crowds with imaginative choreography and superb 

coordination. The students of Governor Jacinto Borja 

National High school won the 2015 festival in a 

magical light and dance performance. Sidla Kasilak 

is the only evening street dancing event in Bohol. 

In addition, it does not require lavish costumes and 

props as participating schools are required to wear

57

BOHOL 

their school uniforms. Community based delegations 

choose their own costumes. The contest criteria 

rely solely on the use, set-up and display of lights 

and are unchanged for many years, which includes 

design, color harmony and brightness, choreography 

or movement and manipulation of the lights, and 

the dynamics and coordination of melding the 

lighting with the music. 

very interested in developing the area to generate 

income for the municipality, according to Evasco’s 

vice mayor who envisions a recreation area with 

basketball and volleyball courts, a concert hall, a 

dock and a government center on part of the strip in 

Guiwanon and Punta Cruz. Also envisioned for the 

area are restaurants, fruit stands, massage and spa 

areas, and souvenir shops. 

58 

Another phenomenon which arose by the heaving 

of the seabed more than a meter above the water 

line during the earthquake was the rising of the sea 

bed, which created 137 hectares of new coastline. 

The undersea upheaval exposed a broad, flat reef 

covered with seagrass, coral and other marine 

organisms that once lived undisturbed despite the 

neap and ebb tides. 

To the municipalities of Maribojoc and Loon, which 

share stories of devastation caused by the quake 

and are contoured by the new coastal crust in the 

southwestern part of the island, the strip offers 

exciting ecotourism opportunities. Maribojoc is 

The more progressive Loon wants to put up a Loon 

Coastal Geomorphic Conservation Park in their portion 

of the strip to study the earth’s crust. The park 

will feature a southern coastal road, amusement and 

recreational centers, an area for sports and extreme 

adventure. Also envisioned are improvements to the 

existing fish sanctuaries and the development of 

other fishery-related projects. 

Cabilao Island 

The small island of Cabilao is a real diver’s paradise 

and surrounded by a coral reef that falls steeply to 

about 50 meters. Cabilao is located about 30 km 

from Tagbilaran along the coastal road to Calape and 

Tubigon and is also linked by boat to Sandingan Island, 

which in turn is connected to Bohol by a bridge. The 

boat trip to to the island takes only about 15 

minutes and the ride is not expensive, generally 

around P20 per person. The boats depart when they 

have seven passengers on board so be patient or be 

prepared to pay for all seven tickets if time is a major 

concern. 

Some of Bohol’s smaller islands, such as Panglao, 

are connected to the mainland by bridge or dam or 

causeway, making them easier to visit, but it also 

means that motor traffic can easily reach them and 

disturb their tranquility. Cabilao is too far offshore to 

be connected by bridge, so the island remains clean 

and comparatively peaceful. The only transport on 

the island are a few tricycles and a couple of motorcycles 

that also serve as so-called habal-habal which

Bas Dako 

Beach Anda 

means they’re available for hire. However, most of 

the distances on Cabilao are so small, pretty much 

everywhere is reachable on foot. 

Cabilao island is among the best dive sites in and 

around Bohol and most visitors go there for the diving 

as there are some wonderful reefs not far offshore. 

The island has three resorts that mainly cater to divers 

exploring the undisturbed reefs, love the peaceful 

atmosphere, and come especially to see Cabilao’s 

famous shoals of hammerhead sharks. Each resort 

now has its own dive shop, and equipment rental 

facilities, and can provide pressured air refills for scubadivers. 

Snorkelling off the beach is very rewarding 

as the waters here are a kaleidoscopic pattern of 

brightly colored marine life: it is recommended that 

snorkelers wear a wet-suit for protection against 

sun-burn, jellyfish stings or a brush with other stinging 

creatures that live on or near the reef. Not only can 

some these fragile looking marine coelenterates give 

a painful sting but the tentacles will often leave 

unsightly, (and painful), red welts that are hellish to 

get rid of. 

Cabilao has much to offer visitors to the island. 

Hunting of birds is forbidden on this little piece of 

paradise, as it should be everywhere, and now there 

are more birds here than in most of Bohol. Also, the 

island is the home to Bohol’s only natural lake, Lake 

Lanao, which also serves as a bird-sanctuary. The 

lake is only a leisurely stroll from any of the resorts, 

providing an opportunity to take in the peace, 

serenity and lush tropical growth of the island. Cabilao 

long-time resident, Joachim Gilliard, has established 

the Sunset Dive Resort on his property which also 

houses his rather splendid home. The resort boasts 

European designed units which are comfortable, 

plush and a little unexpected on a small island. They 

are also spacious with room to move and relax. On 

the grounds there is a swimming pool, a nipa hut 

bar and many other facilities to allow guests to do as 

much or as little as they wish. Joachim has been on 

Festival of Lights 

59

BOHOL 

60 

the island for more than ten years, is an accomplished 

diver and knows the best dive sites around here, 

which will make for many happy memories. 

Anda 

The municipality of Anda is a small peninsula at the 

eastern tip of Bohol, 100km from Tagbilaran City. It 

was once a wilderness; the shores were swampy and 

covered with thick mangroves and hardwood trees. 

During the early part of its civilization up to the later 

decades of the nineteenth century, this region was 

a barrio of Guindulman called “Quinale” due to the 

characteristic formation of land made up of sand, 

gravel and coral that piled layer on layer and then 

was carried on the waves since time immemorial. 

This can be verified geologically by observing the 

sandy soil of the barrios of Poblacion and Suba. 

Unless any reader is particularly interested in the 

arcane machinations of bureaucratic wrangling of 

late 19th century Philippines, I suggested skipping 

the following paragraphs in the interest of preserving 

ones sanity. 

On March 24, 1874 the petition of barrio Quinale 

to become a town was denied again for the same 

reason—the number of taxpayers was less than 

the required 500. On September 23, 1874, only a 

few months after being denied, the people made 

another petition. This time they took another tack. 

Independent Lieutenant Victorio Felisarta and 

37 other signatories put forward the following 

argument: their 1856 petition was denied because 

of an insufficient number of taxpayers. Their 1872 

petition was denied for the same reason. They argued 

that the number of births far exceeded the 

deaths, but the people migrated to other places due 

to lack of supervision and opportunities. The reason 

why the people want to be a town is to have a proper 

supervision and leadership. Without leadership 

the number of taxpayers will not increase, so first 

make Quinale into a town so that the taxpayers 

could reach 500 and not the other way around. 

Provincial Governor Don Joaquin Bengoechea, 

understood the reasoning. So he suggested, the 

citizens make a petition only for the civil aspect 

of the town. The requirement of 500 taxpayers is 

only for becoming a town. So the September 23, 

1874 petition requested only to be a town in the civil 

aspect. The new petition went into rigmarole due to 

the reluctance of the religious authorities to 

approve it. On March 11, 1875, the Consejo De 

Administracion (Council for Administration) 

recommended that the visita (mission field) of Quinale 

be spearated in its civil aspect only because the 

Archbishop was not inclined to separate it on its 

religious aspect. On March 12, 1875, Governor 

General Don Jose De Malcampoy y Monje issued 

the decree creating the new town of Anda. On April 

1, 1875 the order was published. The archbishop of 

Manila confirmed the separation was only on the 

civil aspect of the town. On May 3, 1875, the local 

officials of the new town of Anda and the mother 

town of Guindulman gathered together to determine 

the boundaries. 

As to the renaming of the town, there is no record 

yet found as to its authenticity. However, according 

to the explanation by early inhabitants, the word 

ANDA is derived from the word andar, ‘to walk’ 

Visayanized as naga-andar meaning ‘walking’ or 

towards prosperity. Another version of the naming 

of this town is that it was derived from the name 

of a Spanish Governor General, Simon de Anda,

Now Available at 

ECHOMAP CHIRP 

AVAILABLE IN 4”, 5”, 7” AND 9” MODELS 

WWW.BROADWATERMARINE.COM 

61

whose memory influenced the Spanish authorities, 

the town’s name was attributed to. Anda led the 

army of Filipino and Spanish troops to fight against 

a British invasion. However, the authenticity of either 

version remains to this date a continuous study 

and research. 

Since the inhabitants of this newly created municipality 

were wanting of knowledge and a short of proper 

guidance in performing governmental functions, the 

people invited an educated person from Guindulman 

to serve as an administrator or adviser in running the 

machinery of the government. They invited Pablo 

Castro Sr. to live in Anda to teach and to give advices 

to the officials of the town regarding governmental 

affairs. He got his meager education in Manila. 

He was sent there by his parents while he was still 

young. 

He was popularly known as Maestro Amboy, Juece 

Amboy, and Capitan Amboy for serving in various 

government positions as an adviser, Juece de 

Sementera y de Policia, and as a Capitan Municipal. 

The varied positions were however rendered on 

different times. 

However, the new town was still under the parochial 

jurisdiction of Guindulman. The Bishop of Cebu 

(Bohol was yet under the Diocese of Cebu) did 

not affirmed that the new municipality be granted 

a separate parish. He was doubtful that this newly 

created town could sustain the needs of an independent 

parish. 

The people through some leaders namely: Perfecto 

Paguia; Gabriel Escobido, Benedicto Amper among 

continued persistently in petitioning the 

Bishop of Cebu that a separate parish should be 

established in Anda. On March 19, 1885-Anda parish 

was granted to be separated from Guindulman 

assigning Rev. Fr. Julian Cisnero as the first parish 

priest. On January 6, 1885 the approval from the 

Spanish Cortes for a separate civil government of 

Anda was at hand. So in the year 1885 the people 

enjoyed a dual celebration-civil and parochial. 

Visitors to Anda experience the ultimate satisfaction 

and enjoyment with pollution free beaches while being 

captivated by the unending beauty of nature and 

beach treasures. Anda is a place for great vacations 

for the family, a romantic getaway for newlyweds or 

for simply spending time with friends. A fresh look 

far from the activity on Panglao. With its serene and 

calm environment, Anda is a great escape for tourists 

looking for a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the 

panoramic view of white sand beaches. A timeless 

ambiance lingers in this part of Bohol. There are 

many resorts at Anda all designed to make guests 

feel at home even though most holiday makers want 

to get away from home. Among the more established 

resorts is the Anda White Beach Resort where Cornelius 

and his wife go out of their way to ensure guests 

creature comforts are well catered for. There is also 

Blue Star Resort and on the beach another beautiful 

resort that has everything is the Anum Ini Resort. 

Set in lush tropical gardens this beautiful resort also 

caters for guests every whim. The East Coast Resort 

is also popular. 

Balicasag 

Balicasag is a small island off the coast of Panglao. 

It is a marine sanctuary with white sand beach and 

beautiful coral formations in both shallow and deep 

BOHOL 

others, 

Balicasag Island 

Dive Resort 

62

Balicasag Turtle 

63

Bohol Beach Club 

BOHOL 

64 

waters. Balicasag is a haven for snorkelers and divers 

and also for those who simply love to swim or go 

island hopping, or watch for dolphins. It is 600 

meters in diameter and can be explored at leisure 

within 45 minutes. It is one of those marvellously 

sun drenched little dots of sand peeking above the 

ocean that casts no judgement on how active or idle 

a person is. Simply laze on the shore or go for a cooling 

swim in the clear, mild shallow waters. Diving is 

particularly popular in Balicasag because of the 

island’s rich marine life. There are turtles, many 

different species of fish and various coral growths 

which change color according to the water’s depth. 

Divers should be aware of their surroundings around 

Balicasag as the currents can become stronger than 

many divers are accustomed to. 

Diving Sites 

Black Forest. The Black Forest is probably the most 

popular dive point in Balicasag with its steep slope 

that extends to about 40 meters. It is called the 

black forest because of the beautiful black coral that 

thrive in the area. Divers can encounter schools of 

jackfish, barracuda, eels, and many other varieties of 

colorful marine life and grasses. 

Diver’s Haven. Diver’s Haven is another great diving 

point in Balicasag that highlights different species 

of fish and other marine life. 

Turtle Point offers a wonderful opportunity to get 

up close and personal with some magnificent sea 

turtles. There are also caves that run 60 to 75 

meters deep. 

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary. The marine sanctuary of 

the island features a wall dive that runs over 200m 

deep, with coral and plant life protruding from walls. 

Schools of jackfish are a common sight, as are other 

vibrant species of underwater life. 

Cathedral Wall. The Cathedral Wall features plenty of 

cracks which makes for an interesting dive. A torch 

or flashlight is needed to see though the crevices 

and witness amazing reef fish, coral, and sea sponges. 

Other interesting sights in this dive spot are schools 

of jacks and the light of the sun reflecting magnificently 

inside the cathedral wall. 

The Royal Garden. With a shallower average depth 

of 18m, the Royal Garden is also one of the favorite 

dive spots in Balicasag, especially for those still feeling 

their way around beneath the water as the underwater 

plateau features vibrant varieties of marine life all in 

one place. Turtles, shoals of fish, corals and plants in 

different shapes and colors are abundant. 

Non divers can enjoy the rich marine life of 

Balicasag by snorkelling. Swimming and snorkelling 

are the best ways of discovering the beauty of the 

island with its amazingly vibrant corals in the 

shallow waters. 

Dolphin Watching 

When you are island hopping from Balicasag with 

the kids, check out the dolphin watching in the sea 

between Balicasag and Pamilcana. Witness dolphins 

surfacing out of the water doing their stunts in 

groups usually early in the morning.

How to get there 

International travellers, basically, have two options 

— fly to Manila or fly direct to Cebu. Cebu is by far 

the most convenient and preferred option although 

there are fewer flights from fewer cities going 

directly to Cebu. The Cebu route allows passengers 

to avoid the unseemly scramble of weary and frustrated 

new arrivals all racing headlong towards the often 

woefully inadequate Immigration and Customs 

desks at Manila before transferring to the Domestic 

terminal to board a flight to Cebu. 

Travellers can fly direct to Cebu from Singapore, 

Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan 

although these services are regularly reviewed and 

expanded. Emirates also operates to and from Cebu 

but it seems no airline is flying direct from Europe, 

America or Australasia although that, too, could 

change when sufficient demand emerges. 

Philippine Airlines passengers can arrive in Manila 

and depart for Cebu or even take a direct flight from 

Manila to Tagbilaran from the same terminal, which 

is about as convenient as domestic air travel in the 

Philippines gets. 

Travellers in Cebu should head along to the wharf 

and hop on the ‘fast ferry’ for the 90 minute trip 

across the Cebu Strait to Tagbilaran. The regular 

boat to Tagbilaran takes about four hours which is 

one way of adjusting to the slower pace of island life. 

It is also possible to cross the Cebu Strait to Tubigon 

and Talibon, and a number of other towns on Bohol, 

which may be more convenient for travellers staying on 

the west or north coast of the island. 

Where to Stay 

One thing Bohol has an abundance of is 

accommodation. While some visitors will choose 

comfort and a full suite of facilities others may 

prefer the convenience of staying right on the beach 

front. Comfort and convenience are not, of course, 

mutually exclusive and it’s certainly possible to 

combine comfort and convenience without leaving 

the holiday budget in tatters. 

There are a number of quite good resorts in Tagbilaran 

like the Metro Centro Hotel, Bohol Sunset Villa and 

the upmarket Ocean Suites Boutique Hotel. In Panglao 

the top pick would have to be the Bohol Beach Club: 

this resort has everything plus some of the best water 

sports activities on this section of the island. The 

Seaquest, Sunset, and White Beach are also top resorts 

that people have recommended to ABW. When staying 

on Cabilao islands, only 10 minutes by banca from 

the mainland, you have the Cabilao Beach Club or in 

Talisay there is Polaris or undoubtedly the best resort 

in this area Joachim Gilliards’ Sunset Dive Resort. 

65

Words by 

BRUCE 

CURRAN 

Photographs 

as credited 

A water spout 

was spotted 

to the right 

(starboard) 

of the bow 

of the boat, 

and then the 

same animal 

spouted closer 

to the boat. 

Travelling with 

Whales 

66

The oceans around the Philippines are 

incredibly rich with marine mammals. They 

swim around here on their own accord. However, 

there are a few that were flown in by Fedex. 

In a cozy little bay at the far end of Subic, a handful 

of false killer whales were a happy bunch. Previously 

enclosed in Beijing under a concrete dome where 

they must have pined for the sky. Now were 

connected to the open sea and can hear the marine 

life all around them, and see the stars and moon on 

clear nights- a far cry from a gray concrete dome in China. 

Fedex flew them to Zambales where their dreams 

came true. Hundreds of miles from the sea, they 

had been far from their normal element. Where they 

swam in the waters of Subic Bay. Their human trainers 

immediately noticed a new level of contentment. 

The whales now swam in natural bay waters. 

One of these whales sported a harpoon scar from a 

Japanese whale hunter. This reminds me of the joke 

about the two nations that still persist in whaling. 

The quote is, “Save a Whale, harpoon a Japanese 

Whaler” or “Save a Whale, harpoon a Norwegian 

Whaler.” There are many Japanese working in Subic, 

and a few Norwegians too, so one has to be 

diplomatic and choose company carefully before 

spouting this topical line! 

Meanwhile, “Ocean Adventure” had officially 

opened after some strange official objections to its 

environmental and moral suitability. The fact of the 

matter is that these whales were the ultimate envoy 

for their species, and all marine species at the end 

of the day. The people involved were vastly 

experienced, and the Philippines is tremendously 

lucky to have such a remarkable ocean park within 

its own country. 

False Killer Whale 

Marie Hill, pifscblog.wordpress.com 

67

68 

The educational aspect is heavily promoted. School 

children and post school adults are fed interesting 

and vital information that encourages all of us to 

take extra care of our planet. A ‘Learning Center’ is 

part of the attraction. 

A family of sea lions is also featured in the park, as 

is a set of aquarium tanks occupied by various 

colourful marine denizens of the coral and mangrove 

shallows. 

But the main feature of the park was these whales 

themselves. The whales reveled in their encounters 

with their human visitors who, big or small, also 

thrived in this remarkable meeting of land and water 

mammals. 

Ocean Adventure Park 

I was so proud of my two children, Shauna, 10, and 

Swayn, 8, as I watched them during their 45-minute 

encounter with the whales. They were engrossed, 

awed, fascinated, and no doubt full of many 

feelings and a million thoughts. They have come 

away from the experience with a new found respect 

for whales, marine life, and the need for care of our 

entire planet. Talk about ultimate education. Talk 

about one of life’s truly great experiences. 

“Ocean Adventure” is one way that many people, 

especially land-locked urban dwellers, can get a true 

feel of the marine world. 

Out in the open seas the Philippine whales and other 

marine mammals abound. I have seen a mother and

69

calf west of Palawan, a whale north of Busuanga, 

and have heard of many encounters far and wide. 

Dugongs, the so-called seacows that eat seagrass, 

are more widespread in these waters than previously 

realized, and whale sharks have long held their 

notoriety in these waters. In Palawan, there is even 

a clawless endemic otter. The World Wildlife 

Organization stamps the Philippines as within the 

area which is designated as the most marine 

bio-diverse environment on our entire planet. 

A sailing couple recently told me of their own whale 

encounter en route to the Philippines from the 

island of Guam way east in the Pacific Ocean. 

A water spout was spotted to the right (starboard) 

of the bow of the boat, and then the same animal 

spouted closer to the boat. All of a sudden this 

whale, which was longer than their own 38-foot 

boat, swam fast towards them and dived under their 

boat, creating a massive wave that swamped their 

deck as the leviathan swam out of sight and down 

into the murky depths of the ocean. They were 

more than a little surprised, but the whale did not 

physically touch their hull, so all was well, but wet. 

It was a mouth-opening experience to see a wild 

whale, and a fantastic experience to have the opportunity 

to swim with a whale at “Ocean Adventure”. The 

place is a-buzz with excitement and involvement. 

The visitors are privileged and supportive, agog and 

educated, but most of all changed in some ways 

forever. 

Professor Lem Argones is involved with marine 

mammal survey in Philippine waters, and is based 

at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos, just 

south of Manila. The list of types of whales found in 

these waters is over 20, although some species are 

rarely seen. 

Back at “Ocean Adventure” several foreigners ruled 

and run the roost. One was involved with the training 

of the killer whale in the film “Free Willy”. 

There were a whole bunch of interesting people 

associated with the project. The Filipino photographer 

Chet is a keen mountaineer and hoped to go sea 

kayaking in the future. Bianca, the Filipina whale 

trainer, was also a mountaineer. Tim, John, Scott 

and Bob are some that I was lucky enough to 

meet. 

Dolphins 

70

71

Deck Equipment 

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 

The mast 

72 

Most Bermudan sloop-rigged boats have a broadly 

similar range of deck equipment, and layout, small 

variations may occur I the number and siting of 

winches, the position of the cleats and so on. If you 

are sailing an unfamiliar boat, get the skipper to show 

you around and demonstrate how the equipment works. 

The fixtures and fittings have to take a considerable 

amount of strain so they must be robust and well 

secured. Frequent maintenance checks are a vital 

safety precaution. Details of the fittings and their 

functions are given here. 

Foredeck 

The foredeck of a cruiser is a potentially dangerous 

area. The bow of the boat suffers the greatest degree of 

motion in any kind of swell, and in rough seas, large 

waves mat break over it. All the headsail changing is 

carried out on the foredeck, and the crew therefore 

needs some sort of protection while working. 

Normally a strong tubular steel framework known as 

the pulpit, is fixed to the bow, bolted securely into 

the deck. The crew can brace themselves against it 

when working. Lifelines, or guardrails as they also 

known, run from the pulpit to the stern of the boat, 

supported at intervals on metal stanchions, in rough 

weather, the crew must wear harness and clip 

themselves onto appropriate parts of the boat. Usually 

jackstays are rigged from eyebolts at the bow and 

run along each side deck to the cockpit. They are 

made of plastic-covered wire or of webbing, and 

provide a convenient clipping-on point along the 

length of the foredeck. The anchor is normally kept 

on the foredeck, in modern boats there is usually a 

covered anchor well sunk into the foredeck, in which 

the anchor is stowed when not being used. There 

should be at least one fairlead on either side of the 

bow, with an accompanying cleat set slightly aft of 

it. The forestay or forestays if the boat has twin ones 

fitted, are attached to the bow fitting. The foredeck 

surface is an important factor. It should be made 

of non-slip material with a raised lip at the outer 

edge to prevent the crew from slipping under the 

guardrails. The forward hatch can be fitted into the 

foredeck or in the fore part of the cabin. It must be 

strong, watertight, and capable of being securely

locked from both inside and outside the coach roof. 

Make sure the foredeck is free of clutter at all times. 

Coil up warps immediately after use and stow them. 

Bag up sails, or stow them neatly against the guardrails 

if they are likely to be used again shortly. 

Coach roof 

In most boats the cabin accommodations covered 

over with a raised coach roof to give more headroom 

below decks. If the mast is deck stepped, the coach 

roof is normally reinforced at this point, often with 

a pillar support running from the deckhead to the 

keel. The sides of the coach roof normally contain small 

windows or port holes to allow light into the cabin 

below. The seal around them should be completely 

watertight, as those around the ventilators, which 

allow air to circulate in the cabin. A forward hatch 

is normally incorporated into the front part of the 

coach roof to allow sails to be passed through, and 

to allow light and air into the forepeak. The hatch 

should also have a waterproof seal, and should be 

kept firmly closed when under way. Stanchions with 

lifelines are fitted around the side decks. The spinnaker 

pole is normally stowed along one of the side decks 

and the jib sheet fairleads are secured on either side 

deck, just forward of the cockpit. A grabrail runs 

around the coach roof. The companionway, the access 

into the cabin, is usually at the aft end of the coach 

roof and can be closed by a sliding hatch and 

washboards. The hatch should have a proper lock 

than can be operated from inside and out, and 

should be secured shut when sailing I rough conditions. 

The washboards should also be capable of being 

secured separately from inside and out. Grab handles 

fitted in the companionway, and rubber nosing on 

the steps help to provide a more secure hand and 

foothold when the boat is heeling. There should 

be a strong fastening point near the hatchway so 

that harness lines can be slipped on before the crew 

leaves the cabin. 

Stowing on the deck 

Every boat should have a proper liferaft on board, 

and a common place to stow it is on the coach roof, 

either forward of the mast or between the mast and 

the companionway. Alternatively, it could be stowed 

in a separate cockpit locker. If stowed on deck, it 

should be tied onto specially shaped chocks using a 

quick release knot. If you have an inflatable tender you 

can stow it, deflated, alongside the liferaft. Make 

sure that all equipment is properly tied down, and 

that there are no trailing lines which might trip up 

an unwary crew member. Ancillary equipment, such 

as brooms and boat-hooks, should be not tied to the 

grabrails, as it may prevent their use as hand-holds. 

Stow them in a locker in the cockpit or down below. 

Mast 

The majority of boats these days use aluminum 

masts as they are strong, light and durable. The 

height of the mast will depend on the size of the 

boat and the design of the rig. Most boats have a 

single spreader arrangement, struts which join the 

middle of the mast to the shrouds to give it more 

lateral support. The shrouds, of stainless steel or 

galvanized wire, are attached to chainplates mounted 

on the sides of the hull, or on the side decks. With 

single spreader arrangement, the cap shrouds run 

from the masthead to the side decks and a further 

pair of shrouds runs from the spreader roots to the 

chainplates. These are called the lower shrouds. A 

forestay and backstay, of similar construction to the 

shrouds, run from the mast head to the bow and 

stern respectively and support the mast fore and aft. 

Although the shrouds have a fixed tension, set up 

when the mast is stepped, the back stay can usually 

be adjusted when sailing. Navigation lights may be 

attached to the masthead, as can a wind indicator 

and a radio aerial. It is also the best place to put a radar 

reflector. The mast usually contains the sail halyards 

which emerge near the deck. The appropriate 

winches and cleats are fixed nearby, or the halyards 

are led back to the winches near the cockpit. The 

gooseneck fitting of the boom is mounted on the 

aft side of the mast. If the boat has a spinnaker, the 

pole bracket is mounted on the front of the mast 

and the spinnaker Halyard winch and cleat on the 

side, or near the cockpit. The kicking strap is usually 

secured to the heel of the mast on the aft side. 

Boom 

The boom provides the rigid base for the foot of 

the mainsail. On modern boats it is usually made 

of aluminum and has a groove along the top into 

which the foot rope of the mainsail is inserted. The 

tack of the sail is secured at the gooseneck while a 

clew outhaul is used to adjust the tension on the 

foot of the sail. The boom is attached to to the mast 

with a gooseneck fitting which may be mounted on a 

sliding track, so that the height of the boom can be 

adjusted. A kicking strap fixed to the underside of 

the boom is used to prevent it lifting when sailing. 

The mainsheet is attached to an eye at the aft end 

of the boom, as is the topping lift, a length of rope 

running from the boom to the masthead and down 

to the deck, which is used to support the end of the 

boom when the mainsail is hoisted. If your boat has 

jiffy reefing equipment this will also be attached to 

the boom. 

Boom Detail 

The tubular framework 

known as the 

pulpit surrounds 

the bows and 

provides protection 

fpr the crew when 

rigging or changing 

headsails It must be 

securely throughbolted 

to the deck 

Life Raft 

Coachroof 

73

Negros and Surrounding Areas 

Unless 

familiar with 

the channel 

it should not 

be attempted 

when reefs do 

not show well. 

The deeper 

water will be 

found on the 

W side of the 

channel. 

We hope you are enjoying this very useful 

series with the important information 

on cruising in Philippine waters. As we said information 

can be somewhat limited to the smaller cruising 

yachts in the Philippines. With the invaluable help 

of NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource 

Information Authority) we are getting each series. 

And the feedback from Marinas and Yacht Clubs 

throughout the Philippines, which has been very 

encouraging, to bring you more accurate and up 

to date information on Philippine waters with you 

the cruising and sailing yachtsman in mind and 

will also be of invaluable use to the power boat 

yachtsman as well. As we stated in the first of this 

series it was decided after discovering that local 

knowledge gained by a yachtsman was not being 

recorded and shared with other yachtsman. 

Words by 

BARRY 

DAWSON & 

SUBIC 

SAILING 

Photographs 

as credited 

As we aim to make the information contained 

here-in as accurate as possible, your input is 

greatly appreciated as we can only go on information 

given to us by the Yacht Clubs and NAMRIA 

and of course firsthand experience from you, the 

yachting fraternity. So with this in mind we cannot 

be held responsible if there are any inaccuracies. 

So if you read any information contained herein 

you know to be inaccurate please inform us 

immediately at info@activeboatingwatersports. 

com. Please continue in sending us information. 

74

Philippine Waters 

75

Our fourth destination in this series is Negros 

Island and all its surrounding areas. 

Please note that when sailing in Philippine waters 

for the first time that the Philippine Immigration and 

Customs rules are administered by the Department of 

Foreign Affairs. For skipper and crew of sailing and 

cruising yachts visiting the Philippines it is possible 

to obtain a visitor’s visa in advance of travel from the 

nearest Philippine Embassy or Consular Services office 

in your country of departure. Visa requirements 

can be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs 

(“DFA”) website Visa Information. 

Upon entry into the Philippines, the crew of your 

yacht is required to register immediately with the 

nearest Philippine Coast Guard Station and submit 

the yacht/sailboat to Customs, Immigration and 

Quarantine inspections. There is a Customs Office 

in Puerto Princesa and one also at Coron capable of 

achieving this objective. 

If you have not applied for a visa in advance then 

you must report immediately to the nearest Bureau 

of Immigration office upon entering Philippine waters; 

a 21 day visa will usually be issued to holders of 

acceptable passports. BI offices around the country 

can be found on the BI website. 

Extensions of stay visa are offered for periods of an 

initial visa extension of 38 days (and in 59 day 

increments thereafter) for holders of acceptable 

passports and can be applied for at the nearest BI 

office. The schedule of fees for VISA EXTENSION is 

given on the BI website. 

If life in the Philippines sounds too good (to many 

people it does) and you are considering living here 

then you should take time out to find out how and 

where to stay in the Philippines this information is 

available on www.activeboatingwatersports.com 

Bohol Island is of oval form, 48 miles long in a NE 

direction and 34 miles wide N and S. It has an Area of 

about 1,492.2 square statute miles and isa the tenth 

island in the Philippines in point size. It is well populated. 

The S part is hilly and rocky, but in the N part are 

fertile valleys and good tracts of level land. The highest 

point on the island, 802 meters high, is in the SE part 

about 5 miles NW of Nauco Point. 

Mount Cogtong, in the NE part of the Island, is a 

prominent, grass covered, double peak 459 meters 

high. Bohol has no good harbors, and its rivers are 

general small and used only by bancas and local craft. 

76 

Cebu Strait is the passage between the W side of Bohol 

and the island of Cebu. It connects the Camotes Sea with 

the Bohol Sea. The Strait is wide and deep throughout 

its length, as are the N and S approach channels.

77

Lapinin Island, lying close to he NE point of Bohol, is 

generally low and rugged, it has wide, rice-cultivated 

flat, broken by low, conspicuous hills covered with 

grass. A well defined hill 129 meters high, near the 

S point of the island is probably the highest point. 

Its shores are indented by numerous bays, fringed 

with mangroves, except in a few places where there 

are small stretches of sand beach and faced by reefs. 

There are no rivers, the opening in the mangroves 

are being only esteros extending a short distance 

inland. Three small islets, Bondoon, Budlaan, and 

Pamasuan are close to the N side of the Island. Tide 

rips are indicated E of Tugas Point, the NE extremity 

of the island. 

Basiao Channel, between Lapinin Island and Bohol, 

is a winding channel about 0.5 miles wide. At the 

NW end of the channel Lapinin Chico Islet. 33 meters 

high and fringed with mangroves. From the E 

entrance a mid-channel course is safe and a depth of 

5.5 meters can be carried within a mile SE of the islet 

with a sand spit o.7 mile SE of Lapinin Chico Islet, 

The bar and the sand pit divide the channel at this 

point. In the NW branch a depth of 4.6 meters can 

be carried through at low water, but the N branch 

is foul and should not be attempted by strangers. 

About 270 meters from the S side of Lapinin Chico 

is a rock awash at high water with 4.6 meters close 

to its S side, and opposite side of the channel, about 

495 meters S of this rock, is a small rock covered by 

2.7 meters at low water. The channel E of Lapinin 

Chico is close to the sand bar SE of the islet, and is 

about 360 meters wide, running in a N-and-S direction. 

Basio Channel affords excellent anchorage in 5.5 to 

9.1 meters with a sand and rock bottom. 

W of Cogtong Mountains is a large valley extending 

W along the coast to the Ipil river and S between 

Cogtong Mounta and Mount Batuanan. This latter 

mountain 341 meters high, is the E termination of 

the long E and W ridge SW of the Cogtong Mountains, 

descending with a cliff-like abruptness to the E and 

forming an easily distinguished landmark. 

If bound for Talibon, a vessel should, after clearing 

the pass, steer 247°, heading for Gindacpan Island. 

This course will clear the reef which extends about 

1.3 miles NW of Bilanbilangan Island and midway 

between the reefs surrounding Talaban Island and 

a detached shoal about 1 mile in diameter, about 3 

miles WNW of Nunu. This shoal is bare at low water 

and shows well under favorable light conditions. The 

W edge of the reef of Talaban Island is in line with a 

range formed by Talibon Church and the east tangent 

to Saae Island. When Talaban Island is abeam steer 

213° in mid-channel between Saae and Bassan Islands, 

until the north tangent to Tambu Island bears 270°, 

then head for Talibon church on course 180°. 

78

79

Anchorage may be had 1 mile NE of the town in 

5.5 meters of water, with a mud bottom. From the 

anchorage the water shoals gradually towards the 

shore. 

Tubigon has a 505 meter long concrete causeway 

extending NNW. The causeway has three timberdecked 

landings towards its offshore end and 

constructed at the sides, two on the W and 1 one 

the E side. Depth of water at the extreme N end 

was found at 2.9 meters. Talibon light 10° 19’14”N, 

124°19’35.5”E flashing red at 3 second intervals, 

from a concrete tower, on the inshore end of Talibon 

causeway and has limited arc visibility beyond 5 

miles as it is obstructed by several small islands. 

Jetafe light 10° 09’ 21” N, 124° 09’ 26” E shown 

fixed red on top of a 9.8 meter concrete pole, with a 

total elevation of 10.7 meters above the high water 

mark on the offshore end of the stone causeway, is 

visible 3miles over an arc of 85° from 081° to 166°. 

Middle pass a narrow channel 300 yards wide, 5.0 

miles E of Caubyan Islands has a depth of 6.1 meters. 

At the other entrance to Middle Pass, Mount Batuanan 

bears 159°, and nearly between Calituban and 

Gindacpan Islands. Unless familiar with the channel 

it should not be attempted when reefs do not show 

well. The deeper water will be found on the W side 

of the channel. At the inner and outer entrances, 

spits extend a short distance from the W side of the 

reef. NW pass between Pandanon Island and Cabulan 

Island is about 0.7 mile wide and mid-channel depth 

of over 36 meters. This pass permits entrance from 

Olango Channel. Vessels approaching the NW pass 

bound for Jetafe should bring Mount Corte to bear 

119° when about 1 mile outside of a line drawn between 

Pandanon and Cabulan Islets, and steer for it. This 

leading mark will carry a vessel through a chanel 

51.2 metrers deep between the reefs fringing Pandanon 

and Cabulon Islets, both of which are low and covered 

with coconut trees. 

Tubigon, a town about 8.5 miles SW of Inabanga, is 

the most important town on the northwest coast of 

Bohol. There are connections to Tagbilaran and daily 

boat services to Cebu. Anchorage may be found 

about 600 yards from the end pier in 5.5 to 9.1 meters 

of water with a mud bottom. Between Tubigon and 

Calape, 6.5 miles SW, the foot hills at several places 

rise to conspicuous summits of character formations. 

The most prominent of these Mount Ilihan about 2 

miles SSW from Tubigon. 

80 

Sandigham Island 81 meters high is heavily wooded, 

especially with coconut trees. The Island is very close 

to the NW extremity of Bohol, and coonected to the 

mainland by an extensive mangrove swamp. The W 

shore is fringed by a narrow steep-to reef, and the 

high water line is marked by a 3.0 to 6.1 meters bluff 

interspersed by sand and mangroves.

81

Cabilao Island 34.1 meters high and heavily wooded, 

is the most westerly island off the west coast of Bohol. 

The W side is fringed by a narrow steep-to reef. A 

concrete pole 16.2 meters high above high water, 

stands near the NE extremity of the island. The island 

is separated from Sandigan and Pangangan Island by 

Sauang Pass, a clear, deep channel 10.8 miles wide. 

Cabilao Light 09° 53’ 30”N, 123° 45’30”E flashing 

white, every 5 seconds, on top of a 9.8 meter high 

concrete tower, with a total elvation of about 10 

meters above high water mark on Baluarte Point is 

visible for 11 miles. Tidal currents – the flood current 

in this vicinity sets N, the ebb S with considerable 

velocity. 

This series is being compiled with in invaluable help 

of NAMRIA Active Boating and Watersports express 

their sincere thanks for charts and tidal information 

supplied. 

To purchase charts in both printed and electronic 

media contact NAMRIA Head Office Lawton Avenue 

Fort Bonifacio Taguig City +632-810-4831 to 41 or 

Branch Office at 421 Barraca Street, San Nicholas, Manila. 

+632-241-3494 to 98. www.namria.gov.ph 

82

83

84

ABW Sept 2016

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?