June-July 2020

PKA SEASON 7 OFF TO A ROARING START
CRUISING WITH CORONA
THE FOILING REVOLUTION
WINGING IT
MAGIC OF CRUISE
VINCENT LECOLLEY PHOTOS
CONTROLLING BOAT SPEED
WATERSPORTS AFTER A PANDEMIC
Destination
MINDORO
OCCIDENTAL
JUL 2020 Vol. IX Issue 2
ACTIVE BOATING & WATERSPORTS
PhP200
SUNREEF 80

2

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3

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Wee it has been a traumatic time for everyone over these past few
months. With the COVID-19 putting everyone at risk, and to see so
many businesses struggling to survive. But let’s all hope the worst
is behind us and we can all strive to improve everything from the
lessons learned.
The Magazine like everyone else suffered setbacks, like because
of the lockdown our printers were unable to affect delivery for two
months and only now is it on the street. As well as the previous
issue being late this edition is being released one month late.
We needed to keep going for our readers but because of the
lockdowns we were unable to complete in time to release on time.
Our apologies but we will keep your favorite magazine going, albeit
a month late.
In this issue we are exposing Mindoro Occidental and know the
resilience of these people will soon be back on top as well because
this is a wonderful place to visit.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
PKA Season 7 Off to a Roaring Start 6
Cruising With Corona 12
The Foiling Revolution 20
Winging It 26
Magic of Cruise - Kota Kinabalu 34
to Puerto Galera
Vincent Lecolley Discovers the 40
Real Philippines
Destination - OCCIDENTAL MINDORO 50
Lifesaving Progress During Covid-19 72
Sailing Tips - Controlling Boat Speed 76
Watersports After a Pandemic 78
Let us all stay safe while striving to show the fortitude of the
Filipino people, in making a strong comeback.
Barry Dawson Editor
SUNREEF 80
Cover photo courtesy of RAYOMARINE
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
4
Destination - OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
Published quarterly by: ABW PUBLISHING
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Publisher: ROSALIE M. BAIRD
Managing Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON
Associate Editor: ROY ESPIRITU
Layout & Design: MAR SUBA
Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER
Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ
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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

PKA Season 7
Off to a Roa
Cut short because of COVID-19
The tour this year
welcomed international
entries from riders
hailing as far as Germany,
Ireland, Morocco, Japan,
Thailand and Australia.
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs by ZANDER SERVANDO
6

The start of the Philippine Kiteboarding
Association’s (PKA) season 7 tour had an
awesome start in Bulalacao, Mindoro and a
great follow-up leg in Sibaltan, El Nido Palawan.
However, the scheduled four leg PKA tour had to be cut
short because of concerns from local government units
the tour this year welcomed international entries from
riders hailing as far as Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Japan,
Thailand and Australia competing against the top national
riders. Four (4) different disciplines were completed over
at each leg with blistering fast racing and crowd bluffing
freestyle and hangtime performances.
aring Start
(LGU) of the looming health crisis brought about by the
COVID-19 outbreak in China.
Nonetheless, PKA regulars and visiting kiteboarders from
around the world had a great time at two amazing legs of
the PKA season 7 tour, which also signalled the start of
the Philippine kiteboarding season. The PKA tour serves
as the open national championship for kiteboarding and
The foil board race was added to this season’s events,
adding to the Hang Time Challenge (Men and Women),
Twin Tip Racing for (Novice, Men, Women, Masters,
Grandmaster and Elite) and Freestyle (Men and Women).
According to Jay Ortiz, PKA President, “The Philippine
Kiteboarding Association has already mounted more
than 25 kiteboarding events in the past 6 years since our
7

inception. In fact, we’ve already produced a Silver medal
in Kiteboard Twin Tip Race in the last youth Olympics in
2018 where the young Christian Tio from Boracay bagged
the medal and bested other top rank athletes in the globe.
Now that the Olympics format has changed to foil board
racing, we’re introducing this new class in our competition
this year, and hopefully will give rise to other young
aspiring Filipino athletes to level up their game and
compete in foil board racing. Who knows, we may soon
get the chance to win for gold in the future in other
international kitesurfing events, most especially in the
Olympics, now that we’re exposing our athletes in this
field” Mr. Ortiz said.
In the Bulalacao leg of this year’s PKA tour, The women’s
freestyle event was won by Germany’s Kathrin Bogwardt,
a long time participant of the PKA tour who put on a
display of her large variety of tricks and heat strategy,
Kathrin also went on to win the Women’s hangtime
division. Men’s freestyle went to returning PKA competitor
Abdoul Moutaouakil from Morocco displaying a huge
improvement in skill since his last appearance in the tour
two years ago.
In the men’s hangtime division, Ken Nacor blew the
competition
In fact, we’ve already
produced a Silver medal in
Kiteboard Twin Tip Race
in the last youth Olympics
in 2018 where the young
Christian Tio from Boracay
bagged the medal.
away, sending
one huge jump
after another one,
often soaring
more than 150m
through the air
before landing.
The foil board
8

and twin tip races were dominated by Stefan Vance from
Ireland who has shown steady improvement year after
year. The last day of Bulalacao leg had to be cancelled
because of typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy).
The second leg of the tour was in Sibaltan, El Nido,
Palawan. For the Foil Board race,
it was a tough battle between
Watcharpong “Boss” Juntham
from Thailand, Stefan Vance and
Philippines top seeds Ken Nacor and
Bong Fernando as these top athletes
took turns in out-maneuvering one
another, swiftly going more than
50kph on their foil boards. Boss
bested all and took the top spot
while Bong Fernando from Boracay
dominated in the twin tip elite division. Other winners
in the twin tip race divisions were Greg Dimarucut in the
Novice Mens’ division, Ryan Cahilig in the mens’ division
and Ali Dudfield in the womens’ division. Ali also won in
the women’s freestyle division.
The subsequent leg of
the tour was supposed to
happen at the kitecenter
on Cagbalete Island in
Quezon province but had
to be cancelled because of
COVID-19.
The Freestyle competition went
underway on the last and final
day of the second leg, with
competitors were blessed to have
winds blowing over 12 knots on
the last day. Although wind was
moving up and down during the
entire heat, that didn’t stop both
local and international athletes
from bringing their A-game on
and showcased heart-stopping freestyle tricks and action,
much to the delight of tourists and locals watching the
tournament. Ken Nakor from the Philippines and Abdul
Moutatakil from Morocco, were tied at the top spot while
Boracay local Reynard Gajisan bagged the prize for 2nd.
10
The subsequent leg of the tour was supposed to happen
at the kite center on Cagbalete Island in Quezon province
but had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 related
advisories from the Department of Health advising
LGUs to avoid conducting events with a large number of
participants. Having a significant number of the PKA tour’s
participants coming from abroad did raise a few concerned
eyebrows. Similarly, an ocean yacht race heading for China
was diverted to Subic Bay for similar reasons.

11

Cruising With
CORONA
They even refused to
allow us dinghy access,
an armed guard slammed
the gate in our faces and
snapped the lock shut.
Words & Photographs by
BRIAN CALVERT

H
ere is where the plot thickens; we were ordered
out of Camotes Island, so we contacted the Lapu
Lapu Coast Guard and got clearance to return,
no problem. Ah, but when we contacted the
Cebu Yacht Club they refused to allow us back in. They
even refused to allow us dinghy access, an armed guard
slammed the gate in our faces and snapped the lock shut.
This cut off our dinghy access to the shore, stores, and
such. Although the staff was quite apologetic, all these
edicts were made by a new owner who is anonymously
hidden in a remote location.
We found other, closer access soon and all was well.
Onshore life was near normal albeit quiet. I got a haircut,
lunch, motor oil, and Donna did our shopping.
We have a large wonderful water maker, so water is rarely
a problem but the water in the channel is quite murky, too
much so for making water. I sent an email to the Yacht Club
asking if we could simply pull up to the outer breakwater
and fill our water tanks, we would gladly pay for the water,
not be in contact with anybody and be off in a jiffy. This
too was refused, again by the absent, anonymous owner.
We are thrilled that Cebu Yacht Club has new ownership,
but I think they need a bit of a lesson in humanity or at
least understand cruisers better.
So here we sit, anchored just off the shipping lane and a
small squatter village. We have quite, easy access to stores
which remain well-stocked and open, we will take a harbor
cruise once a week to go out of the bay and make water. The

anchorage is rolly amplified by the current that puts us beam
to the swell twice a day. Life seemed bearable, stores handy,
a few restaurants offering take out.
Then the full throttle of the lockdown was announced to take
place in a couple of days. The easy access to stores turned
into 3-hour lines, everything else closed up tight, only a few
taxis remained in service where there once were hundreds.
The usually congested streets were
empty. I started to see that we needed
another plan, fast. We visited some
friends on a yacht that had just been
splashed at Colorado Shipyard, they were
tied to an old barge, power, and water.
We can do this! So I contacted the yard.
First a no, then a maybe, then an urgent call, can you get
here in ten minutes to sign papers before the office closes for
good. I dashed over in the dinghy, all power to the office was
out, one nice lady waited for me. I hand-copied their release
form, gave a cash deposit, we were set.
So, we are now residents of “Isolation Island” along with two
guys on the barge, one crew on the other yacht with his new
The usually congested
streets were empty.
I started to see that
we needed another
plan, fast.
puppy, Priam named Corona. We were only allowed one
pass to leave the yard, and as the stores were not allowing
anyone over 65 to enter, Donna gets the pass. There is a
small market, pharmacy, and store within walking distance,
a water filling station very close. The SM mall with a larger
supermarket is out of our Barangay, but we get to shop there
Thursdays and Sundays. One of the guards has been going
out for our larger shopping on his motorbike.
A few days into this I realized this was it
for quite a while, best make the best of
it. I have found my purpose in all this,
and a fun one; keep my family happy
and kid entertained.
Priam is a marvel at self-entertaining, can
play for hours with imaginary swords and
airplanes. Donna has jumped headfirst into making sure we
have a variety of great meals.
This is a challenge; we are
realizing how much we eat
out! A LPG tank that usually
lasts 6 weeks was empty in
3, lots of cooking going on.
With all that cooking and
14

sitting I figured I had best go for a jog, now I jog two laps of
the shipyard or kayak once a day, then eat.
Our newest event is our daily poker games, loser does the
dishes. Priam took to poker fast, quite good at it so I am getting
dishpan hands ha ha. It is fun being brought to Kindergarten
levels of imagination and fun, making handmade decorations
for our holidays. Easter was celebrated with dying eggs, then
Easter Egg hunts on the boat. The grand finale was our
Easter Parade, Priam made Donna an Easter Bonnet, with
All the Flowers on it, as we paraded around the boat, that
wonderful song blaring, in gala style.
The next holiday was a snap, one of my favorites, the Thai
celebration of Songkran. A long water gunfight was just the
16

thing on a hot afternoon. We tried to include our neighbors,
but I think they hid from us.
I know when the challenges surmount that we cling
to the little bits of joy, losing them can be the most
devastating. We started
I know when the
challenges surmount
that we cling to the
little bits of joy, losing
them can be the most
devastating.
our “monthaversary”
tradition of eating in a
new place on the 18th
of every month, our
wedding day. I did not
want this to fall victim
to the virus, not at all.
Providence has placed
us next to a larger yacht
with a full time, excellent
Chef, who was glad to help. So, a plan began to take shape.
Priam was thrilled to be our maître de and server. He and I
strung some colored lights around the upper bridge table
and “lit” the electric candles. I broke out the last of my
Selene cutlery and crystal wine glasses, menus printed for
the Further Cafe, and all set.
All this activity was done in James Bond-like secrecy, Donna
had no idea. Ok, some idea ha ha. I told her to dress up, a
limo will pick us up at six pm. Priam drew us nice limonene
which drove up to the candlelit deck. Our fine water told
us he and a nice Pinoy 2016 (gift from the Chef) and an
excellent Sprite, 2020, I ordered both. The meal was
sublime, incredible salad, steaks and fried rice, plus desert.
Sitting under the Christmas lights, in the shipyard, we had
the most memorable of our “monthaversary” meals ever, all
on our very own “Isolation Island”.
I hope this creates memories Priam will tell his kids/grandkids;
How we came together as a family, had wonderful albeit
unique holidays, and how we learned to be grateful for what
we have. So for now, 45 days on the barge, making every
day a new adventure; we are Living Large on the Barge!
17

18

19

A foiling windsurf
20

The Foiling
Revolution
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as Credited
The science of watercraft is being pushed to the
limits, allowing sailboats to sail more than twice
the speed of true wind, and all sorts of watercraft
getting sustained higher speeds more than ever
before. All of this is because of foiling, the revolution in
water propulsion that started in the early 21st century and
is now gaining popularity and used
on all kinds of water craft, from surf
boards to 75 foot America’s Cup racing
yachts.
In Fluid Dynamics, a foil is a solid object
with a shape such that when placed
in a moving fluid at a suitable angle
of attack, the lift (force generated
perpendicular to the fluid flow) is
substantially larger than the drag (force
generated parallel to the fluid flow). If
the fluid is a gas, the foil is called an airfoil or aerofoil, and
if the fluid is water the foil is called a hydrofoil.
Hydrofoils are all about reducing drag, reducing the vessel’s
wetted surface allowing it to go faster. The International
moth, a developmental class of singlehanded sailing dinghy,
has seen the most widespread use of lifting foils in sailboats
and was instrumental in technological development as well
as popularizing foiling watercraft. Being a developmental
class and not a one design class meant that innovations
came quickly and were adopted widely. Without the
innovations that came from the moth class, foiling on
sailboats probably would have progressed much slower.
Hydrofoils are all
about reducing drag,
reducing the vessel’s
wetted surface
allowing it to go
faster.
Lift using foils have been the basis of flight for airplanes
since the Wright brothers, a wing after all is an aerofoil.
While for sailboats the principle of lift usually applies to its
sails creating lateral lift and allowing it to sail at a tighter
angle into the wind. While underwater foils like center
boards and rudders provide a similar lateral lifting force.
Hydrofoils lift boats out of the
water, thereby reducing drag, less
surface friction means more speed.
Traditional sailboats like the Laser
and the Optimist have been fitted
with foils with varying degrees of
success. Flying above the water on
foils is simple in principle but not
that easy to implement, there are so
many variables, it can be a challenge
to keep track of them all on complex
boats like the International Moth
The Moth has two centerline T-foils, the forward foil is
located where the centerboard is, while the aft foil is on
the rudder. Ride height is controlled by flaps on the leading
foil that is connected to a surface sensor wand. The moth is
Hydrofoils as we used to know them,
the Aldebaran a fast passenger ferry
Marc Weiler
Hydrofoils have been around since the early 20th century,
in 1909 a hydrofoil called the Miranda IV was able to reach
a speed of 65 km/h with a 60hp engine. Commercial
applications started appearing in the 1950’s being used as
fast passenger ferries as well as military attack craft such as
torpedo boats and fast patrol boats.
21

An International Moth ProVela
the dark line at the bow of the
boat is the sensor wand
International Moths racing at the Moth World Championships
Foil Surfing at the Easter Surf Foil Contest
a complex boat that takes a bit of time to get right even if
you’re a good dinghy sailor. “Mothies” (what Moth sailors
call themselves) can tack and jibe while foiling, the hull
touching the water only when the skipper is also in the
water, once up in the air they can stay up as long as there’s
enough wind (at least
The angle of
attack is controlled
by the rider by
maneuvering the
board.
6 knots). The crashes
though can be epic as
well as expensive.
Foiling in board sports
has seen a surge in the
last decade, there are
foiling surfboards, kite
boards, windsurf boards
as well as buoyant boards similar to SUPs that are propelled
with handheld wing sails or even a paddle. The angle of
attack is controlled by the rider by maneuvering the board.
The learning curve in foiling can be rather steep, you
usually have to be an accomplished rider before moving on
to foiling sports, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you
won’t go back to that plain old board.
22
A foiling laser dinghy

A Foiling Kite Surf
23

Marc Weiler
Foiling Windsurfers racing at the IFCA Foil Windsurfing Worlds
Sailing fast has its own appeal, for much of the years from
1986 to 2008 the world sailing speed record was held mostly
by riders on boards; a windsurfer, or a kite surfer, in fact the
long standing 50 knot barrier was broken by French kite
surfer Sebastien Cattelan in 2008 sailing at 50.26 knot for
at least 500 meters. This record didn’t last long though, as
the next year the experimental foiling trimaran l’Hydroptère
set the new record of 51.57 knots, The current speed
sailing record is held by another foiling boat, the Vestas Sail
Rocket, a purpose built boat made to set sailing records,
the record now stands at 65.45 knots, that’s faster than the
land speed limit of
most countries..
On the other end
of the spectrum,
a few companies
are making foiling
available for
everyone.
The technological
and material
innovations invested
in foiling is more
evident in yacht
racing. Foiling first
appeared in the
America’s Cup in
2013 in the AC72 class, a 72 foot wingsail catamaran with
“L” shaped daggerboard foils on each hull and a T-foils on
the rudders. The foils paired with its wingsail allowed boats
in the 2013 America’s cup to have sustained speeds above
40 knots of boat speed, the fastest recorded speed by an
AC75 was from team New Zealand, clocking in at 47.57
knots in 21.8 knots of wind.
In the 2017 America’s Cup this was replaced with the smaller
AC50 wingsail catamaran. This design evolved into the F50;
24
The International F50 fleet of SailGP
An AC75 America’s Cup
boat of Team USA
showing off its canting
T-Foil
Lloyd Images

The foiling UFO’s main foil tucks safely between the hulls to allow for beaching
The Foiling UFO, the orange rod at the bow is the height sensor wand
wingsails is reminiscent of old America’s Cup classes and
seaworthy traditions, but the rule includes hydrofoils to
attract high performance crews and larger TV audiences.
The Flyak
a one-design, high performance, foiling wingsail catamaran
that is the weapon of choice for the SailGP series, an
exciting race, pitting seven international teams against
each other in five iconic venues around the world. The
boats are so bleeding edge, they’re more like spaceships
than sailboats. Each team in SailGP has one crew member
called a flight controller. Their job is keeping the boat
flying at just the right height, controlling all hydrofoiling
surfaces of the boat.
In the upcoming America’s Cup in 2021 foiling will once
again take center stage, with the AC75, a 75 foot monohull
with canting ballasted T-foils and soft sails, they’re
amazing boats to watch. The return to monohulls with
soft sails after three America’s Cups on multihulls with
Foiling on sailboats generally equates to high-performance
and is usually reserved for more experienced sailors. On
the other end of the spectrum, a few companies are
making foiling available for everyone. One such company
is Fulcrum Speedworks, designers of the Foiling UFO
sailing catamaran. Its foiling appendages are similar to
that of the Moth but on a beach cat hull form, the foils
can safely tuck between the hulls allowing one to sail up to
the beach. New learners can start sailing in displacement
mode first then gradually move to foiling when they are
confident enough. The ride height can be adjusted with
the surface sensor wand similar to that on Moths. Learners
as young as 12 years old are learning to foil with the UFO,
It’s okay for older sailors too. in a promotional video of the
UFO, a 65 year old is shown having a great time on one.
Human powered craft are not exempt from the foiling
revolution, the flyak is one such craft. You can probably
guess that it’s a foiling kayak. You start in displacement
mode but as soon as you get enough speed, the hull will
start to rise above the water allowing you to go much
faster. To demonstrate its speed, the designers pitted the
flyak against a four man racing kayak team and the flyak
won. Foiling is definitely here to stay, but with extra speed
always remember to practice safety first. Sailboats used
to just be an expensive way of going slow, but with foils,
not anymore, yeah it’s still expensive but at least now it’s
faster.
25

WINGING IT
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as Credited
Wings and flight had always captured man’s
imagination, the tale of Icarus from Greek
mythology is one of earliest anecdotal iterations
of the concept. These days, man-made wings
have resurfaced, it hasn’t enabled “real” flight but it’s just
as fun.
The Kitewing is another popular version that was developed
primarily for low friction surfaces like ice and snow, they
use a monofilm material over a rigid carbon fiber frame. The
fact that the rig sinks in water means that it’s not meant to
be used on liquid surfaces, but that hasn’t stopped people
from doing so.
Wing Surfer, Surf Wing, Wing Foil,
Hand Kite, Handheld Wing Sailing,
Wing sailing and Wing boarding,these
are some of the terms used to refer to
the latest terrestrial and watersports
activity gaining popularity. It is so
new, there’s not even an official name
for it. Many water sports equipment
manufacturers have seen the potential
of this new sport and are making their
own modifications as the sport evolves.
One of the earlier versions of this was from the mid 80’s, a
windsurf modification called the wind weapon, invented by
wind surfer and hang glider Tom Magruder. His wing was
physically attached to the board like a windsurf sail but his
wing can pivot from vertical to horizontal allowing the rider
to launch himself and glide down like a hang-glider.
The simplicity of the
set up is the most
amazing thing about
it. No lines, no mast,
no harness and in
most models,
no booms.
For this purpose of this article, I’ll
be referring to this new sport as
Wingboarding, as it seems to be the
most relevant and generally acceptable
term for it, for watersports at least. The
wing looks like a smaller version of a
kite that kite boarders use but with a
dihedral shape instead of a “C” shape.
You can think of it as the love child of a
kite board and a windsurf. The simplicity
of the set up is the most amazing thing
about it. No lines, no mast, no harness and in most models,
no booms.
Wings that are primarily used on the water usually have
inflatable leading edge similar to kiteboarding kites but
much larger, most versions have an inflatable central strut
that provides rigidity, the central strut also has handles that
26

Foiling Wingboarder on a beam reach
27

allow the rider to control the wing. Some versions have solid
boom that connect the leading edge and the trailing edge,
windsurfers sometimes prefer the rigid boom because it is
similar to what they are used to. Battens and windows like
those on sailboat sails are also available on some models.
Wingboarding is probably one of the simplest forms of
sailing, it’s just the rider, a handheld sail and something to
reduce surface friction, like a board on water, wheels on
land, or skis and skates on snow and ice. The rider is the key
element to enable motion and harness the wind, the rider
serves as the mast
The rider serves
as the mast and
control lines of the
wing sail.
and control lines
of the wing sail.
The
component
wing
is
Beginners usually start
on their knees
28

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GET YOUR BOAT BACK TO HOW YOU WANT IT TO BE!
sales@broadwatermarine.com
www.broadwatermarine.com
29

A Kitewing used on a frozen lake
30
nothing more than a handheld sail made of dacron or monofilm
or a combination of both that can propel a person on the water
on a buoyant board like a surfboard, stand up paddle board
or better yet, a foiling board. When used on land, riders just
need to be careful when crashing or accidentally snagging
an inflatable wing on something that can compromise
The wing component
is nothing more than a
handheld sail made of
dacron or monofilm or a
combination of both.
its airtightness.
People have used
wings to propel
skateboards,
mountain boards,
ice skates, roller
skates, even
snowboards, skis
and roller blades,
but on the water is where it excels, a wing paired with a
foiling board is a sight to behold. Experienced foiling
wingboarders can tack and jibe while maintaining foiling
flight; some can even launch themselves off swells for some
air time.

31

Winging on a mountainboard
Surfing with the wing depowered
A foil board has another form of wing in the water called
a hydrofoil, this underwater wing enables lift and allows
the rider to “fly” above the water. Wing and foil board is
probably the ideal combination for wingboarding, expect a
sailing revolution
Wingboarding has
created a seamless
marriage of wave sports
and sailing, multiplying
the fun factor
as more of these
hit the market, It
doesn’t compete
with kiteboarding
or windsurfing
but instead adds
a whole new
dimension to
watersports. Wingboarding has created a seamless marriage
of wave sports and sailing, multiplying the fun factor
significantly.
With adequate wind, a wingboarder surfing with foil board
can start foiling even before he reaches the surf, and once
he has caught a swell to surf, he can easily depower the
wing by holding on to a handle on the wing’s leading edge.
When the wave loses power can power up the wing and
sail back to where the surf is, minimizing the paddling or
board pumping required to go to where he wants to, this
translates to more fun on the water.
Cebu based sailmaker Hyde sails and Kite boarding supplier
DSD manufacturing sell wings and foiling boards in the
Philippines.
32

33

Magic
El Nido
OF
Words by BRUCE CURRAN
Photographs as Credited
CRUISE
The fact of the matter is that the intrepid boater
may, more or less, day-hop all the way from one
end of the journey to the other.
It is altogether a memorable and singular yachting journey
from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Sabah to the old Chinese
and Spanish port of Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island, set
within the mid-drift of the Philippines Islands. However,
along the route there are at least four phases within the
overall journey of some 650 nautical miles.
34
The Balabac Islands
Phase one is the run north along the coast of Sabah, passing
the islands off the coast, and moving into the open waters
of the Balabac Straits. Kota Kinabalu Mountain, is one of
the 5 highest mountains in SE Asia (4095 metres), and is a
spectacular sight lying inland along the Sabah coast, seen in
all its glory at dawn or at dusk. The Balabac Islands are the
introduction to the Philippine Islands, and the sailor has the
choice of taking two ways, with a simple run up the west
coast of the scenic mountain ridged main Palawan Island,

After all, the province
of Palawan holds the
treasure trove of one
quarter of all the islands
(1,780) in this archipelago
of 7000+ islands.
Kota Kinabalu to
Puerto Galera
In Memory of the Late BRUCE CURRAN
or taking on the challenge of an adventure sail through
the complex currents of the Balabac Islands with some of
its coral reefs acting as gateways and gates into the open
vastness of the Sulu Sea.
East coast of Palawan Island
The second route is an exciting challenge for those born to
take on the x-rated coast of Palawan Island with its mass
of littering by way of coral reefs and islands. After all, the
province of Palawan holds the treasure trove of one quarter
of all the islands (1,780) in this archipelago of 7000+ islands.
It may be a complex area, but holds many riches of its own,
for those able to tarry.
The capital of Palawan province, Puerto Princesa is found
about half way along this main island coastline, built facing
the sea and within a large protected inland bay. The larger
Dumaran Island is passed before a gaggle of smaller islands
and coral reefs dot the seascapes found to the north of
Puerto Princesa.
35

Malaysia Mount Kota Kinabalu
There is also the chance to tarry in the Balabac islands
themselves. There is a snug anchorage in the cove near the
SE tip of Balabac Island itself, with a steep climb up the path
to the over 110 year old Spanish lighthouse at Cape Melville
with its commanding view over an open ocean. Somewhere
on the coral reef to the west lies the remains of the SS Melville
herself. It is a poignant reminder that you are entering islands
that have many wrecks some dating back
1000 years ago when Chinese mainland
Asian traders plied these waters in search
of natural products, gold and pearls. They
found an abundance of swift-spittle and
sea-slugs that are delicacies built deep
into the folk law of an ancient culture.
West coast of Palawan Island
The west coast is full of whales cruising
in the deep waters of the Palawan Passage which lies some
30 miles offshore for a safe passage all the way through
to a preferred destination. The first 100 miles are perfectly
explorable, but are guarded by semi-charted reefs that lie
close and not-so-close offshore in the shallow waters of the
continental shelf.
Ulugan Bay is the first deep indent on the west coast, with
road access to the capital city, Puerto Princesa, some 1 &
1/2 hours away, which is an entry port for the Philippines.
The Underground River
A little north of here is one of the Natural Wonders of the
36
It is a poignant
reminder that you are
entering islands that
have many wrecks
some dating back
1000 years ago...
World, The St. Paul’s Underground River. This runs over
8 kilometers into the mountain, and is a fascinating and
awesome visit. Named originally by a British sea captain
charting the area in the nineteenth century, because the
main stalactite and stalagmite cavern reminded him of his
beloved home country’s main cathedral in London town. A
paddled local boat takes you into the dank coolness of the
mountain for 3 kilometers.
Port Barton
The sail north passes a coastline with very
British chart names, such as Queen’s head,
before the pleasurable anchorage in Port
Barton, where a ‘primitive’ developed resort
scene thrives in a snug area cut off from
the open sea by several islands and reefs.
Waterfall swims, scuba dives, forest walks,
and new friendship meetings add to the pleasures of the
water journey that still lies ahead.
The Malampaya Sound cuts inland for 30 miles, and is home
to a unique pod of Irrawaddy dolphins that thrive in the
brackish waters of the sound, and have become so isolated
that they are the only recorded school of this type of
dolphin in the whole of the Philippine Islands. Now guarded
by a conservation project monitored by the local fisherfolk.
El Nido
Then there is the scenic majesty of the El Nido area, with
its wealth of sheer limestone outcrops and several majestic

White Beach Port Barton
Bagungan Waterfalls-tour-trekking
Cabo Melville
anchorage choices. A thriving coastal town with a fresh
produce market as a boon for ongoing provisioning.
Exploration possibilities are endless in this oasis. I am
thankful for my 35,000 miles of cruising over the past 40
years, and El Nido is a top favorite on the menu of places
that need revisiting. Its magic is legendary.
Weather Patterns
North again lays an attractive coastline with many
anchorages fir for a swim break or a quiet spot for reading
that book that heeds finishing. The season from about mid-
October to late May, brings in the NE (Amihan) winds, while
the SW monsoon (Habagat) normally dominates the other
months, with lighter winds and often mild weather on the
cusp at the beginning and end of each season. The months
from June through to December, the SW wind period, are
known for their typhoons, with July and September both
recording an average over 3 annually. Warnings are usually
at least 3 to 4 days ahead, since most of them sweep in from
the open Pacific Ocean. The NE winds, the ‘amihan’ winds,
are the preferred ones for sailing clear of the northern tip of
the main island of Palawan itself, and striking out to cross
the open water country across the Linapacan Strait. Islands
start to crop up all over the place either side of this exposed
stretch of water. The Linapacan Strait is renowned for
conjuring up strong to vicious winds blowing west through
the Straits, but either side of this moody stretch of water lie
umpteen anchorages.
37

Onuk
Ulugan Bay
The Calamian Island Group
The next necklace is ‘the Jewel in the Crown’ of coral
island cruising. The 128 islands of the Calamian group are
a cruising ground all of their own, and some cruising people
have been there for years, and others still keep coming back
and exploring the laced opportunities embedded throughout
this paradise. Sand bars, palmed beaches, and rich turquoise
reefs abound, while dugongs and kingfishers claim the area
as the realm. In the sheltered waters to the south of the main
island in the group, Busuanga, lie several resorts worthy of
visits, with Sangat and Uson islands at the head of the list.
Coron town itself, on Busuanga, has fresh market products
as well as simple handicrafts on offer. Don’t expect a night
out on the town, it is normally a very sleepy hollow!
Calauit Island & The Apo Reef
NW of Busuanga lays the game park on
Calauit Island, with giraffe, springbok,
waterbuck, zebra and local Calamian deer
roaming free since the 1960s. Caged
cat-bears that meow like their namesake
prowl in their limited space, and penned
Palawan crocodiles subsist in limbo,
reminders that there are still formidable creatures out there
that share our earth space. Inland, the endemic Palawanpeacock
struts its way through the forests and the cry of the
Palawan-hornbill sprays through the light breeze of a tropical
dusk. This Philippine-African safari is a surreal trip through
another dimension. On the north side of dominant Busuanga
lies the boating anchorages at Rio y Mar, with a pleasant
resort organized around water sports. A nearby island has a
sister resort Club Paradise, that is a place as good as it gets
on this journey deep into paradise. Finally, an open stretch of
water carries cruisers to the protected reef system of the Apo
Reef, splitting the Mindoro Straits in two. The number of coral
species here rivals the entire number found throughout the
whole of the Caribbean Sea. It is a divers’ haven, with coral
fish and turtles amongst the rich tapestry in the underwater
world.
This Philippine-
African safari is a
surreal trip through
another dimension.
Mindoro Island
Another stretch of open water ends at Pandan Island, where
a true gem of a resort has spun its yarn for many years.
The beach bar clock ticks timelessly as many tales are spun
38
between the international fraternity. Inland lies the open
prison of Sablayan, which is worth a visit if only to buy a
criminal built handicraft, or see how ‘crime pays’ for inmates
to farm in idyllic surroundings.
The west coast of Mindoro runs up to the Calavite Passage. This
body of water is often host to serious winds screaming west
down the passage and arching out like a fan for over 20 miles
to seaward, way out into the Luzon Sea. The NE monsoons
bring in the strong winds, and the sea is often rough.
Puerto Galera
This passage must be braved in order to reach the heart of
paradise that lies around the corner at Puerto Galera. This
perfect typhoon anchorage is enchanting,
and wrapped lushly in great tropical beauty. It
is a definitive home-from-home, and in one
corner nestles the friendliness of the Puerto
Galera Yacht Club. The Bar props up a lot of
cruising experiences, and it is time to stretch
out the legs, grab a glass of some local brew,
and churn out the yarns of the cruising life.
The PGYC fits in snugly like a piece of golden
lining into this cloak of island cruising, reflected in the fact
that they bill themselves as ‘The Cruising Yacht Club of the
Philippines’.
The overall boat trip has played out its four phases. The run
up the Sabah coast is the ‘warm-up’ before the long stretch
meandering through the Palawan islands, followed by the
be-jewelled Calamian group offering up its magic. The final
phase takes the boater through the soul of nature with the
Apo Reef, Pandan Island, and the oft boisterous final stretch
along the Calavite Passage, before reaching journey’s end in
the tranquillity and awesome space that is Puerto Galera.
The other point of the matter is that this immaculate harbour
is the perfect place to base, then explore like an octopus
reaching out in every direction to every nook and cranny,
to find fresh delicacies scattered throughout a magic land.
After all, if you stayed at every island in the Philippines for
just 2 days it would take you 40 years to see this magical
tropical archipelago laced with intrigue and mystery.

1948 to 2020
COMBING THE
CORAL CARPET
Revised
Edition
A Tribute to Bruce Curran, a Sailing and Biking Mate.
“Combing the Coral Carpet- Revised Edition”
Sailing tales and the Cruising Guide to the Philippine Islands.
A comprehensive coffee table book with over one hundred spectacular photos of the
Philippines that includes maritime history, seafaring tales, anchorages and facts & facilities
available along the water ways of the fantastic tropical islands of the Philippines with their
wealth of friendly people.
The new “Revised Edition” that updates the previous edition with new pages of updated and
extra information is intended to be available for delivery October 2020.
All proceeds from the book sales will go to Bruce’s three children; Edward Swayn, Shauna Indra
Salina and Edward Bali.
Bruce Malcolm Curran was born in Edinburgh Scotland on the 26 th of November 1948 and sadly
passed due to cancer related complications on the 17 th of April 2020 at the age of 71. Bruce will
be missed by many, but his memory, legend and legacy to everyone he’s shared the magic of
his time with, especially his children, will live on through his many books and writings.
Pre-purchase your copy of
“COMBING THE CORAL
CARPET-REVISED EDITION” via:
WEBSITE:
authortravel.com
EMAIL ADDRESS:
combingthecoralcarpet2020@gmail.com
PAYMENTS CAN BE
MADE THROUGH
MONEY TRANSFERS
OR PAYPAL.
Bruce had three main phases in his life’s Grand Journey:
‘Land Journeys’ that have taken him to 16 countries from England to Pakistan, Europe, the
Middle East and Africa on his Norton Commando 750cc motorcycle he named “Demeter”, the
Greek “Goddess of Life” which he first purchased brand new in the United Kingdom in 1971.
‘Water Journeys’ by sailing some 35,000 miles on a 40 year old - 37 foot wooden ketch which
was rebuilt in Sydney, Australia. Bruce sailed in this ketch for two and a half years starting from
Sydney sailing up to Darwin, then six and a half weeks non-stop to Mauritius Island, on to South
Africa, then to St Helena Island in the South Atlantic, and finally to Brazil.
This amazing adventure continued on into the Philippines when he first arrived in 1988. It was
love at first sight. Bruce often set sail from Hong Kong, where he was based for 10 years, to
explore the Philippines by water. He finally decided to move to Manila in 1997.
Bruce quickly realised that the only real way to experience the Philippines was by boat, and
he did so by sailing some 8,000 miles around his much treasured Philippines Islands. His
unquenchable thirst for adventure and learning never stopped as he was driven by the beauty,
diversity and people of the Islands of the Philippines which inspired him to write the best seller
“Combing the Coral Carpet” and the 2020 sequel “Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition”
He then progressed to what he called his ‘Head Journeys’ writing about his travels, adventures
and experiences of this magnificent thing called life.
“I like to see myself as having developed a keen ‘third’ eye that embroils me in life at all its
vibrant levels. My passion is writing about what I see and how I see. I aim to leave a legacy of
books, and one way or another see this as stamping my mark on the world as a legend!”
-Bruce Curran
Active Boating and Watersports, courtesy of Mr. Barry Dawson, are generously supporting
“Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition” through this article and advertisement free-ofcharge
in memory of Bruce.
The first publication of Active Boating and Watersports was in September 2010. One of the
most amazing characters involved was Bruce Curran who they’ve known as an author, a sailor,
biker, adventurer and philanthropist.
ORDER YOUR COPY
NOW FOR ONLY
$100 (P5,000)
As an avid supporter of Active Boating and Watersports, he was a regular contributor of
stories about the many amazing water adventures around the beautiful Islands and places of
the Philippines.
Thank you for your support to keep Bruce’s memory alive.
We trust you will enjoy exploring the exotic waters of the Philippines whilst being guided by
your copy of “Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition”.
Bruce's Ad layout.indd 39
6/15/2020 12:20:05 P
39

Vincent Lecolley
Discovers the Real
V
incent Lecolley is a French photographer based
in the Philippines. Along with his Fiancée he is
roaming around to taking pictures of the true
Philippine culture, photographing manual workers
doing their daily tasks here in the Philippines, and at the
moment he is concentrating on the local farmers in Negros
Oriental.
One glorious sunny day when he was doing
a little road trip with his fiancée in the south
of Negros, he passed by one of his favorite
places, the rice fields in Siaton.
Eyeing some farmers hard at work planting
rice, he decided to stop and started
photographing until one of the farmers saw
him.
So they waved at each other and the farmer
came over to see him and find out what he was doing. They
talked for a moment and then Vincent explained to him that
one of his projects was to pay tribute to the manual workers
in the Philippines by photographing them and telling a little
bit of their stories to the world.
Soon word got
around and when
some of his relatives
saw the pictures of
him and he became
a “instant star” in
his province.
They relaxed and took time to talk again, and Vincent learnt
that Dionisio was 68 years old and despite his age he is very
hard working, and lives in the mountain nearby.
He started to photograph while he was planting the rice. The
farmer was engrossed in his work seemed to really like it. His
co-workers too were very industrious and
working hard, and they were pleased that
they were being photographed as well.
When the day was done they left him
with the promise to see each other again
soon.
They became friends and are keeping in
touch with each other.
Soon word got around and when some
of his relatives saw the pictures of him
and he became a “instant star” in his province. He started
to receive texts from people recognizing him even received
text from adjoining islands. Vincent has received messages
from his family telling him how happy and proud they all
are.
The farmer was intrigued and seemed to be very interested his
idea and he told Vincent that his name was Dionisio and that
the next day he will be planting a lot more rice with the help
of some other workers and invited him to come take pictures.
Jumping at this opportunity of course Vincent said “YES!
The following day, to get an early start he returned to Siaton
around 7 am to meet Dionisio (the farmer) who was wearing
his most stylish work hat.
Dionisio has sent Vincent a message to thanking him and
has told him that “people are now noticing him”.
It was now Vincent’s turn to be really touched by the
hospitality of the true Filipino worker and will continue his
travels exposing more of the true Philippine traditions and
the backbone of this amazing country. Active Boating will
be following his exploits closely.
40

Philippines
41

42

43

46
46

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49

B
eyond the southwest coast of Batangas lies Occidental
Mindoro, a province that glimmers with a natural
lustre that even the jaded traveller cannot ignore.
Occidental Mindoro is a province in the Philippines
located in the MIMAROPA region. The province occupies
the western half of the island of Mindoro. Its capital is
Mamburao but the largest municipality is San Jose.
The province is bordered on the east by the province of
Oriental Mindoro, and on the
south
by the Mindoro Strait. The South China Sea is to the west of
the province and Palawan is located to the southwest, across
the Mindoro Strait. Batangas is to the north, separated by the
Verde Island Passage, a protected marine area and the centre
of the centre of the world’s marine biodiversity.
General land surface features that characterize Occidental
Mindoro are mountains, rivers, hills, valleys, wide plains and
some small fresh water lakes. The taller mountains can be
found in
There is also a mountain
known as bundok
ng susong dalaga,
the “Maiden’s breast
mountain”, that looks
like a reclined woman.
OCCIDENTAL
Inasakan, Ilin Island
50

the interior that it shares with Oriental Mindoro. Mountain
ranges converge on the two central peaks, Mount Halcon
in the north, and Mount Baco in the south. There is also a
mountain known as bundok ng susong dalaga, the “Maiden’s
breast mountain”, that looks like a reclined woman.
The northern part of the province has relatively fewer plains,
while the southern parts have wider flatlands. Most of the
plains are cultivated fields, with few remaining untouched
forests.
Significant hilly areas can be found rolling off in Santa Cruz
in the north and in San Jose and Magsaysay in the south.
These are grassed-over rather than forested.
There are several major drainage or river systems flowing
on a generally westerly course: Mamburao River, Pagbahan,
Mompong, Biga, Lumintao, Busuanga and Caguray. Swamp
areas are restricted to the south, specially, along the river mouths.
The town of Mamburao is the provincial capital and the
set of government. San Jose,
considered
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
DESTINATION
L MINDORO
51

mapio.net
Mamburao river
the main commercial port of the province, is the centre of
commerce and entertainment. The bustling town is home
to major banks, restaurants, cafes and
schools. To the northwest of mainland
Occidental Mindoro is Lubang Island,
divided into two municipalities – Looc
and Lubang – along with the surrounding
islands of Ambil, Golo and Cabra. These
islands have fine white sand beaches.
Sablayan, located at the centre of the
province is the largest municipality. The
town has its own municipal fish port,
where produce is traded and shipped to surrounding areas.
Sablayan is surrounded by a haven of biodiversity: it is the
jump-off point to Apo Reef Marine Park, the white sand
Mamburao extends
far beyond into
interior at the foot
of the mountains.
beaches of Pandan Island, and the magnificent heights of
Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park.
Mamburao City
Mamburao was designated as the capital
of Occidental Mindoro when the island
province of Mindoro was divided into
two separate provinces in June 13, 1950:
Oriental and Occidental Mindoro
The Municipality of Mamburao lies on
the level area of the coastal bank of Mamburao River
and extends far beyond into interior at the foot of the
mountains. The town is situated along Mamburao Bay,
Tayamaan Beach, north-west of Mamburao
mindorotravelguide.com
52

53

Apo Reef Natural Park
between Tubili Point and Mamburao Reef, and affords
good anchorage. Mamburao River empties into the bay
about 3¼ miles eastward of Tubili Point. The bay has a
good anchorage for northerly and easterly winds, but it’s
exposed to the southeast monsoon. The Mamburao Reef
extends 3¼ miles southward from Caroisan Point.
The Island of Mindoro used to be called Ma-i before
the Spanish colonizers came, it was an island nation in
itself consisting of seven ethnic groups with their own
language, customs and systems of writing. Collectively, the
indigenous people were called Mangyan by the colonizers
and the Tagalog settlers.
Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Malay traders have records
of trade with the people of Ma-i , Chinese traders who
came to the island to trade were amazed how peaceful and
honest the island’s inhabitants were.
54
The indigenous Mangyan of Mindoro are some of the
most peaceful in the archipelago, not a warrior race, but a
peace loving people preferring to avoid conflict as much
as possible. Originally living in the lowlands, the Mangyan
were driven to the mountains by Tagalog settlers. Despite
their history, Mangyan culture is preserved relatively well
and continues to thrive, their way of writing, prose and
song preserved by the current generation for the future
Mangyans.

Lubang Island at low tide
domcajayon.github.io
The island is divided into two provinces: the eastern
side called Oriental Mindoro and the Western side called
Occidental Mindoro. Much of Mindoro is agricultural land
with no major cities at all. The more popular side of the
Island is Oriental Mindoro, a well-known eco-tourism
destination where 60 percent of the island’s population
live, Puerto Galera a
Originally living in
the lowlands, the
Mangyan were driven
to the mountains by
Tagalog settlers.
natural protected
harbour on the
northern side of the
island is one the
more popular tourist
destinations on the
island.
But in this issue
we’re going off the
beaten track and
highlighting Occidental Mindoro, the beaches are just
as good with great dive sites including the world famous
Apo Reef National Park. Other than the main island of
Mindoro, this province also includes several islands making
it an ideal destination for adventurous boaters. Among
these islands are the islands of Lubang and Ambil which
are popular destinations for anglers.
Occidental Mindoro’s tourism office was nice enough to
provide us a list of places to go while in the province here’s
Mangyans
waytogo.cebupacificair.com
55

a list of some of the best places to go while in Occidental
Mindoro:
Parola Park Lumang Bayan, Sablayan
The park’s foremost attraction is a historic watchtower.
Located in Sablayan, it was erected
in 1861 which allowed the natives to
guard against pirate attacks. In 1896
it was equipped with bells to warn
residents of impending raids. Later,
a church was built which withstood
the elements for ten brief years, but
is now in ruins. A cannon which was
used to defend the town is all that
stands at a promontory.
Round the clock watchers and defenders stationed there
at signal or warn the people to hide while launching volleys
of cannon fires to defend the town. Today, a lighthouse
and an old cannon could still be found there. The park
offers the best sunset view in town.
Round the clock
watchers and defenders
stationed there at signal
or warn the people to
hide while launching
volleys of cannon fires
to defend the town.
Calawagan River Resort
In recent years, the island of Mindoro
has become one of the fastest
growing tourist destinations in the
Philippines, owing to its many natural
wonders and attractions. The beauty
of this island is evident in its many
spectacular beaches, rivers, streams
and mountains. In particular, the
Parola, Cabra Island
Presing Park ( Parola ), Lumang Bayan, Sablayan
Named after the wife of former Mayor Loreto Urieta
during his term. It is a five-hectare park frequented by
promenaders who seek relaxation. Overlooking the sea,
the park enjoys cool breezes blowing landwards. At the
middle of the park, 15th century cannon, believed to have
been used against the pirates, is on display. A grotto of
Our Lady of Fatima is visible at the far end of the park.
This Mountain Park was served as the setting of a historic
watchtower and the cannon was built in 1861 against
Muslim pirates and intruders who used to raid the area.
56
Calawagan Mountain Resort is such a place that exemplifies
the many amazing sights this land has to offer. It is located
in the vicinity of the town of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
As a testament to the dedication of its inhabitants towards
living in harmony with nature and keeping their environment
unspoiled by human activity, the Calawagan River that
runs through the resort was awarded as the cleanest inland
body of water under the Ramos administration. The water
that flows through the river is sources from many natural
springs from the mountain and is clean enough to be the
source of the community’s drinking water.

57

Mamburao Beach Resort
Mamburao Beach Resort
The resort operated by the municipal government, it is
a one and a half-hectare resort situated on a riverbank
at Barangay Alipaoy, 1.5 kilometers
from the town proper. Since 1976,
a relaxing place servicing local
residents and the visitors from
neighboring towns. The Calawagan
Mountain Resort features several
waterfalls, pools, cottages, tourist
facilities, forests and hiking trails.
It is an ideal locale for anyone wishing for a truly unique
outdoor adventure.
discovermindoro.com
Mamburao is renowned
for its world-class beaches
with all the accompanying
images of pristine, powdery
white sands...
Mamburao is a municipality in Occidental Mindoro, and
it is renowned for its world-class beaches with all the
accompanying images of pristine, powdery white sands,
endless blue seas and palm trees lining the coast. Its beach
resorts are top-notch too, with great accommodations and
facilities which allow for great swimming, diving, playing
water sports, or just plain relaxing with cottages along the
beach that can be rented at very affordable rates.
For those looking for a place to stay, Mamburao has a
wide selection of hotels and inns that cater to any guest’s
needs. In the whole province, Mamburao has most hotels
aside from San Jose in the Southern tip of the province.
La Gensol Plaza Hotel, Traveller’s Hotel, New Mindoreño’s
Hotel and Restaurant are just some of the places you can
settle in for a good night’s sleep.
Ambulong Island San Jose
This 3,000-hectare island is one of
the three beautiful islands found in
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is
characterized by white sand beaches,
cliffs along pillars jutting out of the
water and underwater caves.
Virgin Beach, Ambulong Island
58

Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several
coves. A fisherman’s village is located at the sheltered side
of the island. Ambulong
It is acclaimed as one
of the best in Asia and
as a diving mecca in
the Philippines.
island is also a jumpoff
point to some of the
dive spots in the area,
such as the Ilin Point,
Baniaga Reef, Apo Reef,
Ambulong Bank and
Manadi Island. This dive
sites are about an hour away by pumpboat from the
Caminawit Port.
The Apo Reef Marine Park includes the fascinating birdpopulated
island of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo. The
island has a variety of bird species that lures birdwatchers
and nature lovers.
The waters surrounding the island are abundant with
marine fauna and luxuriant coral growth represented by
approximately 400-500 kaleidoscopic coral species. Marine
life includes varieties of sharks, sting rays and manta rays.
There are over 500 species present in the Reef.
Apo Island
Apo Reef National Park Apo Island, Sablayan
One of the dive sites frequented by most divers in the
Philippines is Apo Reef. It is acclaimed as one of the best
in Asia and as a diving mecca in the Philippines. It is a
34-kilometer reef teeming with the bio-diversity of marine
life is located 20 miles west of Mindoro proper, with a
narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into
two lagoon systems is the north and south. Underneath,
the clean waters, fine white sand and numerous coral are
visible.
59

Ilin Island
ANN ROXANNE DE VERA
Ilin Island San Jose
Ilin Island is the biggest among the group of islands located
in San Jose. It lies between San Jose and Ambulong Island.
Ilin island has five beaches, some of which are fringed with
reef making passage impossible during low tide.
Lubang Island
Located Northwest of Occidental Mindoro and west of
Batangas, it was on this island where a Japanese soldier
named Hiroo Onoda, was found in 1974, who surrendered
Lubang Island, Onoda Trail
60
(046) 489-2087

domcajayon.github.io
Ambil Island
after 30 years of hiding in the mountains. Onoda was
once thought to be the last straggler from World War
2. Until Another Captain of the Japanese Imperial Army,
Fumio Nakahira, held out for another six years more, being
discovered in April 1980 in Mount Halcon, on Mindoro
Island.
Parola, Cabra Island
62
On the western portion of Lubang is Tagbac which offers
more than five kilometers of gradually sloping, hued,
sandy beach lined with coconut trees. Tagbac is around
20 minutes away from Lubang town proper by jeepney.
Favorite swimming areas are Tilik Beach and Canu Beach.
Ambil Island
Northcoast of Lubang Island, an interesting spot of Ambil
is the scenic Besay Falls, which is a 20-minute walk from
the center of Barangay Tambo, passing through rice
plantations and carabao pasture. The falls features a series
of waterfalls, each
It was on this island
where a Japanese
soldier named Hiroo
Onoda, was found in
1974, he surrendered
after 30 years ...
cascading into a clear
basin of about five
meters in diameter.
Cabra Island
Southwest of Lubang
Island, the island is
generally flat with
golden sandy beaches on the southwestern part and
magnificent rock formation along the east coast. Cabra
used to be a popular pilgrimage site because of reported
apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Like Ambil, Cabra is
also a favorite fishing ground of local and foreign anglers.

Mt. Iglit
Mt. Iglit in San Jose is one of Occidental Mindoro’s
reservation areas, declared as a game sanctuary for
Tamaraws, an endemic animal found in Mindoro. The
tamaraw bears a close to the Philippine water buffalo,
commonly known as carabao. However, it is smaller and
has shorter horns growing straight upwards forming a V,
instead of curving wide open set of horns of the carabao.
Pandan Grande Island Sablayan
The island is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by a white sand
beach and is also the site of 20-room diver’s lodge made of
native cottages. This beautiful coral islet is located within
snorkeling distance from a submarine drop-off, inhabited
by schools of marine life.
Tamayanan Beach Barangay Tamayanan, Mamburao
It is a one-hectare beach lined with coconut trees. The
beach is ideal for swimming and is frequented by local
residents. It has picnic cottages lined along the beach that
can be rented to tourists.
Pandan Island
Mt. Iglit
63

White Island
White Island Manadi, Barangay Ilin, San Jose
It has an almost mile-long beach with smooth and powdery
white sand. The tranquil and peaceful island is an ideal
place for swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Sea turtle
eggs are occasionally found buried in the sand and the
visitors are reminded not to disturb the nesting area
Diving in Mindoro Occidental
BON MARC MENDENILLA
Oriental Mindoro offers excellent diving in Sabang Puerto
Galera, also known as the Pearl of Mindoro. Known by
divers world-wide for its splendid beaches, coral reefs,
Mt. Iglit is one of
Occidental Mindoro’s
reservation areas, declared
as a game sanctuary for
Tamaraws, an endemic
animal found in Mindoro.
vast variety of marine
life, and exquisite
dive sites, that are
available to both the
seasoned experienced
divers and new divers
alike. Occidental
Mindoro, although
at the present time
Diving paradise at Apo Reef
64

Abundant marine life
is not as well-known as Puerto Galera, it is gaining world
recognition as another diving paradise with a variety
of activities to choose from, such as the chance and
opportunity to discover many unexplored shoals and atolls.
The areas surrounding Ambulong Island, White Island, Ilin
Island and Pandan Grande all offer a rich diving ground,
surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, and a marine life full
of color and ranging from exquisite sea shells to exotic fish,
coral reefs, walls, caves, canyons, drop offs and shipwrecks
to explore.
Dive Sites
Some of the better dive sites in the area include the Alma
Jane Wreck that was Intentionally sunk in 30m of water in
March 2003, the Alma-Jane is a Portuguese Steel Cargo Ship
measuring over 30m (99ft) in length. She sits perfectly upright
on the sandy bottom near La Laguna and provides easy access
to her hold, making for a wonderful swim-through! Sweetlips
and schools of Large Snapper, Lionfish and Batfish are just
a few of the modern-day residents found on the Alma-Jane.
The hole in the wall
A tremendous rock and coral formation resembling a mini
mountain is the home for a wide range of flora and fauna.
65

66
Mimaropa Festival Queen

Snapper, oriental sweetlips, stonefish, frogfish, coral
groupers, remoras, red bass, sea perch and red emperors
are all here, And when a good current is present, shoals
of tuna and jack, as well as, king jacks are found in midwater.
At 18m/59ft there
Occidental Mindoro,
is gaining world
recognition as another
diving paradise.
is a small cave with a
white gorgonian fan that
occasionally has a white
frogfish clinging to it.
Basket sponges grow
on the rocky coral along
with small fans. Tree
ferns, soft pink tree corals, feather stars of many colours
and tubeworm cover the formation. At 12m/40ft there is
a hole that is large and safe enough for a diver with good
buoyancy control to swim through. Divers drifting during
Whitewater kayaking
Calawagan Mountain Resort,
Paluan, Occidental Mindoro
Ambulong Island
67

PAROLA Historical Cannon Bgy. Poblacion, Sablayan
Beach at Mambualong
flood tide from Weat Escarceo ‘fly’ through this hole. This
site can be dived over and over again as there is so much
to experience and see. Best to dive it at slack high tide,
and due to strong currents in this area it is advisable to
take a knowledgeable dive guide with you. It can also be
a very colorful night life. One of the country’s awesome
secret hideaways is the Apo Reef, regarded as the second
largest in the world and is also acclaimed as the best in
Asia and is the diving mecca of the Philippines, with a reef
some 34klm in length.
There are also some scub locations nearby more suited
to novice and trainee divers, while some areas should
only be visited by experienced divers with their own
equipment.
Where to Stay?
Below are the list to DOT-Accredited Hotels and Resorts
in the province
1. CALINTAAN
68
• REEFCLUB INC. / APO REEF CLUB
Sitio Bulaong, Calintaan

2. SAN JOSE
• G STAR HOTEL AND RESTAURANT
Liboro St., Brgy. San Jose
Tayamaan Beach
3. MAGSAYSAY
• JDS HOTEL
Rizal St. Cor. Gomez St., Brgy. I, San Jose
• LA SOPHIA HOSTEL AND SPA
Brgy. Pag-Asa, San Jose
• SEASONS HOTEL AND CONVENTION CTR
Airport Road, Brgy. San Roque, San Jose
• SIKATUNA BEACH HOTEL
Brgy. San Roque, San Jose
• SJ MANSION HOTEL
2213 Bonifacio St., Brgy. III, San Jose
• MAGSAYSAY HILLSIDE RESORT
Brgy. Poblacion, Magsaysay
Where To Eat?
Below are the list of DOT-Accredited Restaurants in the
province
Infinity farm
69

PARADISE IN THE DUSK - WHITE ISLAND
ANN ROXANNE DE VERA
1. MAMBURAO
2. SAN JOSE
• ALCAIDE’S RESTAURANT
San Nicolas St., Brgy. 7, Mamburao
• HILL PALM HOUSE CATERING SERVICE
AND RESTAURANT
Capitol Road, Brgy. Payompon, Mamburao
• LEONE’S KITCHEN AND BAR
Capitol Drive, Pag-asa Kaliwa, Brgy. 9, Mamburao
• NAPS-EMERALD RESTO BAR
Capitol Drive, Brgy. Payompon, Mamburao
• CASAVIANCA RISTORANTE
Quirino Street, San Jose
• GRANDIYA VENUE AND RESTAURANT
Aroma Center, Gate 1, Bgy. San Roque, San Jose
• KOKOBAP KOREAN BARBEQUE
Liboro St., Brgy. Pag-Asa, San Jose
• RENALLY COFFEE SHOP (BEANLEAF PRODS)
Brgy. San Roque, San Jose
• SOLID FOOD STATION & CATERING SERVICES
Rizal Cor. Zamora St., Bgy. Poblacion VI, San Jose
How to Get There
There are 5 ways to get from Manila to San Jose, Occidental
Mindoro by bus, ferry, bus and ferry, car, train or plane. Take
the bus from Jam Liner Buendia Bus Terminal to Batangas
Pier. Take the ferry from Batangas to Sabang. Take the Local
Bus from Abra de Ilog to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Whatever you decide Mindoro Occidental is one of those
places in the Philippines that should not be missed. A place
to relax, enjoy and have fun.
Sablayan Zipline adventure
70

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
MAP of OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
71

Lifesaving
Progress
During
COVID-19
Zambales Lifesaving
Inc. have spent much
of the lockdown time
developing ways in
which to try to help
kick-start water safety
in Zambales, after
restrictions are lifted,
this has been a three
pronged approach.
72

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on everyone’s
lives, the damage done to the economy alone is
huge, especially in the Resort Industry and with
travel restrictions that will continue for some time.
Zambales Lifesaving Inc. have spent much of the lockdown
time developing ways in which to try to help kick-start
water safety in Zambales, after restrictions are lifted, this
has been a three pronged approach. The first has been to
develop a Scholarship Program for unemployed Zambales
youths, both male and female, this will allow approved
applicants to train as an open water lifeguard for as little
as only P1000.00, only 20% of the regular fee, however
they will be required to donate 10 days of their time to
supporting free to community programs, such as the annual
„Swim-safe program“. The second has been to develop a
website to assist in promoting tourism in Zambales, as
higher number of visitors to beach areas will also increase
the need for additional lifeguards, this is a two headed
approach, one is the website www.zambalesphilippines.
com and the other is a Yumpu Flip book presentation that
allows the book to be downloaded to your phone, tablet or
computer for further reference, businesses will be able to
advertise in these publications at very reasonable fees, with
any profits going to increase and expand the free to the
public drowning awareness and prevention programs and to
further increase the kids.
„Nipper’s“ junior lifesaving program. For information on
how to advertise and support this program, you can e- mail
slszambales@gmail.com.
Lastly has been, with the kind assistance of CDR. Larry C.
Cendña, commander PCG Subic Station, to seek the approval
of the Philippine Coast Guard for us to extend the validity
of lifeguard certificates we have issued, that expired, or will
expire during the COVID-19 restrictions, until such time as
re-assessments are permitted, so as to not jeopardize the
holders’ employment, or the customer safety, and of course
the regulations in the resorts in which they are employed.
73

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75

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.
Although most of your sailing time will be spent trying to
make the boat go as fast as possible, there will be plenty of
occasions when it will be vital to handle the boat competently
at slow speeds. Being able to do so, particularly when under
sail, and being able to stop under full control, are neglected
arts, particularly now that many boats have an engine, and
the usual recourse in difficult conditions is to take down the
sails and switch it on. However, there will be many times
when it may not be practical or convenient to use the engine,
and it is reassuring to know that you can handle the boat
efficiently without it.
SLOWING THE BOAT
Obviously the simplest way of reducing speed is to reduce
the sail power. On upwind courses above a beam reach, you
can ease the sheets so that the sails flap slightly. Speed can
then be increased by sheeting in, and reducing by easing out,
76
the sails. For a more permanent slow speed, the sails can be
reefed or lowered. On offwind courses, the mainsheet cannot
be eased since the boom will be prevented by the shrouds
from going out any further. The jib can be eased sufficiently
to spill wind, but this may not be enough; again, the sails
can be reefed, or if the course is not critical, the boat can be
turned to a close reach and the mainsail eased. When sailing
at slow speeds, the boat may handle quite differently. The
steering may feel sluggish and the boat will tend to be more
affected by crosswinds, drifting to leeward quite noticeably
when slowing down on an upwind heading. Take care that the
bow does not blow downwind or the sails will fill again and
the boat will pick up speed.
USING A LEADLINE
There may be occasions when the skipper of the boat asks the
crew to check on water depth using a leadline, the traditional

Controlling Boat
Speed
Heaving to
method of measuring it, The boat should be sailed slowly
forwards using the techniques above, and a crew member
should be asked to go forward to the leeward shroud with the
leadline, which is marked at regular intervals along its length
with knots or marks representing fathoms or meters. The lead
should be swung forward, and the line let
out until the lead hits the seabed. When
the leadline is vertical, the user should
note the number of knots or the marking
at the water’s surface, and inform the
skipper.
HEAVING-TO
Heaving-to is one of the most important
handling techniques, it allows you to stop
or slow down the boat under full control.
This can be useful when you want to
change sail, reef or steady the boat for any reason, and for
man overboard. Because of the effect of tidal streams and
the boat’s windage, the boat will not lie completely stationary
but will drift, and the navigator must take this into account.
The way in which a boat will lie steadiest depends on the
There will be many times
when it may not be
practical or convenient to
use the engine, and it is
reassuring to know that
you can handle the boat
efficiently without it.
weather conditions and the boat’s drifting characteristics. No
definite rules can be given about the method to use and the
skipper must experiment to find what suits this boat in various
conditions. For short stops let the sails out and lash the tiller
to leeward. The boat will then drift slowly leeward and move
ahead as the boat alternately luffs and
bears away. However, this method should
not be used for long stops, as the flogging
of the sails puts a great
deal of strain on them and the rigging.
A method suitable for longer stops is to
back the headsail, ease out the mainsail
and lash the tiller to leeward; it works
best in long-keeled craft: fin-keeled
boats may not lie steadily and you will
have to experiment with the sail and tiller
positions. If you are heaving-to in order to ride out rough
weather, you may find it necessary to lower one of the sails
to reduce the sail area. Which sail you choose to lower will
depend on the design of the boat and you will have to find
out the best method by experimenting.
Leadline
Man overboard rescue
Testing depth
Reducing speed
and stopping for
man overboard
rescue
77

Afte
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as credited
78

Iwhen they can go back to the water
again to enjoy their favorite activities.
Many were hopeful to know that sun
exposure kills the virus and a great
source of vitamin D, allowing them to
go back to the water sooner.
n the lockdown and quarantine measures imposed during
the COVID19 pandemic, access to the water for most
people came from a tap, this has frustrated watersports
enthusiasts, all of them wondering
The health crisis has created a
paradigm shift in the way we act and
behave around others, from essential
work to casual interaction. Sports in
general is expected to take a big hit,
large crowds that fill coliseums and sporting venues are a thing
of the past unless a vaccine is developed and the population
vaccinated.
Nothing highlights this crisis in sports than the postponement
of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, athletes along with sailors have
been in Japan for several months for training prior to the
pandemic. One can only imagine
Nothing highlights this
crisis in sports than the
postponement of the 2020
Tokyo Olympics, athletes
along with sailors have
been in Japan for several
months for training prior to
the pandemic.
their disappointment upon hearing
the news that the fulfillment of
their dreams will be put on hold.
Watersports in general are noncontact
sports, most of them are
not even spectator sports, where
large crowds gather to watch.
Spectator sports like basketball and
football are expected to decline,
wearing personal protective gear
to play these contact sports is out
of the question and makes one wonder what is the future of
contact sports after the pandemic.
r r a a Pandemic
79

Single handed watersports are expected to thrive, sports such as
swimming, dinghy sailing, surfing and other board sports. While
sports that need pairs can still go on as long as the duo come
from the same household, skipper and crew sailing on Hobie
16’s, 420’s and 470’s are some examples. Getting new people
into sailing might take a dip since time on the water with an
instructor is usually a requirement. As such, sailing instruction will
have to look at other means of getting people on the water.
Getting new people into
sailing might take a dip
since time on the water
with an instructor is
usually a requirement.
Innovations in board
watersports are
expected to give the
sport a resurgence,
the portability of gear,
along with foiling
flight is expected to
get people’s attention.
Adamo Aono
80

Surfing, Kiting, SUP’s along with wind surfing and wing
boarding can expect to see a rise in new learners. Likewise,
athletes that had to take a leave from contact respective
contact sports are looking to get into something new and
board sports can be key. It’s time for the industry to ramp up
promotion of their watersports.
Team watersports on the other hand might see a decline in
participation, dragon boat paddling is one such sport that comes
to mind; where 11 to 22 people are sitting less than an arm’s
reach from each other, physically exerting themselves to make
the boat go faster. Wearing a mask during strenuous activities is
not advised as it increases one’s CO2 intake and can cause one
to asphyxiate, while not wearing a mask is out of the question
because of the heavy breathing each team member needs to do,
breathing someone else’s breath is totally out of the question.
Adamo Aono
81

Yacht racing can still go on, maybe with smaller crews or crews
from the same household, Likewise, regular crew can wear
masks and PPE’s as physical strain is not as heavy or constant
as dragon boat paddling, it might be a little uncomfortable
wearing a PPE on board but most sailors are used to some
discomfort. Physical distancing can be practiced on board a
yacht with very little issues.
All in all, watersports enthusiasts along with their providers and
suppliers need to innovate in adapting to the new paradigm,
fun on the water needs to go on. Being one with nature is
what everybody needs in the post COVID19 world.
82

83

PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY
84

85
PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY

87

P H I L I P P I N E S
YACHT PARTS, SALES and SERVICE
88