ABW March 2019 Full

MAR 2019 Vol. VIII Issue 1
ACTIVE BOATING & WATERSPORTS
PhP150
AQUILA 44
page 56
Destination
BALER
AURORA
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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
With 2019 now here new challenges face us which we are meeting
head on. Our growth rate is still escalating with the December edition
reaching a milestone of 100 pages. New goals and challenges will be
met with enthusiasm so we can continue to improve your favourite
magazine.
In this issue we have featured the province of Baler/Aurora the
birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. This is one place our readers
should really put on their bucket list, as it features great places to surf
and swim.
In our next edition we will be exposing the other great places of Bicol
to visit, places like Misibis bay and the Calugas Island plus many other
places of interest in the awesome part of the Philippines. We are
also looking at starting a letters to the editor page for our readers to
express their opinions on their favourite magazine email us at info@
activeboatingwatersports.com to express your interest in this. We
look forward to your remarks in helping make 2019 a special year for
Active Boating and Watersports Magazine.
Barry Dawson Editor
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Punta Fuego’s Double Weekend 6
Regatta 2019
Dreamline Italian Luxury Yachts 8
Anilao Underwater Shootout 2018 16
El Galleon Leads the Way in 22
Environmental Protection
The Might of the Pacific Ocean 28
1st Talisay Fiesta Regatta 32
Destination: Malapascua, Philippines 38
Subic Sailing Club Awarded “Outstanding 42
International Contribution of the Year”
by China Cup
Subic Sailing Wins 3rd Place Overall 45
in the Inaugural Macau Cup Regatta
The Siargao World Game Fishing 52
Tournament
Destination - BALER, AURORA 58
ABW Events Calendar 69
Chairman’s Cup Regatta 78
Bringing The Love Of The Sea 82
Back to Cebuanos
Sailing Tips - Deck Equipment 86
Zambales Lifesaving Inc. - Lifesaving 88
Champions at Phuket, Thailand
Surf Lifesaving Championships
Destination -
BALER,
AURORA
Aquila 44
Cover photo courtesy of Simpson Marine
Dreamline
Italian Luxury Yacht
page 8
4
Published quarterly by: ABW PUBLISHING
House 16, Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON
Associate Editor: ROY ESPIRITU
Layout & Design: MAR SUBA
Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER
Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ
Advertising: 8551-4587/ 0928-714-4461/ 0917-871-8547
Email: info@activeboatingwatersports.com
Website: www.activeboatingwatersports.com
Printed by: House Printers, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Active Boating and Watersports is a copyright© production
No part can be copied or reproduced without the express
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The views expressed and advertisements published in Active Boating & Watersports
are those of the authors and advertisers, and not ABW Publishing.
ABW Publishing does not accept any liability whatsoever for errors or omissions.

5

Punta Fuego’s
Double Weekend
Regatta 2019
17th Punta Fuego Regatta
Weekend 1, January 19-20
Words by: ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as credited
NOz Goose sailboats participated
in the event. Officiating the races
was internationally accredited
racing official Jerry Rollin assisted
by sailing professionals and
athletes from the Philippine Sailing
Association (PSA).
ow on its 17th year, the small boat edition of the
annual Punta Fuego Regatta attracted racing
sailors to sail in pristine waters of Nasugbu Bay.
Ten Hobie 16s, three Hobie Getaways and three
With a low pressure area happening in the visayas, winds
were forecasted to be gusting above 23 knots on that
weekend and a prevailing easterly wind of 14 to 16 knots.
On the first day most sailors were glad to see that it was
little lighter than forecasted. Pre-race briefing started
promptly at 10 and racing started a 11am. Just as last year
the first race of the regatta was the long race with each class
taking a different course.
The Hobie 16’s were to do the 16 nautical mile(nm) Fortune
Island course, the Hobie getaways were to do the 13nm
Malagaya Beach course while the Oz Goose are to do the
The Oz Goose fleet found
themselves lost as the two
other sailors opted to play
follow the leader, all three geese
ended up in the wrong cove.
6.5nm Looc cove course. As always, winds were shifty around
the peninsula, making for challenging sailing conditions, the
easterly wind seemed to be coming from the southeast as
it bounced of cliffs and hills, this meant it was a downwind
start for all the boats.
Hobie 16s went first, followed by the
Getaways then the Oz Geese. With
winds blowing well above 14 knots and
gusting above the 20 range, capsizes
among the 16s and Geese were the
flavor of the day, all crews recovered
and sailed on to finish their respective races, except for Rich
Pellicer on an Oz Goose who capsized less than 50 meters
from the finish line and was too exhausted from righting
the boat and trying to get back in and opted for a rescue
instead.
The first race of the series for the Hobie 16s was won by last
year’s Round the Volcano regatta champion Mike Ngu. Mike
was so far ahead of everyone else that the race committee
thought he failed to round a mark and was even disqualified
in the provisional results. This was rectified after it was proven
that Mike was indeed much faster than everyone else.
6

The Oz Goose fleet found themselves lost as the two other
sailors opted to play follow the leader, all three geese ended
up in the wrong cove. A safety boat informed them of their
error and two of the boats were able to round the mark in
the correct cove eventually, while the other one chose to
retire. Only Paulo Topacio was able to finish the first Oz
Goose race and was able to catch up to Rich after recovering
from a capsize of his own.
The Hobie Getaway known for its tame manner and cruising
pedigree had a fun but uneventful race to a mark fronting
Malagaya beach. Veteran sailor Pablum Lobregat won the
first race in the Getaway class and every race after that.
The variable wind conditions around the Punta Fuego
peninsula, the smaller “playground” than the racing sailors
were accustomed to on Taal Lake, combined with the
narrower finish gate of the windward - leeward courses
made for challenging racing. Racers found themselves
stalling at the narrow finish gate, rubbing into buoys, as well
as colliding with other boats. The Hobie 16s were able to
complete three races on the first day of the series while the
Getaways and the Geese completed two.
Weather on the second day was lighter than forecasted and
winds shifting from north to east constantly, giving the race
committee a difficult time in setting the marks. In the end,
they decided on island races instead of around the cans for
the first race of the second day. The Hobies were to go around
the twin islands and the Geese were to round Loren island.
The 16’s started first, followed by the Getaways, then the
Geese. The lighter conditions allowed the Getaways to catch
up with the 16s on the way to the Twin Islands, then the wind
picked up as the Hobies rounded the islands and the 16’s
pulled away from the Getaways. The team of Ed Legarda and
Edwin Lucero finished first in this race, while Paulo Topacio
finished first in the Oz Goose race around Loren Island.
After the Island races the wind settled to a light northerly,
allowing the race committee to set a short windward-leeward
course. Dwindling conditions a few minutes into the races, the
race committee decided to shorten course and call it a day.
The final results of the 2019 are as follows: Hobie 16s,
first -Ed Legarda, second- Ramon Azanza, third-
Monchu Garcia; Hobie Getaways, first- Pablum
Lobregat, second-Denise Celdran, third-Martin
Marty; Oz Goose - first-Cherrie Pinpin, second-
Paulo Topacio, third-Rich Pellicer.
7

Carla Kramer
Carla Kramer
Clockwise from left: 17th Punta Fuego Regatta winners, L-R, Justin Casambre
& Cherrie Pinpin (Oz Goose), Aniceto Rivera and Pablum Lobregat (Hobie
Getaway), Eddie Legarda & Edwin Lucero (Hobie 16);
A collision between a Hobie16 and an Oz Goose caught on camera;
Race official Jerry Rollin giving racers a pre-race briefing;
Hobie start race 4_2;
One of the capsizes that happened during the Punta Fuego Regatta
17th Punta Fuego Regatta
Weekend 2, January 26-27
Words by: BARRY DAWSON
One of the greater incentives of the Punta Fuego Regatta
was to split the regatta over 2 weekends, small sail boats,
Hobies, Oz Goose and dinghies on the
first weekend with the racing yachts and
multi-hulls on the second weekend, a
formula that has proven successful and
the 2019 regatta was no exception.
With 14 boats competing and excellent
sailing winds, the scene was set for a
great weekend of competitive sailing,
and with Jerry Rollin being the ever
staunch and reliable race officer, no one was disappointed.
Broadwater Marine, a staunch supporter of all the Philippine
sailing events was here supporting the event and ready to
12
An emergency rescue
got underway, as staff
boats raced out to
Fortune Island, where
an unknown speedboat
capsized.
supply on the spot, much need spares that are usually needed
in the case of a mishap or something breaking, and Punta
Fuego Yacht Club thank them for their continued support.
Competing in the two day event there was in the cruising
class, the ever popular David Wheeler in Freewheeler.
Ramon Augustines in Michell, Captain Napoleon in Captain
Napoleon while Renie Tizson Of PYCS had two entries
Papaya I and Papaya II. The Racing Class was represented by
Ray Ordoveza in Karakoa, Bobby Benares in Sabad, James
Villareal –Wild Honey, Pablum Lobregat – Plus Altra and
Allan Burrell with Sandoway. Unfortunately Sandoway had
some problems and was forced to retire
from racing. In the Ocean Going Multi
Hulls, seen again the ever supportive Gary
Kingshott with his popular boat Kerida
along with Monchu Garcia on Carino, Eric
Puno with Querida Mia and Ernil Dylin
sailing Avitas.
With 15 to 20 knot winds the start was
a brisk and competitive, and good sailing
was enjoyed by all crews for the entire day. After a good day
of exciting racing it was back to the club house for some
liquid refreshment and reminiscing of whys and wherefores
of the days racing.

13

While enjoying the afternoon, an emergency rescue got
under way, as staff boats raced out to Fortune Island, where
an unknown speedboat came to grief when it capsized and
sank dumping all seven that were on board into the turbulent
waters that surround this area. Thankfully the quick action
of the Punta Fuego Marina staff resulted in all seven, five
Koreans and two Filipinos being rescued, without any major
injuries, with the only casualty being the boat, which quickly
sank to the depths of the ocean. No one knew where the
boat and its crew came from; the seven persons rescued
were taken to Nasugbu then transported back to Manila.
In the evening of the first day a delicious smorgasbord
dinner was served at the San Diego Restaurant at the main
clubhouse. After the celebrations and a few cold ones it was
time to retire and prepare for the final days’ fray.
The Sundays was another day with the wind gods
being exceptionally kind and winds up to 25 knots were
experienced giving way to another day of great racing.
Papaya I and II came close to an altercation but good sailing
from both skippers avoided any mishaps.
After another day of great racing it was back to the Barracuda
Bar at the Marina to enjoy a delicious luncheon while
awaiting for the official
Papaya I and II came
close to an altercation
but good sailing from
both skippers avoided
any mishaps.
results and awarding for
the weekend’s events.
Officiating the awards
was Jerry Rollin and the
award winners were in
the Cruising Class in 3rd
place was Papaya I, 2nd
place went to Freewheeler and in first place outshining his
boss Renie Tizson with 3 wins and a second was Papaya II
taking the honors and winning first place.
14
In the Racing Class James Villareal’s Wild Honey secured third
place, while Bobby Benares Sabad was second and coming
in first was Ray Ordoveza and his team on Karakoa. In The
Multi Hulls Eric Puno and Querida Mia Secured third place,
while Garry Kingshott and Kerida snaffled second place an
Monchu Garcia and crew of Carino were full of smiles as
they accepted their trophy for their well-deserved first place.
After the awards it was time to leave this beautiful Yacht
Club and go back to the daily routine with smiles on our
faces after enjoying another fantastic weekend of sailing.

Underwater
Shootout
2018
Marc Stephen De Leon
16

Action Camera or Smart Phone
It’s the perfect location
for what is considered
to be the “World Cup of
underwater photography
competitions”.
Blackwater
Cai Songda
Ria Crucero
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as credited
The world over, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is known
as the mecca of scuba diving, primarily because
of the unrivalled biodiversity underneath its
waters; making it the perfect location for
what is considered to be the “World Cup of underwater
photography competitions”. The Anilao Underwater
Shootout (AUS) now on its 6th iteration, attracted more
than 240 professional and amateur participants from
around 25 countries to compete in the event.
The international event has been organized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) since 2013, in line with the
identification of diving as a priority tourism product in the
National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). The event is
unrivalled in taking action towards the sustainability of dive
tourism in the destination by putting in place guidelines to
help ensure the protection and conservation of marine life
17

during the competition proper, with registered guides and
spotters required to attend a safety briefing and sign a “Code
of Conduct.”
Henley Spiers
According to Undersecretary for Tourism Development,
Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., a certified diver himself: “Through the
support and cooperation of the Mabini local government and
the Resort Owners
“We ensure the
enhancement and
attractiveness of Anilao as
a leading dive destination
in the world,” explains
Usec. Bengzon.
Association of
Mabini (ROAM),
we are able
implement a strict
No Marine Life
Manipulation
policy by
employing the
assistance of
spotters and
dive guides in monitoring and reporting untoward behavior
underwater. With the involvement of local stakeholders,
we ensure the enhancement and attractiveness of Anilao
as a leading dive destination in the world,” explains Usec.
Bengzon.
Dennis Corpuz
Brook Peterson
Yun Na Thing
Cai Heng
18
Bebot Esteban
Cai Heng

Peri Paleracio
This year’s panel of judges had some of the most respected
names in underwater photography, namely, widely published
French naturalist photographer and marine biologist Laurent
Ballesta; award-winning Belgian underwater and wildlife
photographer Ellen Cuylaerts; macro photography expert and
2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Indra Swari; renowned
Singapore-based underwater photographer William Tan;
and Underwater360 founder and Asia Dive Expo’s official
organizer John Thet.
The competition had two classes: Open Class for participants
with any type of camera and accessories, in which published
and professional photographers will automatically be placed;
and Compact Class, exclusively for participants using cameras
without interchangeable camera lenses. Mirror-less, SLR, and
similar types of cameras are not permitted in this class. The
categories for the competition will be: Macro/Super-macro,
Marine Behavior, Nudi branch, Fish Portrait, and Cephalopod.
Two special categories will also offered at this year’s
competition: Blackwater and Bonfire, which must feature
animals found and photographed by doing either blackwater
and bonfire dives.
The compact class opened up the competition to amateur
enthusiasts using simple equipment such as GoPro action
cameras as well as smartphones. More than 40,000 US
dollars’ worth of dive packages, dive and underwater
photography equipment, gears and accessories were awarded
to the contest winners and their respective dive guides.
AUS Winners
In the Open Class, Macro/Supermacro category, winners are:
in 1st place, Yun Na Thing from Indonesia, with a photo of a
wide-eyed fish, its vibrant orange color stand stark against
the blurry background; China’s Cai Heng, 2nd place; and UK
and France’s Henley Spiers, 3rd place.
PJ Aristorenas Kam Moon Lai

Ex Liao
In the Open-Marine Behavior, Dennis Corpuz from the
Philippines took home the 1st prize for his photo of a shrimp
struggling from the grip of the cephalopod’s tentacles; Brook
Peterson from the US, 2nd; and Cai Heng from China, 3rd.
Philippines’ Bebot Esteban bagged first prize in the
Nudibranch category with her shot of a pastel-colored
nudibranch. Taking the next two spots are Hong Kong’s Lai
Kam Moon, 2nd place; and Malaysia’s
Mohan Thanabalan, 3rd place.
In the Fish Portrait category, Peri
Paleracio of the Philippines bagged first
place for his photo of a vibrant red fish
with glowing eyes lurking in the shadows;
PJ Aristorenas from the Philippines and
Marco Steiner from Austria won 2nd and
3rd prizes, respectively.
For the Compact Class, the Macro/
Supermacro category winners were Ericson Yee from the
Philippines, 1st place; Narumon Pimsirinath of Thailand, 2nd
place; and Philippines’ Ex Liao in 3rd place.
For Marine Behavior, Maria Nerissa Fajardo of the Philippines
won 1st place for her photo of a translucent cephalopod
In the Fish Portrait
category, Peri Paleracio
of the Philippines
bagged first place for his
photo of a vibrant red
fish with glowing eyes
lurking in the shadows.
against the pitch black waters; Jayson Apostol from the
Philippines took home 2nd place, and Korea’s Gyoungmi Lee
settled for 3rd place.
In the Compact-Nudibranch category, 1st place went to the
Philippines’ Marc Stephen De Leon for his beautiful closeup
shot of a glowing nudibranch “dancing” in the darkness;
China’s Haojie Lin, 2nd place, and Ronald Dalawampo, 3rd
place, complete the winners’ circle.
In the Fish Portrait category, the fish
opens its eyes and mouth wide open in
the photograph snapped by Philippines’
Regie Casia, 1st place. The two other
winners were Sudong Lim from the US in
2nd place, and Indonesia’s Ajiex Dharma
in 3rd place.
Special prizes were won by Ria Crucero of
the Philippines in the Special Beginners
category; and China’s Cai Songda in the Blackwater/Bonfire
category.
The Philippines took both titles for the DOT-PAL Photographers
of the Year with Dennis Corpuz for his Open-Marine Behavior
entry, and Regie Casia for his Compact-Fish Portrait photo.
Judges deliberating on AUS2018 entries
Lin Haojie
20

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El Galleon Leads
The Way In
Environmental
Protection
To keep the reef healthy
means educating the local
people on environmental
issues to recognise its
importance in their lives.
22

A
El Galleon/Asia Divers Environmental Vision
sia Divers/El Galleon has approximately 50
residents from our area working in the resort and
dive centre. Most of these folks have families to
support. The whole community depends on tourism and the
income that is generated from all aspects of it. From the resort
staff, jeepney drivers, boat crews, vendors, builders, shop
owners and their employees, they all make a living through
tourism in some way. Scuba divers from all over the world
come to Puerto Galera for the spectacular diving on a healthy
reef full of fish and corals. To keep the reef healthy means
educating the local people on environmental issues to
recognise its importance in their lives. It also means
that businesses and the whole community have
to do their part for the environment as well.
Due to the lack of infrastructure Puerto
Galera offers, El Galleon realised that
to survive and to be responsible, El
Galleon has to become independent
in the way it operates and improve
the way the resort can help be
environmentally friendly. Some of
these are the construction of an
23

Beth Watson
above ground septic system. This system was suggested by
the DENR as a way of managing waste grey water. El Galleon
built this over twenty years ago and has just recently enlarged
this system. It works by pumping your septic tank grey water
to the above ground treatment system. This system is built
with chambers and partly filled by using layers of sand
and river stones. The river stones are
placed based on size, layers of large
to small, and as river stones are porous
the stones collect bacteria and small
particles as the water filters through
and as it works its way through the
large stones thought the small stones
and sand it cleans itself before entering
back into the water table. Our laundry
water we use a leak system at first filter
It works by pumping
your septic tank grey
water to the above
ground treatment
system.
and treat the water before it’s pumped into the above ground
septic system to filters back into the ground water. Laundry
water is filled with chemicals and is much harder to treat
than grey septic water. Using a similar system as grey water
we manage to greatly reduce the affects that many ignore.
El Galleon had applied for a zero discharge permit and during
the process we were inspected by the DENR engineering
department. After the DENR submitted their report we
were given a discharge permit without having to submit
the influent test result due to having zero discharge, this
was attested by an independent accredited DENR engineer
laboratory report. We understand by talking
with the DENR that El Galleon Resort is the
only resort in Puerto Galera with this type
of discharge permit.
In an effort to conserve water that is a
serious problem for many business and
household families in Puerto Galera. El
Galleon took on the project of building
its own Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machine.
The project was somewhat a trial and error project at the
beginning but as of today El Galleon can now produce
around twenty-six cubic meters a day and hope very soon to
double that amount with the second RO unit being installed
now.
24

Although El Galleon is heavily dependent on its two large
generators to power the resort, El Galleon has small ongoing
project that use solar and battery systems to power
some of its rooms. Today the entire lighting system on the
dive deck is powered by solar. El Galleon is not located in the
best place for solar but El Galleon is committed to using as
much space as we have and as many different methods as
possible to reduce the need for generated power.
There are many other small things we can do to reduce
the waste to the environment; El Galleon has taken on a
no plastic straw policy for one. On top of that we provide
an incentive to all our guests to reduce the number of
purchased water bottles used during their stay. We offer a
very low priced refillable water bottle that they can purchase
on arrival. They can refuel any time at our water stations.
A small 10 peso fee is charged in which 50% of the refill
charge goes as a donation to Project AWARE. This saves
them money on buying bottled water and more important
it’s saving the environment by greatly reducing the number
of plastic bottles used.
Asia Divers has been actively involved in the Project Aware
International Clean-up day for many years. We also conduct
underwater clean-up dives at least once a month as we are
involved in Project AWARE Adopt a dive site. All candidates
who are in training to become instructors at Asia Divers learn
how to organise Project AWARE Dive Against Debris and use
the data to change habits - such as a change from plastic
straws to metal/paper, reduce the use of plastic and spread
the message across borders. We also report our data is great
detail so it can be used for policy development. Throughout
the years we have been working along with local schools for
environmental education conducting beach clean-ups along
with presentations about environmental awareness & the
importance of keeping the beach clean.
In the kitchen we recycle our cooking oil and use it for
candles around the resort mixing it with citronella oil to
reduce mosquitoes around the restaurant. The kitchen also
uses a compose pit for much of its waste and this compose is
then used to fertilise the garden.
25

The local government has a trash separation system that they
require all resorts to follow. Puerto Galera has passed a rule
that there be no plastic bags, a ruling that El Galleon strongly
stands by. Asia Divers/El Galleon has been separating refuse
for over many years now. Plastics, paper products and
biodegradables and plastic bottles are all put into separate
containers for disposal and or recycling.
Other things we’re doing for the environment are: We started
converting high energy use appliances, e.g. aircon units to
inverter models in our classrooms as well as resort rooms.
Whenever there is
a boat to repair/
We also conduct
underwater clean-up dives
at least once a month as
we are involved in Project
AWARE Adopt a dive site.
repaint, we are extra
conscious about
any chemicals
used and also use
sliders to prevent
any material from
ending up in the
ocean. El Galleon
has been designed and constructed in a way to blend in with
the tropical environment. We used many native products such
as bamboo, nipa, stone and rattan to make our setting more
natural and friendly to our environment.
As a resort that is much focused on scuba diving and protecting
our reef Asia Divers Instructors and Dive-masters teach all
courses in Neutral Buoyancy – right from the beginning. Not
only does this give our divers more confidence underwater,
but it helps the awareness of staying off the bottom at all
times, protecting coral reefs and self. Experienced instructors
and Dive-masters lead all of our dives. Detailed briefings
including naturalist aspects are always included. We as
role models for our divers make sure to promote: general
underwater awareness, body and equipment placement, no
touching or collection of shells and corals allowed, buoyancy
awareness and promotion of PADI’s Peak Performance
Buoyancy course, continuing education to our local staff, our
customers and our own instructors.
El Galleon and Asia Divers are committed to working to
protect the environment not only here in Puerto Galera, but in
the world in general. Some nine years ago two of the owners
of El Galleon/Asia Divers, Allan Nash and Tommy Soderstrom
road motor bikes around Australia to raise money for charity
and promote awareness of the oceans by supporting PADI’s
project Aware “Ocean Debris” project. With the help of
PADI Project Aware both Allan and Tommy organised and
executed beach and underwater clean-ups in every capital
city and gave presentations along with their sponsors, Cressi,
Waterproof Wetsuits, Tusa, Surface Marker Buoy and PADI,
who offered prizes to lucky raffle winners.
A very valuable lesson should have been learnt with the Boracay
fiasco and what can happen if you ignore this. Government
Departments, local councils and Resorts everywhere should
be implementing this type of plan to protect the environment
and their province including the educating of local residents.
Everyone, especially local government bodies and residents
should be doing everything possible to protect their part of
the environment. Anyone who wants further information
to help them establish a protocol can call Alan Nash at El
Galleon / Asia Divers Resort.
26

Divilican
Elevation of Luzon Pacific Ocean Coast
The best time to
circumnavigate would
probably be from late
March into April, while
the NE winds still blow
but not too strongly.
The Might of the
Words by BRUCE CURRAN
Photographs as credited
Pacific
28

Jay E Jallorina
Palanan
Sierra Madre mountain range
The island of Luzon, the largest in the Philippines
archipelago, measures at just over 1,400 nautical
miles for a sailing round trip. The trick in sailing
around, is determining the right time of year to set
out. The main typhoon season gets into full swing by June
and runs into late October. The NE monsoon winds, the so
called ‘amihan’, kick in by November and run strongly in
December through March. The best time to circumnavigate
would probably be from late March into April, while the NE
winds still blow but not too strongly.
The most exposed piece of sailing is on the Pacific Ocean
side, primarily from the NE tip of Luzon after swinging
around Cape Engano and on past Escarpada Point. The first
75 miles is a coastline without shelter from the east, and if
the weather is kind there are many great anchorages. 55
miles down the coast Valley Cove gives a little protection
from the NE in 16 metres. In fact, the northernmost of the
cove’s four small arms is rated as “an excellent typhoon
shelter for craft up to 40 feet (12.2 metres)”. Anchorage
Ocean
Pacific Ocean and a search for an anchorage between Valley
Cove and the Ilang River would be a real treat, if the wind
and sea allowed it.
The alternative could mean a surge in the NE monsoon,
which would build a swell and moderate to rough seas. Since
the sea has come out of the open ocean, there will probably
be a long, smooth, rolling ocean swell, with no short sharp
breaking seas unless one is over the coastal shelf, in which
case the sea would become choppy and confused. The wise
way to sail in these conditions would be further offshore to
avoid a lee shore.
The first chance of real shelter from easterlies comes south
of Divilican Bay, west of little Estagno island, but a more
likely shelter is another seven miles south around the corner
behind a protruding peninsula. South across Palanan Bay
lies a river mouth from where bancas motor 30 minutes
upstream to Palanan town, a thriving community. In this
area a Dutch couple have previously been involved in
can be in depths here of just two to five fathoms (four to 10
metres), with a mud bottom.
The Sierra Madre Mountains run steep directly to this
coastline and provide a spectacular backdrop in an area
where no roads reach the coastline from the interior. One of
the 10 best preserved low land forests on earth thrives in this
area. One stretch of 100 miles along this coast is estimated
to be home to just 700 people. A few rivers run into the
assisting with a turtle hatchery project. They flew once up
the coast in a light aircraft and spotted a pod of whales, and
counted over 200 whales in this one group. This coastline is
so isolated nature is clearly thriving at many levels from the
mountains deep into the open ocean.
A couple of small bays further south offer some chance
of light shelter from easterlies and south-easterlies, but
the first real shelter comes in the Casiguran Sound, tucked
29

Sailing out in the ocean
Ocean view
As far as the boater is
concerned, going south
from here is a sailor’s
paradise, since there are
many islands to explore.
neatly in behind
the 15-mile-long
San Ildefonso
Peninsula
running SW/NE.
Mountains to the
west and hills to
the east on the
peninsula break
up the stiffest of breezes and no open sea can penetrate
deep into the protective arm. Bottoms are soft mud and clay.
From here on south, anchorages even good enough for
sheltering from typhoons abound, and are reachable within
less than half a day’s sail.
The ongoing coastline south of the Casiguran Sound is well
known for its surfing spots. Baler town is the surfing capital
of the area, and the beach area is also well known for being
featured in the 1979 war movie “Apocalyse Now”. Marlon
Brando was a major character in the film, with Robert Duvall,
and a local well known film extra, Henry Strzalkowski played
his part and is currently manager of the popular bar in Makati
called ‘Heckle and Jeckle’.
Baler is the first town with good road access to the interior
of Luzon, and thereby linked up with the rest of the island.
Down across Baler Bay nestles the town of Baler, one mile
west of the Baler river and a little inland. Port Aurora half
a mile east of the river is in a small cove. A detached shoal
with a minimum depth of 0.9 metres lies about half a mile
ENE of Baler Point. The entrance to Port Aurora lies between
this shoal and the eastern side of the reef that fringes Baler
Point. Poor holding, exposed to the NE with a sand and
rock bottom in 15 metres, lies where the entrance to the
Baler River looks open at a bearing of 180 degrees. At Port
Aurora itself anchorage is in nine metres, but still exposed
from the NE.
As far as the boater is concerned, going south from here is a
sailor’s paradise, since there are many islands to explore and
an abundance of suitable anchorages to suit all conditions.
The Might of the Pacific Ocean still has control, but the
sailor can tuck in out of harms way in many places from here
on, and relax while cruising amiably on to the south.
Cape Engano
30

31

1st Talisay
Fiesta Regatta
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs by
EDWIN BARRON
& CARLA KRAMER
32

3
February 2019 was a historic date for the town of
Talisay and sailing in the Philippines, for the first
time ever the local government of Talisay, Batangas
requested to have a sailing regatta to be part of the
annual celebration of the town fiesta. Being the supportive
sailors that they are, the Taal
Lake Yacht Club (TLYC) Hobie
16 and Oz Goose fleets happily
obliged. A total of eight Hobie16
teams and ten Oz Goose sailboats
participated in the regatta.
For the first time ever the local
government of Talisay, Batangas
requested to have a sailing
regatta to be part of the annual
celebration of the town fiesta.
The race course format conceived for this event was that
of stadium racing, complete with a blow-by-blow account
provided by TLYC’s Peter Capotosto. This was done to
address the perception that sailing is not a spectators’ sport.
Special awards were set for skippers who were residents
of Talisay and persons with
disabilities (PWD). TLYC staff
who were also residents of the
town were selected to participate
in both sailboat classes and
compete for the Talisay residents’
trophy, PWD’s led by paralympic
33

sailor Cherrie Pinpin were there in full force sailing Oz Geese,
demonstrating to the audience that sailing is an inclusive
sport that anyone can do.
The location of the windward mark was in front of the Talisay
town market and the finish line placed less than a hundred
meters from shore for best effect. The first race was from
TLYC to the start
The “L” flag flown from
the race committee boat
usually means “come to
me” but this time it meant
“lunch” will be served.
line and leeward
mark located in
front of Balai
Isabel. The Oz
Geese started
first followed by
the Hobie16s.
Upon conclusion
of the first race, three windward-leeward races were to follow,
and were to conclude with a downwind race back to TLYC.
Unlike the regular regattas organized at TLYC there was no
lunch break, meals provided by the Talisay Mayor’s office
were instead delivered to crews on their respective boats
by the TLYC rescue boat. The “L” flag flown from the race
committee boat usually means “come to me” but this time it
meant “lunch” will be served.
The weather was just right for the race, blowing between 8
to 12 knots and racing went on without a hitch. The most
challenging part of the course was the approach to the finish
mark near the shore where the wind tended to shift. Lunch
delivery was paused for a while when the rescue boat had to
look into a Hobie16 capsize that happened while the L flag
was flying. The team was able to do a textbook recovery and
lunch delivery and racing resumed.
The most exciting race was the downwind leg from the
From the top: 1st Talisay Fiesta Regatta participants getting a pre-race briefing
from Peter Capotosto
Downwind drag race of Oz Geese back to TLYC
TLYC’s Peter Capotosto giving a blow-by-blow commentary by the boardwalk
during the races.
Oz Geese approaching the finish line in front of the Talisay Market.
Below: Three Hobie16s and one Oz Goose heading for the finish
34

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35

Balai Isabel mark back to TLYC. What was expected to be
a boring downwind run turned to a broad reach when the
wind shifted from an easterly to a north easterly, the Oz
Goose fleet found themselves flying in a tight drag race back
to the club. The downwind leg was equally exciting for the
Hobie16s, with the several finishes decided only through
a review of footage taken by Peter
Capotosto, a literal photo finish.
Winning 3rd place in the Hobie16
class was Ed Legarda with Edwin
Lucero, 2nd place was Mike Ngu
with Lindo Pahayahay and in First
place was Maria Vidoeira with Bong
Bendole. 3rd Place in the Oz Goose
Class was Paulo Topacio, 2nd was Job Ferranco both of
whom were sailing single handed and winning first place was
Cherrie Pinpin with Justin Casambre. Proving that the extra
weight of crew on an Oz Goose does not really matter when
sailing in moderate winds.
Nestor Rosero sailing a Goose won third in the Talisay
residents’ trophy. Second and first was a tight race between
Boyet Mendoza sailing a Hobie 16 and Jason Antonio sailing
When the wind shifted
from an easterly to a north
easterly, the Oz Goose fleet
found themselves flying in a
tight drag race back to the
club.
an Oz Goose, both came in fourth
place in their respective classes and
both tied in the number of points.
Jason Antonio eventually won the
countback when it was found that
he had one more higher place finish
than Boyet.
In the PWD class, Joy Habana with
Jun Samadan won third, Clytie Bernardo with Leo Po won
second and Cherrie with Justin who also came in first overall
in the class won first.
Winners of the 1st Talisay Fiesta Regatta from L to R: Peter Capotosto (TLYC),
Ed Legarda, Clytie Bernardo, Len Barba (Talisay Tourism), Cherrie Pinpin, Joy
Habana, Job Ferranco, Paulo Topacio, Maria Vidoeira (seated)
Awards for the winners
36

37

Destination: Malap
Words & Photos by
HEATHER FRANCIS
When planning a trip, average travellers looks at
flight prices, hotel recommendations and local
attractions at their destination. When traveling
by yacht, however, you see things from a
different angle. Sailors decide to visit places not because
of availability of hotel rooms but by looking at potential
anchorages.
Malapascua is famous
for its white sand
beaches, crystal clear
water and the yearround,
world-class
diving with thresher
sharks.
A safe anchorage has a
few basic requirements.
It should be easy to sail
in and out of, provides
protection from the
predicted winds and
swell, and has good
holding in not too deep
water. The Philippines is
home to 7107 islands,
which can make finding
your next anchorage both an easy task, and completely
overwhelming. On the chart the island of Malapascua
looked like a perfect spot to stop.
We arrived on the south side of the island just after midday
and after setting the anchor in a patch of sand off a local
beach strewn with fishing boats. We took our time tidying
up from the day’s sail, waiting to make sure that the anchor
would hold. Happy that the boat was secure we put the
outboard on the dinghy and went ashore to explore.
Following the local boat traffic, we motored the dinghy
down the coast and into a large, shallow and very busy
bay. The beach was a confusion of boats and bodies, with
everyone jockeying to get one of the last parking spots
on the sand before the tide receded. Knowing that there
were large tides and a slowly shoaling bottom we decided
to anchor the dinghy off the beach, away from the crowd,
strip down to our bathing suits and swim ashore.
Malapascua is famous for its white sand beaches, crystal
clear water and the year-round, world-class diving with
thresher sharks. The island has been a vacation hot spot
enjoyed by international tourist for years, but it is the local
tourists that cause the island to overflow one weekend in
May. We happened to drop the hook the day the bangkas
from the mainland started to arrive.
and balloons on every corner and carried on the breeze was
the familiar, mouth-watering aroma of lechon; a whole pig
spit-roasted over coals, a specialty of the Cebu area.
Wandering around we came upon a large, white church and
finally learned what all the commotion was about. It was
the Annual Fiesta of the Virgin de los Desamparados, the
patron saint of Malapascua. Judging from what we’d seen
on the island so far, we’d stumbled into what was shaping
up as the party weekend of the year.
Later that afternoon we found a stool and a cold San Mig
at a bar over looking the beach. While watching the sunset
and the tide recede we discussed our sail plan. We had only
intended to over overnight in Malapascua, but the weather
looked favourable and we rarely sail on strict schedule. We
decided to stay and enjoy the festivities.
The next morning, while enjoying coffee in the cockpit,
we were treated to a front row seat to watch the parade
of sail. Bangkas large and small were decorated and driven
down the coast. Merry-makers old and young filled the
decks, dressed for the occasion, singing and waving as they
passed our stern. The most important boat in the parade
was a large, elegant, white bangka that carried a statue of
the Virgin de los Desamparados, blessing the island and the
surrounding waters for the coming year.
Hoping that there would be more to see and do ashore,
we hopped in the dinghy to treat ourselves to lunch on
the beach. Before we even hit the sand, we stumbled on
another, exciting display put on by the local boat owners: a
high speed bangka race around the harbour.
We anchored the dinghy and joined the crowd of Filipinos
huddled under the shade of the palm trees, trying to escape
the scorching midday sun. Three boats at a time were lined
up at the shoreline and readied for the next race to begin.
The island parish
Walking around the small island we were greeted with
smiling faces everywhere we turned. Pop up stalls crowded
the narrow streets close to the beach selling everything from
pots and pans to blow-up beach toys. There were banners
38

ascua, Philippines
BIO-Heather Francis is originally from Nova Scotia,
Canada. For over a decade she has travelled the world
living and working on the boats. In 2008 she and her
Aussie partner Steve bought their Newport 41’, Kate, and
have been sailing her full time since. You can follow their
adventures at www.yachtkate.com.
39

Before and After, anchoring the dinghy out
These were not the average boats used by the island’s
fishing fleet but sleek, small vessels barely big enough for
one man.
Starting the loud, four-stroke inboard engines using a pull
cord the drivers were at the ready. With a rooster tail of
spray following them the three boats
speed off across the turquois water,
rounding two marks and then rocketing
back to shore. The winner had a large
lead and plenty of finesse. He was
definitely the crowd favourite. As one
of his competition arrived across the
finish line he drove elegant pirouettes
around him, much to the delight of the
onlookers.
It was only after they crowned the winner did I realize that
the race boats were not only small, they had no rudder.
The driver used only his body to navigate the boat around
the course. Those tight, high-speed circles were made
by subtly shifting his body weight. It was an even more
impressive feat of seamanship.
That evening, from our favourite barstool above the beach,
we watched as the weekend crowd arrived by the last ferry
of the day. Low tide meant a long walk to shore through
When we returned to the
dinghy for a sunset ride
home it was high and
dry, but those same boys
offered to help us drag it
out into deep water.
the tangle of seaweed and kids that played in the shallows.
Extra people meant extra supplies, and as the light faded
an endless procession of boys carried water, beer, bed rolls
and food ashore on their shoulders, like ants stocking up
for the winter. When we returned to the dinghy for a sunset
ride home it was high and dry, but those same boys offered
to help us drag it out into deep water.
The festive atmosphere continued into
Sunday. More people arrived, more
pigs were roasted, and space was made
for more boats in the already crowded
harbour. That evening it seemed like the
whole island gathered at the stone church
for the sunset service. Worshippers filled
the courtyard and spilled out onto the
streets. Coloured buntings, balloons and
strings of lights filled the sky. Voices raised in song drifted on
the breeze as we dinghied back to Kate.
We decided to depart Malapascua the next morning. The
weather forecast predicted clear skies for the next few days,
not to mention a little bit of favourable wind to take us to
our next safe anchorage. It is never an easy decision to leave
when you’re been so warmly welcomed but Malapascua
had whet our appetites, and now we wondered what new
adventure awaited us on the next island on the chart.
40
Bangka races Smell of lechon in the air Bringing supplies ashore

41

Subic SailingC
Outstanding International
Words by IHCA
Photographs by ADAMO AONO
This World Championship
was the largest Hansa
Class Worlds ever held,
with 191 competitors
from 24 Nations. Each
fleet boasted record
numbers of entrants, with
52 entrants in the 303
doubles alone.
42

Club Awarded
l Contribution of of the the Year Year
Words & Photos by
SUBIC SAILING
Last November 9, 2018 at the China Cup 2018 Sailing
Spirit Grand Ceremony held at the Historic Dapeng
Fortress in Shenzhen, Subic Sailing Club (SSC) was
awarded by the China Cup Organizing Committee as
an “Outstanding International Contribution of the Year” to
the sports and development of sailing in the Region along
with the Clipper 2017-18 Around the World Race, The Royal
Hong Kong Yacht Club and The Far East Cup. SSC Founder
and Commodore Jun
The relationship grew
from there as ssC
competed in Beneteau
First 40.7, Soto 27 and
Far East 28R one design
classes in the succeeding
years thereafter.
Avecilla received the
prestigious award on
behalf of the Club.
The China Cup
International
Regatta(CCIR) and
Subic Sailing Club’s
(SSC) association date
back 12 years ago
when Subic Sailing Club, (then called the Saturday Afternoon
Gentlemen Sailing Club or “SAGS”) co- founder Jun Avecilla
joined the inaugural CCIR in his Beneteau First 36.7 Selma
Star representing Team Philippines. The relationship grew
from there as SSC competed in Beneteau First 40.7, Soto 27
and Far East 28R one design classes in the succeeding years
thereafter. In fact, SSC has participated in 8 of the 12 years
of CCIR’s existence fostering goodwill and friendship.
A partnership and Joint Cooperation Agreement between
Subic Sailing Club, organizer of two Philippine premier
international yacht racing events that are part of the
Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit namely the Subic Bay to
Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta (SBBRBCR),
and the Commodores Cup Regatta (CCR), under the helm
of former Subic Bay Yacht Club Commodore Ricky Sandoval
and SAGS/SSC Founder Jun Avecilla was forged with Mr
David Zhong (Deputy Secretary General of the Organizing
Committee of China Cup International Regatta (CCI ROC)/
Chinese Yachting Association Club Management) in 2014.
Thereafter an expanded agreement was signed with CCI
ROC/Shenzhen across Four Oceans Sailing Club in 2017, in
the spirit of cooperation to participate in reciprocal regattas
and activities and develop sailing between the two countries.
To jointly promote the branded sailing events organized by
both parties, expand the sailing sports’ influence in the
Asian regions.
43

44
As an endorsement to the Partnership and Cooperation
Agreement, witness to the signing were Hong Kong/China
sailing legend Frank Pong and Philippine Sailing Association
(PSA) President Judes Echauz who for the past 3 years
has competed in the China Cup in his TP 52 Centennial III
and fielded top PSA team composed of National sailors
in the Fareast 28R. They are the defending Champions in
the respective Division having won last year. This year the
Standard Insurance PSA Sailing Team is the overall winner
for the IRC A division as well as the Asian Sailing Federation
One Design Class once again!

Subic Sailing Wins 3rd Place Overall
in the Inaugural Macau Cup Regatta
SIt was participated by 10 countries
composed of Japan, Germany,
Australia, France, Russia, UAE, Canada,
Singapore, Estonia and the Philippines.
This event was in conjunction with
the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao
Greater Bay Area Cup which was also
participated by another 10 teams
from Macao, Hong Kong, Shenzhen
and Guangzhou with over 300 sailors
participating.
ubic Sailing-Turquoise Team headed by Jun Avecilla
won 3rd place overall in the One Design Beneteau
40.7 Class in Macao Cup International Regatta
(MCIR) last January 10-13.
The Subic Sailing-Turquoise 10-man Team is composed
of Zed and Marcus Avecilla, Seymour Saldavia, Philippine
It was a very tight
competition up to the
last race of the series
which became a shootout
between Germany, France
and the Philippines for the
overall title.
Sailing Association 470 SEA Games Medalist Emerson
Villena and Lester Tayong together with the Japanese
Turquoise Team composed of Yukie Ikawa, Yoshiya Sasaki,
Kim Taesoo and Hiroki Maeda.
In line with the Macao Greater Bay
Area development plan, the Sports
Bureau of the Macao SAR Government,
Across Four Oceans Sailing Event
Management, Marine and Water
Bureau of Macao and Macao Sailing
Association jointly organize these
events as part of China’s effort and
commitment in developing the sport
of sailing not only in China but also in Macau which is a
Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of
China. The organizers are looking to nurture marine sports
in Macao, to enrich local sport events, and to support
Words & Photos by
SUBIC SAILING
45

46

the work in consolidating Macao as the “World Centre of
Tourism and Leisure”.
During the opening ceremony held at the Macau Fisherman’s
Wharf, Christine Lam, acting president of the Macau Sports
Bureau which spearheads the prestigious Macao Grand Prix
said, “This is the first time for Macau to host a large-scale
international regatta, ushering in a new era for water sports
in Macau at an international level,” adding, “It also plays an
active role to facilitate the development of water sports.”
She also noted a great lineup of international top-notch
sailors which includes French Sailing Legend, Lionel Péan,
winner of the 1986 Whitbread Round the World Race which is
now known as the Volvo Ocean Race. Other well-experienced
sailors includes German skipper Albert Diesch, 6m World
Champion Gold Medalist and his experienced League Sailors;
Estonia skipper Alar Volmer, ORC World Champion; Russian
Skipper Igors Bukovskis and his team of professional sailors
who have experienced in several world championship events
including the China Cup and the Giraglia Rolex Cup.
The four-day regatta was held in the waters around Hac
Sa Beach. A total of eight races with geometric courses
completed the series for the MCIR. Wind condition was
fairly light to moderate with temperature of 15-17 degrees
Celsius. Some teams found it challenging to compete
in the city’s recent weather due to low visibility and light
wind condition. As part of the event and in order to allow
spectators “to appreciate the spectacular skills of worldclass
sailboat racers in close proximity on shore, and to
experience the thrills of sailing and breaking the waves,
six Nacra 17s staged an exhibition race everyday along the
waterfront between the Macau Tower and the Macau Inner
Harbour. There was also a Parade of Sail during the opening
and closing days of the regatta, from Fisherman’s Wharf to
the Macau Tower and back again.
Subic Sailing Turquoise Team, after a great first day
performance with 6 points tied with Germany and France,
dropped their position on the second day having difficulty
with the super light wind conditions, but was able to catch
up by winning 1st place on the 3rd day. It was a very tight
competition up to the last race of the series which became a
shootout between Germany, France and the Philippines for
the overall title.
However, it was Team Estonia 100 and Russian Team Sukpai-
Four Wind who got first and second place respectively
after a very close battle between the top leading teams
Germany, France and Philippines. As the dust settles, Team
WYC Lake Constance (GER) won just by one point ahead
of Marenostrom Racing Club (FRA) having a tied score
with Subic Sailing Turquoise Team by the end of the series.
Unfortunately, losing in the count back to France and
grabbing 3rd Place Overall. “The competition was tough,
and we started the last day with a slim lead which we worked
hard to defend. This was good quality competition, and we
are very happy to be the winners.”
It was a great competition and experience for the Subic
Sailing Turquoise Team and a great inaugural event for
Macau. Congratulations to all the participants and organizers
for a wonderful regatta.”We look forward to being back here
next year for another tilt at the trophy,” said Jun Avecilla,
skipper of the Subic Sailing Turquoise Team.
47

48

49

Fountaine Pajot
Mr. Olivier Besson, CEO Asia Yachting
Scarab
50
Monte Carlo Yacht
Leading
Hong Kong
Luxury
Yacht Dealer
ASIA YACHTING
Sails into the
Philippines
Nautique

Hong-Kong based yacht company Asia Yachting is
expanding its dealership and brokerage business
to Philippine shores to give Filipinos a chance to
experience its top-of-the-line products and services.
“With its more than 7,100 islands, beautiful waters, and warm
weather, the Philippines is a haven for watersports as well as an
exciting destination for sailing and yachting - comparable to
other prime locations in the region and around the world,” said
Olivier Besson, Asia Yachting CEO. After partnering with a new
technology company in Paris, Olivier migrated to Hong Kong.
By combining his passion of yachting and engineering, Olivier
brings the French Riviera yacht lifestyle to Asia while creating
an exclusive private yachting dealership and brokerage.
“Filipinos are naturally drawn to the water regardless of age or
sociology-economic status, and we look forward to offering
our brands to this new and promising market,” he continued.
Founded in 2007, Asia Yachting has established itself as
a trusted brand in Asia, with services covering new boat
ownership, brokerage, and boat management. It has an
extensive and diverse brand portfolio, from multi-functional
boats and luxury mega-yachts, to specialized wake-surfing
boats and jet-boats, plus second-hand boats.
According to Bianca Jison, Asia Yachting Philippines Sales
Director, their products fit every taste and budget. “When it
comes to new boats, we only offer vessels from world-famous
shipyards from Italy, France, and the US that are functional,
versatile, and beautifully made. Our vast selection of used
yachts from Hong Kong also offer excellent value for money
as they are in generally well maintained with low engine
hours, making them perfect for resorts or first time owners.”
Asia Yachting has five exclusive dealerships in the Philippines.
Monte Carlo Yachts are semi-custom Italian yachts - the
“Bentley” equivalent; Prestige, built in France by Beneteau,
the world’s largest yacht builder; Fountaine Pajot, the worldfamous
catamarans from France known for building the
most luxurious and best performing sailing catamarans and
amazing motor catamarans; Nautique, the most awarded and
best wake-surfing boat in the world; and Scarab jetboats,
available in speedboat or center-console versions.
Asia Yachting aims to replicate its successful Hong Kong business
model in the Philippines by setting up an advanced marine
service center staffed by experienced maritime technicians
and specialists whose focus is on preventative maintenance to
ensure yachts’ excellent condition and functionality.
The company prides itself in providing superior and personalized
after sales services, which drove their success in Hong Kong,
where Asia Yachting operates its own shipyards with highly
qualified engineering teams looking after their clients’ vessels.
“Our relationship with the owner does not end when we sell
them the boat. Instead, that’s where it begins. The high number
of satisfied repeat clients is testimony to that,” Besson noted.
For more information about Asia Yachting and its products,
please visit its website www.asiayachting.net. (30).
Editorial &
Photography
Courtesy of
ASIA YACHTING
Prestige
51

Siargao
The
World Game
Fishing
Words by JAMES WEBSTER
Photographs as credited
Tournament
52

S
iargao sits in the Philippine Sea. This tear drop
shape island, about 800 kilometres southeast of
Manila and in the province of Surigao del Norte
had been a closely guarded secret by locals as a
beautiful surfing and fishing haven with waves that could
not be matched anywhere else in the world. Its tourism was
nil until the late 1980’s when two foreign surfers ventured
to the island looking for the perfect wave and they found
it in the municipality of General Luna and named it the
“Jacking Horse” which was later to be
known as Cloud 9.
News spread fast of this surfer’s
paradise and surfers from all over the
world came to Siargao to test their
skills until in 1992 a famous surfing
photographer took photos of world
class surfers testing their prowess. The
photos were published in surfing magazines worldwide and
Siargao became a major tourist spot in the Philippines, soon
to be known as the surfing capital of the Philippines.
This right-breaking reef wave with a reputation for thick,
hollow tubes is now the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a
domestic and international surfing competition sponsored
by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.
Siargao’s unique
location also make it
one of the most exciting
fishing locations in all
of Asia if not the world.
The Philippines, being an archipelago surrounded by water
make it not surprising that it boasts world class surfing waves
such as those found in Siargao. However, Siargao’s unique
locations on the periphery of the world’s second deepest
ocean trench also make it one of the most exciting fishing
locations in all of Asia if not the world.
Siargao’s sport fishing areas encompass all the reefs that
border and protect the island’s east coast. The waters present
first-rate sport fishing, which abound with
Sailfish, Marlin, Yellow-Fin Tuna, Wahoo,
Giant Trevally and Dorado.
While sports’ fishing has been an elite
recreational sport in the Philippines since
the 1970’s it wasn’t until 2008 that the
first Game Fishing Tournament in the
Philippines was launched. The first Siargao
Game Fishing Tournament attracted some 64 anglers from 10
countries to an event running from 16-20th of April, 2008.
Siargao’s weather is unique in that it is so predictable all year
round, particularly from April to October, making it beneficial
to a tournament, anglers and their families, founded as a
tourist event to create economic opportunities for island
businesses. With the continued support of local government
53

the Siargao World Game Fishing Tournament has become
an important date on the International professional fishing
calendar.
The number of entrants have fluctuated through the years
but always remained above 50. Its name has also changed
from its inaugural
year to The Siargao
The Siargao World Game
Fishing Tournament
has become an
important date on
the International
professional fishing
calendar.
International Sports
Fishing Tournament
and to what it was
billed as in 2018,
“The 11th Siargao
World Game Fishing
Tournament.”
The 2018 Tournament,
held from April 12-16,
2018, was dominated by Filipino anglers with 64 professional
contestants from the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan,
Australia, UK, Mexico, Germany, Singapore, Norway, Hungary,
Spain and other European and Asian Countries.
There were many great catches in all categories with Filipino
angler Mar Lonzon producing the largest catch and taking
out the largest sailfish category with a massive 44.1 kilo
(97.22 pound) Sailfish.
54
Siargao is now not only the top tourist spot in the Philippines,
it is also known as the Surfing capital of the Philippines and
the Fishing Capital of the Philippines. I wonder why.

55

SIMPSON MARINE Appointed
Editorial & Photos
courtesy of
SIMPSON MARINE
in in Asia Asia and and Fairline in in H
Simpson Marine, Asia’s largest yacht dealership and
Services Company has recently become the official
representative for Aquila Power Catamarans in Asia.
The company currently offers the full line of Aquila
yachts from 36ft-48ft in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand,
Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and
Indonesia.
“Adding to the portfolio of our five prestigious brands with
Sanlorenzo, Monte Carlo Yachts, Lagoon, Beneteau and Viking,
Aquila Power Catamarans is a great addition to the lineup of
yachts we represent and fills the gap in our product portfolio
to cater for the growing Power Cat market. Aquila will certainly
appeal to customers by its modern design, high quality of
build and finish along with their innovative and very userfriendly
comfort and handling features”, explains Richard Allen,
Simpson Marine Group Sales Director.
Simpson Marine is also delighted to announce the addition
of Fairline Yachts to its brand portfolio in Hong Kong and the
Philippines.
With a history spanning more than 50 years, UK based Fairline
has a long-standing international reputation for its award-
winning range of yachts, comprising the newly announced
express-cruiser F-line, the modern and performance motor
cruiser Targa line (43-63’) and the luxury flybridge Squadron
line (48-64’). The three ranges have been entirely redesigned
by Alberto Mancini, the reputed Italian designer, who has
worked with many of the most iconic yacht designers and
motor-yacht builders in the world. Mancini has indeed injected
his inspiration from the mega yacht field into all the new
Fairline models, while upholding the ethos of Fairline’s timeless
understated elegance, comfort and performance.
“Appointing Simpson Marine, Asia’s most established and
trusted yacht Dealership Company is an important milestone
for Fairline’s growth in Asia. With several yachts already based in
Hong Kong and more on the way, Simpson Marine will certainly
provide first class service support to our owners and future
buyers. The company is widely recognized for its stability and
integrity and these are the values we highly respect at Fairline
Yachts”, explains Karl Gilding, Fairline’ Business Development
Director.
This acquisition of Fairline distributorship completes Simpson
Marine’s brands portfolio with Sanlorenzo, Monte Carlo Yachts
(excl. HK), Beneteau, Lagoon, Viking and Aquila in Asia.
Aquila 44

d or for Aquila Power Catamarans
HK and and the the Philippines
Squadron 48 by FAIRLINE
Squadron 48 Interior
ABOUT SIMPSON MARINE
SIMPSON MARINE was founded in 1984 in Hong Kong by
Mike Simpson as a yacht sales and charter company focused on
meeting the needs of the developing marine industry in Asia.
By the end of the 1980’s the company had been appointed
regional distributor for several leading European yacht brands,
and had recruited an expanding team of sales and after sales
service professionals around the region.
Today the company employs over 100 professional staff and has
a well-established sales and service network across Asia with
seventeen offices spread within: Mainland China, Hong Kong,
Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Simpson
Marine represents some of Europe’s and the United States’
most prestigious yacht brands and with 33 years of experience
in Asia, has developed a reputation for delivering exceptional
service for prospective, current and past clients in all aspects of
yacht purchase and ownership.
SIMPSON MARINE is Asia’s leading international yacht
dealership, brokerage and service company and is considered to
have played a pioneering role in the development of the yachting
industry in Asia. The company possess its own Superyacht
Division based in Hong Kong and Charter Company in Thailand.
For more information visit www.simpsonmarine.com.
Aquila 44
Aquila 44

DESTINATION
Words by BARRY DAWSON
BALER
Photographs as credited
Aurora
B
aler in Aurora Province, the birth place of surfing
in the Philippines is one of Luzon’s hidden gems.
Located 231 kilometres north-east of Manila, it
is only a leisurely five-hour ride from the nation’s
capital. Baler is the capital of Aurora Province. It is located at
about the midpoint, on the east coast of the main island of
Luzon. The town faces the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean,
which gives it the surf that it is renowned for.
Aurora province has borders with the provinces of Isabela,
Quirino to the north, Nueva Vizcaya
and Nueva Ecija to the North West and
west and Bulacan and Quezon to the
south west and the south.
It is host to spectacular geographic
formations and is situated on a vast
plain at the south end of Baler Bay,
a contiguous segment of the Sea.
Dubbed the birthplace of surfing in the
Baler has more to
offer than just surfing
— there’s history in
every corner and other
places to explore.
Philippines, it was first known for its waves that can reach
up to 2.7 meters tall. This surfers’ paradise is just so because
the town’s coast faces the Pacific Ocean with its strong
winds and large waves. But Baler has more to offer than just
surfing — there’s history in every corner and other places
to explore.
The town of Baler bears witness to the Spanish colonial
period and its influence on Filipino culture. At the Museo
De Baler, one can catch a glimpse of this period in history,
with various artefacts such as Chinese
porcelain from the galleon ships, photos
about traveling on a galleon ship, as well
as artefacts about the Siege of Baler, said
to be the final stand of Spanish soldiers
during the Spanish-American war. Take
a walk in time and see places like the
ancestral house of Aurora Aragon-Quezon
is located only a few steps away from the
Museo De Baler. Aurora Aragon was born
Surfing in Cemento Beach
58

59

Baler Municipal Government buildings and the plaza
BALER
in Baler to Pedro Aragon and Zenaida Molina. She married
Manuel L. Quezon, who later became the second President
of the Philippine Republic, making her the second First
Lady of the Philippines. The house stands
on land that is owned by the Aragon family
and its structure reflects classic Philippine
architecture reminiscent of the “bahay
kubo,” a simple hut made of wood and nipa
(Palmer’s grass) for roofing. The house is
said to be an extension of the Museo De
Baler, as this is where the restored cars
of late President Manuel L. Quezon are
displayed. The town’s greatest son.
In 1609, seven Franciscan missionaries, led by Fray Blas
Palomino, founded the settlement of Baler, which was later
converted into a pueblo (town) by the Augustinians and the
A new community
sprang into what is
now the Poblacion
of Baler, leaving
“Kinagunasan,” the
place of devastation.
Recollects in 1658. Due to scarcity of religious missionaries,
the Franciscans again took over the administration of the
settlement in 1703.
On 27 December 1735, a great storm came
and a huge wave called tromba marina
devastated the old town settlement,
then located in Barrio Sabang. Among
the survivors were the Angaras, Bijasas,
Bitongs, Lumasacs, Carrascos, and
Pobletes who swam toward the nearby
Ermita Hill. A new community sprang
into what is now the Poblacion of Baler,
leaving “Kinagunasan,” the place of devastation. A mural
depicting this wave can be found in the Museo de Baler in
town. People with connections to the town are referred to
as Balerenos. Prior to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in
Baler in 1609, settlements by Aeta people and Ilongot in
Baler’s coast and mountain areas already exists. Tagalogs,
some originating from Palanan and Infanta, Quezon, came
in to the area to trade by boat. Some Tagalogs settled in
Baler and married with the Aeta and Ilongots. The Spanish
brought in Filipino acolytes from other areas of Luzon from
1609 to 1899. During this period, Baler can only be access
by sea though the town saw increase migration from other
parts of Luzon such as Laguna, Tayabas, and Bicol from the
south. The opening of the Baler-Bongabon Road allowed
easier migration of people from Ilocos and Isabela areas
from the north. The road also allowed Igorot people and
Batangueños to settle in Baler.
San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church
60
On 27 June 1898, 15 days after the Philippine Declaration
of Independence, 54 Spanish soldiers of the Baler garrison,

61

under the command of Captain Enrique de las Morenas y
Fossi, made San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, named in
Spanish for Louis of Toulouse, their barracks. When de las
Morenas died on 22 November 1898, Lieutenant Saturnino
Martín Cerezo replaced him. On 2 June 1899, the last
Spanish garrison in the Philippines surrendered after the
Siege of Baler, effectively ending over 300 years of Spanish
rule in the country. The plaque displayed outside the church
tells the story of the siege.
BALER
“A Spanish Garrison of four officers and fifty men was
besieged in this church by Filipino insurgents from June 27,
1898, to June 2, 1899. Offers of peace and demands for
surrender were refused on five occasions.
From newspapers dropped into the court
by an emissary of General Rios on May 29,
the garrison learned for the first time that
the Philippines had been lost to Spain and
for many months there had been no Spanish
flag in Luzon, except the one waving over
Baler Church. Broken by starvation and
tropical diseases, the depleted command
arranged a truce with the insurgents
and marched out of this church across
the mountains to Manila on June 2, 1899. Of the original
garrison two officers, the priest and twelve men had died
from disease; two men had been killed by insurgent bullets;
two men had been executed; two officers and fourteen men
had been wounded; six men had deserted. The fortitude of
the garrison was praised by General Aguinaldo in a public
document issued at Tarlac on June 20,1899. Upon their
return to Spain, the survivors were rewarded by the Queen
Regent in the name of Alfonso XII and the Spanish Nation.”
Ermita Hill
As the tsunami
ravaged the town,
the few surviving
families made their
way to Ermita Hill to
seek refuge.
Ermita Hill is located in Barangay Zabali, Baler and while it
may not have artefacts like the museum and the ancestral
house, it does commemorate a catastrophic tsunami that
occurred in 1735 that wiped out the settlements in town.
As the tsunami ravaged the town, the few
surviving families made their way to Ermita
Hill to seek refuge. They survived and
joined the local parish priest in rebuilding
the town. As visitors go up the hill, they will
see a set of statues of people helping each
other up the hill, put up as a remembrance
to the tsunami survivors. Upon reaching
the top of the hill, visitors will be rewarded
with a view of Baler Bay, Sabang Beach,
and the Pacific Ocean. Picnic facilities, a
chapel, and gazebos are also available for visitors to stay a
while and enjoy the view.
Ermita Hill
62

Buoyancy Watersports
Even when adventure isn’t in the town proper, it isn’t hard
to travel to other parts of Baler. You can visit Ermita Hill,
the highest point of Baler, and see the beauty of Baler Bay,
Sabang Beach, and the Pacific Ocean from the top. And
since you’re already in Barangay Zabali, why not get a taste
of their water, too? At the Baler Fish-port, you can try out
Buoyancy Water Sports Baler’s UFO Couch, Banana Boat,
Flyfish and the exciting Jumbo Ride.
Dicasalarin Cove
Dicasalarin Cove is a stunning cove that is privately-owned
by the Angaras, who also own Costa Pacifica. If you want to
come here and get a discount on the entrance fee of 6 USD,
you must be a guest of Costa Pacifica. Tours to the cove
can be easily arranged with the hotel, and the entrance fee
will be slashed to just 2 USD. The cove is known for having
one of the best vistas of Baler, which can be seen from
the modern lighthouse in the cove, or the nearby weather
station. Going to the cove, one must take a four-by-four
vehicle as the road is steep.
Dicasalarin Cove
the more daring and adventurous traveller, you can also try
your hand at diving and exploring the reefs nearby. A visit
here can be done together with a day trip to Diguisit Beach,
which is nearby.
This hidden gem has the visitors so much to offer. And was
officially the surfing capitol of the Philippines. Surfing in
Baler is dependent on what the weather is doing. It can have
some of the best surfing in Luzon. When the might of the
Pacific Ocean stirs it can dump some might big swells on to
the coastline of Aurora. There is a wave just about all year
in Baler, but the peak periods for consistent good quality
waves is from October to February.
It would be remiss of me not to mention how the sport of
surfing became popular in the small town of Baler. Part of
San Luis Obispo De Tolosa Church
Dimadimalangat Islet
Marking the southernmost tip of Baler Bay this inlet has
to be on your bucket list, and during low tide, visitors can
walk to the islet and explore its interesting surroundings.
Discover what kind of marine and plant life can be found
in the islet, you may end up spending some time here. For
63

Surfing in Cemento Reef
BALER
the film Apocalypse Now was filmed in Baler at Charlie’
Point. If you remember a surf scene where US soldiers were
catching some waves, you would be
viewing Baler. When the film crew
departed they left their surfboards
behind, igniting a local passion for
surfing.
Surfing in Aurora is limited by your
access to the sites that are there. For
perfect surf you need not look to far,
but should you want to hire an banca
and do some exploring, then I’m sure
you will not be disappointed.
It is known for its
medium quality righthand
and left-hand break
waves on a sandy and
gravel bottom.
These are some of the more popular surf breaks in Baler:
Cemento Reef
This right handed reef break is not for
the beginner. It is about a 45 minute
walk south of Baler, or the easy option
is to catch a banca to the reef, about
10 minutes. Cemento Reef can cope
well with big swell and if you are game
and experienced a nice 4.5 metre
barrel will greet you. You will find that
Cemento is usually the spot for the
annual Aurora Surfing Cup.
Charlie’s Point
Charlie’s Point, locally known as “Kagewad,” derives its
name from the movie Apocalypse Now where part of the
film was shot in the late 1970’s. It is known for its medium
quality right-hand and left-hand break waves on a sandy
and gravel bottom (left hand wave: a wave that breaks from
right to left from the point of view of the surfer, requiring
the surfer to turn left to catch the wave).
At Charlie’s Point, a river mouth break, can be found where
the Aguang River meets the Philippine Sea. So if your forte
is for calmer waters, then try your hand at Paddle Boarding
in the pleasant calm of the Aguang River.
64
Charlie’s Point

65

Surfing in Sabang Beach
Located at Barangay Reserva, Charlie’s Point is within a few
minutes’ tricycle ride from Baler town proper on the north
end of Sabang beach. On foot, it is about a half hour’s easy
walk from Bay’s Inn Lodging & Restaurant at Sabang Beach.
BALER
Lindy’s Point
Found north of Baler, Lindy’s Point
was created when the mouth of Baler
Bay was opened up to prevent floods
during the wet season. The actual
break runs left and right.
Sabang Beach
Just a five to ten minute drive from Baler CBD, Sabang Beach
is famed for surfing in Baler. Since Filipinos did not know the
sport, it was said to have been introduced by Americans who
filmed the Vietnam War movie “Apocalypse Now” in Baler.
When they left, most of them left behind their surfboards,
which were picked up by locals who went on to continue
the sport, and why it is known as the birth place of surfing
in the Philippines. You can go ahead and rent a board for
an hour of hanging ten. Or if you don’t know how to surf,
get a few lessons in; there are several surf schools along the
beach with experienced instructors. Sabang Beach is perfect
for beginners because its soft sand will make your spills and
wipe-outs easier. There are several hotels and resorts lining
and near the beach, making it easier for surfers to get up
early to catch some waves. The waves here are seasonal.
They arrive during the months of October to February and it
is an ideal spot for first time and learner surfers. As the swell
66
Sabang Beach is
perfect for beginners
because its soft sand
will make your spills
and wipe-outs easier.
gets bigger more experienced riders can have an absolute
ball. It breaks on sand and is a left and right pleasing both
natural footers and goofy’s alike. Sabang beach is must visit
on your bucket list when in Baler.
Diguisit Beach
Surfers who want a more challenging
surfing experience should go to
Diguisit Beach, located 14.9 mi (24
kilometres) away from the town
centre, along Baler Bay. The waves
here are much harsher than Sabang,
and the rocky beach makes it all the
more challenging. If you are not a
surfer, however, you can go to Diguisit to admire its rock
formations called Lukso-Lukso islets. This pair of rock
formations show visitors how powerful the wind and sea
Diguisit Beach
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Photographs as Credited
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67

pinastraveler.wordpress.com
(42.67 m) waterfall, fed by the Sierra Madre Mountains. You
can reward yourself with a cool dip after a tiring trek. Locals
are very strict about visitors not bringing any food during
the trek to prevent littering. A donation is requested, which
goes to the maintenance of the falls and its surroundings.
Allow for a full day to enjoy this to the fullest as the trip
will take up to six hours, to get there, witness the falls and
return to your hotel.
Balete Tree
Aniao Islets
BALER
can be. You can choose to do some rock climbing in one of
the islets, or just enjoy a dip in the clear waters of this white
sand beach.
Besides the awesome surfing you will
experience in this amazing part of the
Philippines, there are so many other
things to see and so. For instance, If you
get tired of the sand and sea, go for the
cool mountain-fed waters of Ditumabo
Waterfalls. You need to leave the town of
Baler for the next town, San Luis, where
Ditumabo Falls is located. This adventure, however, would
require you to be a bit physically fit, as it requires an hour
long trek that is rocky and rough, taking you through several
river crossings. The Mother Falls is an imposing 140-foot
The 600-year old
Balete Tree in the town
of Maria Aurora next
to Baler, towers more
than five stories high.
It’s strange how something so seemingly ordinary can alter
your outlook about a destination. Like a simple but unusual
tree for instance. There are times when you get disillusioned
about different tourist spots in a province; especially if it is
either your first time you’ve visited the area. Commonly in the
Philippines beaches are everywhere and here is no different,
and also in Baler there is surfing. What if you are here with
your family and your wife is not partial to surfing? What does
your family do while you are enjoying the waves? Sit at the
hotel waiting for you or enjoy the other wonders that are on
offer in this friendly part of the Philippines?
Then, you come face to face with a massive
tree that seems right out of a children’s
fantasy storybook. The 600-year old Balete
Tree in the town of Maria Aurora next to
Baler, towers more than five stories high. I
was told by my tourism guide that it would
take over 50 people holding hands with arms
outstretched to encircle it. The locals also lay claim that it’s
the largest tree of its kind in Asia. The tree has been dubbed
“The Millennium Tree” and is now the province of Aurora’s
most visited attraction.
Massive old Balete tree
rock-cafe.info
68

69

Mother Falls or Ditumabo Falls
Balete Trees (relatives of the Banyan tree) are infamous in
Pinoy folklore for being the homes of enkanto, mystical
beings who can cast spells on unsuspecting people. In some
provinces, people believe that Balete Trees are dwelling
places of supernatural creatures like kapre (tree demon) or
tikbalang (demon horse). Interestingly, some superstitious
folk believe that small Balete trees (which are used as
decorative houseplants and bonsai) should not even be
brought into the house because they can attract ghosts.
BALER
The true nature of the Balete Tree is just as disturbing as
superstitious beliefs. A number of Balete trees are known
as strangler figs. They find a host tree, attach themselves
to it, ensnare it in a tight hold of roots, and choke the host
to death. Other Balete Trees start as air plants and grow as
Climbing a balete tree from within its network of trunks
ann-d-explorer.com
hanging roots that eventually reach the ground, encircling
and suffocating the host tree in the process.
All of the facts and superstitions are fascinating. But what is
even more fascinating is being able to enter and climb inside
70

and up the centre of the tree. There’s a gap in the base
of the Balete tree here just big enough for one person to
enter at a time. The entrance here actually leads to a hollow
chamber that can fit several people. As you look up, you can
see the glimmer of light from all the gaps in the woven web
of tangled roots.
Entering the tree is like being inside a strange twisted
tunnel. A maze of gnarled roots snake up inside and all
around providing a natural stairway that you can climb up
like a beanstalk. Not everyone can fit inside through the
roots though. Some parts can be a tight squeeze. Especially
for a larger boned foreigner like me. Another option is to
climb the roots outside the tree itself.
Throughout history children’s fantasy stories are full of
mystical magic and sentinel trees exist in some of these
stories, either as guides or guardians and even sometimes
are enemies in one’s quest. As you gaze at this gigantic
tree, you may even envisage this tree
as a distant relative of the Whomping
Willow tree growing on the grounds of
Hogwarts, in the Harry Potter movies,
which tried to destroy the flying car
containing Harry and Ron. Or could
it be another off-spring of the Tree of
Protection in The Chronicles of Narnia.
For some reason, this enchanting tree
in Baler rekindles in us all a sense
of wonder you may have thought I
thought was lost in your childhood years. There must still
be magic left in this world if something so mysterious and
bewitching can exist.
Coco-Sabutan Festival
Baler’s Coco Sabutan
Festival started in 2001
and revolves around
its two most important
products – the coconut
and the sabutan.
Baler comes alive in August with three significant celebrations
of the local townspeople – the feast of its patron saint,
San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, who died
on August 19 1297, and the birth
anniversary of Manuel Luis Quezon,
president of the commonwealth of the
Philippines from 1935 to 1944, which
also falls on August 19th. These are
important components of Baler’s Coco
Sabutan Festival which was started in
2001 and revolves around its two most
important products – the coconut
and the sabutan. It is usually held in
mid-August with an array of events including a drum and
lyre band competition, surfing competitions, art exhibits,
Coco Sabutan festival
71

spectacular aspect of a festival. The Coco Sabutan Festival
street dancing parade goes through the main streets of
the town proper and is participated in mostly by students,
dressed in spectacular and colourful costumes designed
locally as they parade and dance on the streets in a frenzy
of excitement not to be missed.
Cultural Arts and Crafts
parades, shows, a beauty pageant, a trade fair and a talent
competition. A tiangge offering products from clothes to
local crafts is also
part of the festival.
The Sabutan grow
in abundance in the
province of Aurora,
and its leaves are
traditionally woven
into mats and hats.
These “modern”
components were
scheduled side-byside
traditional fiesta
features such as the
sayawang bayan or
town dance, and the
making of welcome
arches. The welcome
arch has been a ubiquitous piece of decoration during fiestas
along with buntings, which has been slowly vanishing, in
revving this festive decoration Baler holds a competition
for the best arches. Like most festivals in the Philippines,
the street dancing competition remains to be the most
It is always a beautiful gesture to bring family and loved
ones a gift (Pasalubong) back from a place you have visited.
And what better gift than local handcrafts and products
of the area. The towns of Baler and San Luis are known
for making Sabutan crafts. The Sabutan or the thatch
screwpine grow in abundance in the province of Aurora, and
its leaves are traditionally woven into mats and hats. The
process of gathering and preparing the leaves includes alit,
the cutting of the leaves, ibutol, the trimming of the thorny
edges; bulay, stripping, drying, flattening and moulding.
After these, the sabutan strips are ready for weaving. In
recent years they have developed new ways and uses for the
sabutan, including the making of bags, coin purses, slippers,
place mats, and other souvenir gift items for you to get for
family and loved ones.
Zabali Hanging Bridge
The Teodoro Querijero Street which starts at the town
proper, ends at the Zabali Hanging Bridge in the barangay
of Zabali. The suspension footbridge of steel cables, wire
mesh and planks of wood spans over the Zabali-Pingit
River, which flows out to Baler Bay. Meant for residents
Baler’s most precious
handicraft
72

73

House where Doña Aurora was born
follows the Spanish Colonial layout of the town square. This
is where Baler’s historical marker, depicting the arrival of
Lieutenant James Gilmore, the commander of the gunboat
USS Yorktown on April 12th 1899. At the other end of the
plaza, the prominent 40 foot Baler 400 monument stands,
which commemorates the town’s 400 year history.
BALER
of communities on both sides of the river, the bridge has
become a tourist attraction because of the bucolic scenery
of the river and estuary. It is also a thrill
and experience for a visitor just to walk
across this ingenuity of construction.
City Sites of Interest
Baler has many beautiful sites and
buildings of interest to any visitor to
the town, when not surfing or enjoying
a day at the beach, have fun on the
water or visiting the falls, take time to check out some of
the sites of interest, like the Baler Municipal Plaza, location
of the city hall and other executive offices. As with most
Philippine towns and cities, the Baler Municipal plaza
The bridge has
become a tourist
attraction because of
the bucolic scenery
of the river and
estuary.
ACROSS THE OPN PLAZA FROM THE Municipal hall is the
San Luis Obispo Parish church of Baler, and is dedicated to
the town’s patron saint, Saint Louis, the bishop of Toulouse.
The present stone church was built in the mid 1700s and was
declared a National Historical Landmark On February 29, 2000.
Just outside the plaza on the corner of Rizal and San Luis
Streets is the replicate house of Pedro Aragon, where his
famous daughter Aurora was born on February 19 1888,
and was popularly known as the wife of President Manuel
Quezon. The province of Aurora was
named in her honor.
Places to Eat
There are many different types of
restaurants servicing tourist and local
residents in the town of Baler, catering
for every type of taste, from traditional
Filipino Fare to a European cuisine . For
the more tradition style food there is Yolly’s Ihaw-Ihaw and
seafood restaurant in Quezon street. Gerry s Picnic Place
and the Baler Surfer Grill where the actual grill is inside of
the front boot of a red VW beetle car.
Baler‘s hanging bridge
74

ate. The staff are friendly and go out of their way to make
you feel welcome.
How to get there
By Bus; Genesis has air-conditioned daily buses en route to
Baler from their Cubao Bus Terminal. Daily trips run from
3:00 AM to 7:30 AM (5-6 trips daily, 1 hour interval). Travel
time 6-7 hours .
Places to Stay
Baler Museum
By car; From Manila take the NLEX to Tarlac exit and just
follow the signs to Aurora/Baler, depending on traffic
conditions., the trip is pleasant and will take 5-6 hours.
The town of Balers was the birth place of surfing in
the Philippines so there are many and varied types of
accommodation available to please everyone’s taste and
budget from the magnificent Costa Pacifica to more sedate
for the budget councious. ABW was accommodated at the
Nature Green Forest Resort, this place is very well appointed
with wifi, cable TV and a swimming pool at a very reasonable
Escape to Baler: sand, surf, sea, and so much more
Slowly, Baler is becoming a tourist destination of choice, not
only for surfers but also for those who love an adventure.
Its proximity to the city makes it all the more appealing for
a quick weekend trip. It provides a quiet escape from the
hustle and bustle of the city, one that will truly help you
relax and unwind.
Baler
AURORA
Map of Baler, Aurora Province
75

Swim-safe 2019
T
located in the Subic Freeport, this
came about through a conversation
with Zambales Lifesaving Inc President,
Mr. Roger Bound and Dr. Ong about
water safety during a routine check
up for Mr. Bound who is a long time
patient of the clinic. Dr. Ong’s children
attended the event and he has advised
that he will support the program for
the Zambales South (Olongapo) area
on a continuing annual basis.
76
he Zambales Lifesaving Inc. Swim-safe program for
Zambales South was concluded on February 24,
this year saw a new supporter in Dr. Johann Ong
of Smile Concepts dental clinic
The program
emphasizes that poor
or non-swimmers
never enter the water
to assist a person in
trouble, and must
“Reach or Throw, but
never go!”
Coupled with long time supporter Lighthouse Marina Resort
in the Subic Bay Freeport saw some 200 children and their
parents attend the sessions, which were run morning and
afternoons on weekend since February 10.
The program, now in its 4th year
emphasizes that poor or non-swimmers
should never enter the water to assist
a person in trouble, but should instead
“Reach or Throw, but never go!”. Part of
the program are games where the children
have to find things in the immediate area
that will do, such as a leaf skimmer pole,
shade umbrella post, towel, shirt or other
item that can be reached out to the person

Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
so they can be pulled to safety, or anything that will float
that they can hold to stay afloat, such as a chair cushion,
lifejacket or even an empty water container. Part of the
program also is a short Powerpoint / Video presentation
that deals with dangers that may occur at the beach, pool
and inland swimming destinations, it teaches how to spot
and avoid such dangers and also how to deal with many
dangers such as rip currents and other hazards should you
get caught in them.
Olongapo was also a huge success as through Barry Dawson
of ABW Mr. Bound was able to meet with the project
director of Sustainable Charters Inc., Mr. Mom Nardone
who has also committed to supporting the program for
the central Zambales area, which is this year supported by
local Iba computer business Ally Dot Com, this additional
assistance could greatly increase the number of those that
the program can currently sustain.
The Central Zambales dates are now being finalized so as
not to clash with other events etc that may be being held
in the area, if anyone would like an update for the Central
Zambales Program, which will be held as usual at long
time supporter, Palmera Gardens Beach Resort and Hotel
in Bangantalinga Iba, they can also contact Mr. Bound on
0918 922 2863 or Email slszambales@gmail.com, or you
can also check on the Zambales Lifesaving Facebook page
for upcoming news and events.
77

Regatta
Chairman’s Cup
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
78

S
Subic Bay, Philippines. Setting the course to another
season of the Philippine Sailing Grand Prix, the
“Chairman’s Cup Regatta” debuts in 2019, in honour
of the leaders or helms of the Subic Bay. Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA), who have played a significant role in the
development of the Subic Bay Freeport and the Special
Economic Zone. The present Chairperson and Administrator
of SBMA who is also the 1st woman to
hold the distinguished position is none
other than Atty. Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma
The Chairman’s Cup
Regatta 2019 will
take the place of
the Commodores’
Cup Regatta (CCR)
scheduled on April
26-30, 2019
The Chairman’s Cup Regatta 2019 will
take the place of the Commodores’
Cup Regatta (CCR) scheduled on April
26-30, 2019, after the inaugural Hong
Kong to Puerto Galera Yacht Race 2019.
The passage race, that will start in Hong
Kong on April 16 and 17 ends on Easter
Sunday, April 21. The 1st edition of the
Hong Kong to Puerto Galera Yacht Race is classic 650nm
Category 1 passage race. Currently, the Subic Sailing Club
is considering a feeder race that will encourage participating
boats from Hong Kong to another round of racing in Subic
Bay before heading back to Hong Kong.
The Chairman’s Cup Regatta also in its 1st Edition will
continue what the Commodores” Cup has started and is
envisioned to be the paragon of the development of sailing
in the country as well as a reminder to every Filipino of our
maritime wealth and culture. “We hope that this event will
not only produce a new generation of Filipino sailors but
also give honour to our rich maritime heritage,” said Zed
Avecilla, Executive Director of the Subic
Sailing Club.
The CCR was a mere Subic Sailing Club
event way back ten years ago but has
become an international sailing event for a
decade as part of the Asian Yachting Circuit
when then Commodore. Ricky Sandoval of
the Subic Bay Yacht Club and Subic Sailing
Founder Jun Avecilla moved the event
after the China Sea Race from Hong Kong
to Subic Bay to give the participants of
that regatta an inshore race competition as there has been
no scheduled event during that time. It has then filled the
Asian Yachting Calendar up to this year.
79

The highlight of the Chairman’s Cup Regatta (CCR) is the
Fareast 28R One-Design Race with eight boats in the
division. Other Keel Boat divisions will include IRC Class 1,
IRC Class 2 and Cruising Class. There will also be a Dinghy
Division composed of the Optimist Class,
Mirror Class, Flying Fifteen Class, and
Streaker Class which will take place on
April 25-26, 2018.
Subic Bay is an excellent harbour and
geographical location serves as the
premier yacht racing destination in the
Philippines. As a sailing haven, regular
regattas are held in Subic Bay to enhance
yachtsman-ship for international competitions and foster
camaraderie among sailors. It has become a playground
for Grand Prix keelboats from various countries as they
compete in the prestigious international regattas hosted
here in our country.
As a sailing haven,
regular regattas are
held in Subic Bay to
enhance yachtsmanship
for international
competitions.
Subic Bay Freeport plays an important role in our country
which drives maritime heritage, environmental protection and
economic growth aside from the continuous development
of sailing here in the Philippines.
The projection of this 5-day event will
attract many Filipino and foreign amateur
and professional sailing enthusiasts as well
as non-sailors alike to the most exciting and
competitive world of yacht racing in the
country with among the top-notch sailors
around the globe. It also aims to encourage
the general public to know more information
about the sport as well as the Philippine’s
maritime industry and hopefully encourage more people to
explore our maritime roots.
80

81

Bringing t
Love of t
Island Buzz provides paddling
and sailing tours for tourists as
well as organizing free paddle
clinics to locals in cooperation
with local government units
and the department of tourism,
coaching locals correct posture
and paddle technique to
maximize the experience.
Back t
The Philippines is well known to have a seafaring
heritage, the country’s islands have been populated
long before the Spanish arrived on its shores some
500 years ago. Paddling and sailing in those days
was a way of life and was the only way to travel from island
to island other than swimming.
Awareness of this maritime tradition has been in steady
decline over centuries, with most Filipinos these days
preferring land based leisure activities over watersports,
despite the abundance of coastlines and waterways all over
the country’s more than 7000 islands. In fact, many Filipinos
never learned how to swim. Similarly, those who rely on the
sea for their living seem to have forgotten maritime tradition
of free energy propulsion, preferring to rely instead on
modern technology to propel their watercraft.
82
A group in Cebu called Island Buzz Philippines led by
Buzzy Budlong a well-known watersports enthusiast are
looking bring back the love the sea to Cebuanos as well
as revive paddling as a practical and everyday leisure
activity to better appreciate the islands. They have made
it their mission to make Cebu the paddling capital of the
Philippines.
Buzzy Budlong is considered a living legend among outdoor
enthusiasts. His prominence started 10 years ago when he
and Singaporean Khoo Swee Chiao paddled kayaks from
Sarangani Province to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte in 88 days.
The epic trip of 3,025 km across 24 provinces through six
typhoons and several squalls in between. Buzzy has since
made several notable trips after then but non as epic as that
88 day kayak trip.

the
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as credited
the Sea
o to Cebuanos
Buzzy together with fellow paddling and sailing enthusiasts
of Island Buzz Philippines are looking to bring back to
the islands of the Visayas the enjoyment of free energy
watersports. Watercraft they use include; stand up paddle
(SUP) boards, visayan outrigger canoes like the baruto,
and the bigiw which primarily uses a sail but is maneuvered
with a paddle rather than a rudder. The latest addition
to their fleet is locally built Polynesian 6-Person Ocean
Canoe (OC6) which Buzzy named Maharlika Big6. These
watercraft are built by Island Buzz using local labor and
materials.
Island Buzz provides paddling and sailing tours for tourists as
well as organizing free paddle clinics to locals in cooperation
with local government units and the department of tourism,
coaching locals correct posture and paddle technique to
maximize the experience. The aim is to drive awareness
on how rich our water resources are, and for the locals
to appreciate our paddling culture and to revive the local
Visayan sailing watercraft, like the bigiw. They also organize
the annual Bigiw-Bugsay race in celebration of the Ocean
Month in May. Island Buzz Philippines also organizes
coastal cleanups using various watercrafts to help promote
a clean marine environment in Cebu.
Genealogic, archeological and linguistic evidence has
shown that Polynesia and Islands of the pacific were
originally populated by people from the Philippines and
Taiwan. Inspired by this, Island Buzz Philippines built the
Philippines’ first OC6 Canoe.
83

84
Savanah

The OC6 canoe was built in partnership with corporate
sponsors and volunteer organizations, A renowned Hawaiian
elder and respected ocean canoe paddler and voyager,
Kimokeo Kapapahulehua was even on hand at the its launch
and gave The Maharlika
The ocean canoe—
through paddling and
racing—can help trace
our roots as islanders
and appreciate this kind
of culture,” Budlong
added.
Big6 Ocean canoe a
traditional Polynesian
blessing.
Members from Island
Buzz Philippines along
with Buzzy Budlong
helped the Hawaiian
elder lead the solemn
ceremony amid the
drizzling weather brought by tropical depression Samuel (*at
the Chateau by the Sea, Lapu-lapu City. )
Budlong said that the OC6 launch and blessing aims to promote
ocean canoe paddling as a free-energy and eco-friendly water
sport in the country. He believes that Cebu has a huge potential
to be a venue for paddle training and racing of ocean canoes,
which will help promote Cebu’s islander culture and the art of
paddling and canoe-making.
“As a paddler, I’ve been searching for our cultural ties with the
water and our crafts. We are living in an archipelago and our
islands are interconnected by water and yet we don’t live the
islander lifestyle. The ocean canoe—through paddling and
racing—can help trace our roots as islanders and appreciate
this kind of culture,” Budlong added.
Kapapahulehua, on the other hand, stressed that the OC6
should not only be treated as a vessel for races but one that
preserves the country’s heritage and the environment.
Ocean canoe paddling is a widely known lifestyle in Hawaii
and other neighboring islands. Other ASEAN countries like
Singapore and Hong Kong organize racing events for 6-person
Ocean Canoes as well as other Ocean Canoe variants.
85

Article excerpts reprinted from the book
CRUISER HANDLING
by BOB BOND & STEVE SLEIGHT
Sailing Tips
You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing techno-babble, and what
little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no more. This continuing series of
articles is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats, as well as common sailing techniques,
terms and definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware, and much more. This will keep you informed
about most things you will need before you begin your own sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor
and someone knowledgeable about boats.
334208 p t 640x480
Almost every modern cruising boat is fitted with an engine –
usually an inboard on larger boats and an outboard on smaller
boats. The engine is normally only used for manoeuvring in
harbours, or for making a port if the wind drops. The engine
is also a useful safety precaution – it can be used to get a
cruising boat out of trouble, when fighting a foul tide or
trying to reach a port before a storm. Cruising skippers should
beware of relying on their engines, and should certainly feel
confident that they can handle the boat under sail in any of
the situations in which they might use the engine, in case of
unexpected engine failure. If you are using the engine make
sure that the sails are ready for immediate hoisting and the
anchor is also made ready in case of just such an emergency
Types of engine
You have a choice of inboard or outboard engine for your
boat. Normally larger boats have an inboard, and smaller one
an outboard. The former is often mounted under the cockpit
floor, and the latter on the transom of the boat. Both types
need proper attention, regular servicing and maintenance. As
with all machinery, you should take care when using it. The
86
outboard engine is more vulnerable to the elements than
the inboard (and to possible damage) but these days solidstate
ignitions and improved combustion, coupled with better
resistance to corrosion, have improve the reliability of both
types of engine. Your engine should have a handbook which
gives detailed illustrations of the parts and the main servicing
points. Keep the handbook on board in an accessible place
and make sure that any servicing instructions are carried out.
Keep an adequate stock of spares on board. Engines are either
two-stroke, using a petrol mixture or four-stroke, using petrol
diesel fuel. Take care to use the right fuel for the engine and, in
the case of the two-stroke, the right ratio of petrol to oil. Apart
from regular servicing and maintenance while the engine is in
use in the sailing season, you will have to take care of it in the
winter months when not using the boat. The engine should
be overhauled, drained and cleaned and laid up in a warm dry
place with a protective cover. When you recommission the
engine, take care to follow the instructions.
PROPEller effects
The action of the blades of the propeller in the water produces

BOAT HANDLING UNDER POWER
both forward movement and a certain amount of lateral
movement as well. This lateral movement is usually described
as prop walk. It follows the direction in which the propeller
rotates, so a boat with a clockwiserotating
propeller will find its stern moving
to starboard a little as it goes forward.
Since the propeller blades turn in the
opposite direction in reverse, you will find
that the stern moves to port in reverse
gear. You will find that the effect of prop
walk is most pronounced at slow speeds,
and in reverse. It is vital to know which
direction the prop walk on your engine
takes, so that you can make allowances
for it when berthing your boat.
Using an engine
You can use the prop walk on your boat to your advantage
since the boat turns a tighter circle in the opposite direction to
that in which the propeller rotates – if you have a clockwiserotating
propeller your boat will turn a tighter circle to port
than to starboard. The effect is even more pronounced in
reverse gear, to the point where the opposite applies; you may
actually find it difficult to make a turn in the same direction
as the propeller rotates, unless you have quite a lot of way on.
If this is the case, your only solution is to manoeuvre the boat
using alternate short hard bursts on the throttle in forward gear
with ones in reverse gear, keeping the tiller or wheel hard over
in the same direction throughout the manoeuvre. Don’t forget
that at slow speeds your boat will have a tendency to drift as
well, and you have to take this into account in your planning.
Don’t forget that at
slow speeds your boat
will have a tendency
to drift as well, and
you have to take this
into account in your
planning.
If the propeller shaft is not positioned centrally, but more to
one side of the boat or the other, then you will find that there
is a pronounced tendency for the bows of the boat to turn
away from the side on which the propeller
is mounted when in forward gear, and for
the boat to do the opposite in reverse. If
your boat has this problem, then make
sure the propeller rotates in the opposite
direction so that it counterbalances the
off-centre effect rather than exacerbates
it – in other words, for example, don’t
put a clockwise-rotating propeller on a
starboard mounted propeller shaft and
vice versa! If you are trying out a new
engine or steering an unfamiliar boat
under engine, try out its paces first in
open water, to establish its characteristics before using it in
congested waters.
Inboard motor
Engine type stern-1
Twin Cruise 700
640x426xTwin-F350-
outboards
Jet drives
Searay
87

Zambales Lif
At At Phuket (Thailand) Surf Surf L
LIFESAVING C
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as credited
88

fesaving Inc.
CHAMPIONS
Lifesaving Championships
Mr. Roger Bound, an Australian
and long time resident of the
Philippines, had worked since
2004 to make Zambales safer for
locals and visitors alike through
the training of lifeguards for
resorts.
Lifesaving Sports are relatively new to the Philippines,
but have a long History in other countries, especially
Australia where it commenced in the 1950’s.
Lifesaving sport was created primarily to encourage
lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the essential
physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the aquatic
environment. Lifesaving competitions consist of a variety of
events to further develop and demonstrate lifesaving skills,
fitness, and motivation, it is the only sport in the world that
is based on humanitarian grounds.
However a number of competitions are now organized
annually in the Philippines, the fastest growing of these is the
Zambales Lifeguard Challenge, sponsored by the Standard
Insurance Co. Inc. an annual event commenced in 2012 by
Zambales Lifesaving, commenced by Mr. Roger Bound, an
Australian and long time resident of the Philippines, had
worked since 2004 to make Zambales safer for locals and
visitors alike through the training of lifeguards for resorts.
After retiring in late 2013 Mr. Bound formed Zambales
Lifesaving Inc. a non-stock, non-profit organization to carry
on his advocacy for water safety in Zambales, with drowning
prevention and awareness programs for children through
their “Swim-safe” a free to the public program for children 12
and below accompanied by a parent and lifeguard training,
for which Zambales Lifesaving Inc. is accredited by the
Philippine Coast Guard to both train and certify lifeguards
pursuant with RA-9993 and PCG MC 03-14.
One of the successes of the Zambales Lifesaving program has
been the ability of Mr. Bound to bring together the lifesaving,
swimming and surfing communities which has enabled him to
get an active Junior Lifesaving program together, for children
from five years of age, thus commenced in 2012 at the Great
Titan Lifesaving Sports event at Negros with just 3 young
girls, his daughter and 2 of her friends, from this it has now
grown to more than 40 participants and has since last event
become a whole day program held following the Zambales
Lifeguard Challenge with will be on Saturday March 2nd.
2019 and the Junior competition on Sunday March 3rd. at
Palmera Garden in Bangantalinga Iba Zambales, entry is free
for spectators. Much of this growth is due to the efforts of Mr.
William Asturias, more commonly known as Coach Biboy who
has been a driving force is the development of competitive
89

swimming in Zambales and assists with the junior program of
Zambales Lifesaving Inc. as sports director for the Zambales
Lifesaving Inc. junior events.
Since 2012 lifeguards from Zambales Lifesaving Inc. have
competed in many competitions Nationally, such as in
Bacolod and Sipalay in Negros, Mactan and Bantayan Island
in Cebu with great success, in 2016 Zambales Lifesaving with
the assistance of the Zambales Provincial Government and
sponsors ventured into its first International Competition
in Patong Beach on Phuket Island in Thailand, at their first
attempt they tied for first place against teams from 13
countries, but were awarded second after a count back,
they again attended in 2017 and again finished second, by
a single point, so this year they decided to again try for
a win at Phuket, plan was a team of 3 male competitors,
however upon raising the necessary funds there was a small
surplus and upon suggestion of Coach Biboy they invite
also 2 under 18 females to join for the under 18 individual
events, 2 of the under 18 Females were approached, Lovely
Pauline Floresca, one of the original 3 that started in 2012
and Heather Colleen Sanguyo a promising swimmer and
junior lifeguard, both of these also assisted in raising funds
to attend.
90
So early morning of Saturday December 1st. five members
of the Zambales contingent departed from Manila to
Phuket Thailand, being Isaac Emmanuelle Daylo, Mark
Anthony Jereza and Carlos Miguel Villamin, who had just
left the junior ranks to become a senior lifeguard, for the

Men’s team and Lovely and Colleen for the under 18 female
events, accompanied by Mr. Roger Bound as Coach / team
manager and his wife Marichu as escort for the junior girls.
After arrival and settling into the MY Hotel, who had
also assisted with special rates for the team, it was off to
check out the venue
Upon raising the
necessary funds there
was a small surplus that
resulted to 2 of the
under 18 females being
invited to compete.
followed by some rest
to be ready for an
early start on Sunday.
Upon registration the
organizers requested
that our 2 girls,
despite being eligible
for the under 18’s form
as a team and compete in the Open Women’s division as
they appeared far more experienced than the Thai juniors,
the majority of which were 12 years or less and only just
starting out, everyone was in agreement with this, in fact
the girls were eager to compete against the over 18 girls,
so Zambales and the Philippines now had representation in
both the men’s and women’s open team events.
All started well with Zambales winning the first events in
both the men’s and the women’s open category, a great
start, at the end of the day’s events it was success for
Zambales in both the men’s and women’s open classes
with both teams being crowned Champions, plus Isaac
Daylo being crowned Ironman Championship and Colleen
Sanguyo the Ironwoman Champion.
91

The really big credit though belongs to our 2 junior girls, as
despite being considered the underdogs, played hard and
fair, winning outright 6 of their 7 events and finishing a close
Big credit though
belongs to our 2 junior
girls who played hard and
fair, winning outright 6
of their 7 events despite
being the underdogs.
second in the other
giving them a total
of 54 points from the
56 points available.
Our congratulations
to Surf Lifesaving
Thailand a very fair
and well run event,
also to the officials
for their courtesy of dealing with our team members in English
during the pre-briefing for all events, also for all competitors
for the experiences shared and friendships gained.
Official results: (Points for each event were awarded as
follows 8, 6, 4, 2 & 1 for first to 5th.)
The events Zambales competed in and the placing’s were:
Surf Race, Zambales First in both men and women’s divisions.
Beach Sprint, men’s division, third and women’s division, first.
Rescue Tube Rescue, First in both men and women’s divisions
Beach Flags, men’s division second, women’s division first.
Board Race Relay, men’ division third, women’s division, first.
Iron Man/Woman, first in both men and women’s divisions.
Board Rescue, men’s division, fourth, women’s division, second.
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Men’s Open Division
1st. (40 Points) Zambales Lifesaving Inc. Philippines.
3 competitors, one 16 years old.
2nd. (27 Points) Le Meridian Phuket Hotel Beach Resort.
6 Competitors, all over 18 including 2 Russians. 3rd. (21
points) Sabah (Malaysia) 3 Competitors all over 18.
Women’s Open Division
1st. (54 points) Zambales Lifesaving Inc. Philippines.
2 competitors, both 16 years old.
2nd.(44) Le Meridian Phuket Hotel Beach Resort.
3 Competitors, all over 18.
3rd. (24) ATUS (A University group) 3 competitors, all over 18.
Ironman Competition;
Men’s division winner Team Zambales Lifesaving Inc.
Philippines, Isaac Daylo.
Women’s division winner Team Zambales Lifesaving Inc.
Philippines, Colleen Sanguyo.
We would like to acknowledge all that supported this venture;
Provincial Government of Zambales, Standard Insurance Co. Inc.
RP Energy, Ally.com, Active Boating and Watersports Magazine,
Broadwater Marine, Mope Beach Resort, RDH Marine, Rama
International Beach Resort, Tees and Prints, Surf Life Saving Far
North Coast (Australia), Philippine Coast Guard and the Local
Government Units of Botolan, Iba and San Narciso.
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HILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY
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HILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY

Philippine based 1069 Registration
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YACHT PARTS, SALES and SERVICE
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