ABW Dec 2017

2017 ALL SOULS REGATTA
SIARGAO CLOUD 9 SURFING CUP
2017 AUTUMN REGATTA
FISHING AN OLYMPIC SPORT?
MURPHY’S FUN IN PALAWAN
CEBU LIFEGUARD RESCUE 2017
BONIFACIO CUP
SAILING TIPS
Sunseeker 95 page 25
Destination
CEBU
DEC 2017 Vol. VI Issue 4
ACTIVE BOATING & WATERSPORTS
1
PhP150

2

3

All Souls
REGATTA
4

Within the Philippine sailing calendar
there are many bewitching regattas
where idyllic scenery, elegantly graceful yachts
and a friendly competitive spirit are combined with
a robust joie de vivre. The Royal Cargo ‘All Souls
Regatta’ held each year at Puerto Galera is among
the best of them. Even before getting there, the
seaward approach to Puerto Galera via Verde Island
and the Batangas Channel is
one of the most photographed,
and most photogenic, sights in
the archipelago and all visitors
to the Philippines should
witness it at least once.
This year the ‘All Souls Regatta’
was held between October 29
and 31. For those yachties
who like to combine a spot
of benign sailing in delightful
surroundings followed by
more than a few drinks among
like minded companions will
do well to keep an eye on the
PGYC website for the 2017
regatta dates. And, just for
the sheer hell of it, throw in a
fancy dress costume or two to get the most out of
the Halloween party.
With a record number of entries the Puerto Galera
Yacht Club’s 2017 All Souls Regatta has been voted
the best yet, the Royal Cargo sponsored event
attracted entries from as far afield as Hong Kong,
Australia, Germany and France to name just a few
of the countries.
And, just for the
sheer hell of it, throw
in a fancy dress
costume or two to get
the most out of the
Halloween party.
The weather Gods smiled on competitors with
winds averaging around 15 knots. Albeit there was
some heavy rain storms which did not deter the
competitiveness of these well-seasoned sailors.
In keeping with PGYC tradition all racing was done
on a pursuit basis, with slowest boats starting
first. This worked to perfection with the fleet
finishing within a time frame
of approximately 30 minutes.
Major sponsor was the ever
faithful Royal Cargo, which
has supported the regatta for
many years.
Sponsor numbers were at an all
time high this year with several
newcomers that included
the government body,
the Philippine Retirement
Authority, sea plane agent
Air Juan, Hyde Sails, Papaya
Cove Yacht Charter Services,
and Rayomarine. Other major
sponsors included Broadwater
Marine.
The racing was divided into three classes, Multi
hulls, Racing division and Cruising division.
Competing this year there were six multi-hulls,
twelve in the cruising class and eight in the racing
class with Kareem Magill on sroka in a special class,
a total of twenty seven competing in this year’s
regatta, making it one of the top events on the
Philippine sailing calendar.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
Soars to New Heights
5

Each night at prize
giving, bottles of fine
rum were handed out
to the class winner
and place getters.
Each night at prize giving, bottles of fine rum were
handed out to the class winner and place getters
and on the final night, trophies befitting the
occasion were presented to the overall winners.
Overall winner of the regatta was the Multi hull
MYG2 skippered by Vincent Ruais. Second overall
was Bella Uno skippered by Michiel Brinkers, third
was Hanafe, skippered by Peter Stevens.
In concert with the All Souls Regatta was a PGYC
Junior Sailing regatta held the week before the main
event. The juniors’ prizes were presented by Peter
Stevens. And the winners were in the SWOPTI, 1st
was James, 2nd Arnel and 3rd Dave. In the SW
Larwin, Michael and Jelly were 1st , Dave and Jhon
Mell were 2nd and in 3rd was James and Marvin.
In the PGYC OP Dave Tala came 1st, Justine Danao
2nd and Jimboy 3rd. In the OP Open 1st place
went to Jonvic Valasques, in 2nd place was Jerald
Carreon while Julius Danao took 3rd spot. In the
Lawin Nov. 1st place went to Jordan Danao and
6

DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS
7

Ace Guiral, Justin Danao and Kent Mart Almondia
were 2nd while in 3rd was Orlyn Abanilla and Carl
John Reyes. And the winners in the open class
were 1st Carl John Reyes and Jervin Alumisin, 2nd
was Alvin Populi and Darius Garcia, with Kent Mart
Alomondia and Reymark Ronquillo in 3rd.
Again the racing was well organized and the winds
were on occasions kind, which seen good starts to
all races each day during the 3 day event. After
some very competitive racing top overall honors of
the 2017 Royal Cargo All Souls Regatta went to
Ricky White and crew bring Zenity into 3rd Place,
while Brian Richardson and crew seen Amihan
over the line in 2nd place, with top honors going
to Gary Kingshott and crew on Kerida in a wellearned
1st place.
The racing was
well organized and
the winds were on
occasions kind.
8

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
As 2017 draws to an end it has been a memorable year has been
recorded with many things happening on the Philippine sailing calendar
from great events to unfortunate mishaps like the loss of craft due to
inclement weather conditions in the 2017 Hobie Challenge, to your
favourite boating magazine being awarded the Golden Globes for
Business Excellence. We can now brace ourselves and prepare for a
bigger and better 2018 sailing calendar, from the Rolex China Sea Race,
The Subic to Boracay and Boracay Cup, Punta Fuego Regatta to the All
Souls Regatta and RTV at Lake Taal. Plus the many other watersports
events during the year.
This edition we revisited Cebu to expand on the many things this great
city of The Philippines has to offer, like the many attractions in the
provinces.
In our 1st edition for 2018 we will be exposing the Province of Iloilo and
everything they have to offer.
Lastly for this year we would like to take the opportunity to wish all our
readers, advertisers and supporters the very best for the festive season
and an even better 2018
WHAT’S INSIDE?
All Souls Regatta Soars to New Heights 4
Monteiro Triumphant at Siargao 12
Cloud 9 Surfing Cup
2017 Autumn Regatta Day 1 20
Golden Globes Awards Active Boating 28
Murphy’s Fun in Palawan 32
Cebu Lifeguard Rescue 2017 40
2017 Bonifacio Cup Regatta 46
Destination - CEBU 48
2018 Zambales Lifeguard Challenge 74
Sailing Tips - Equipment for Berthing 78
Will Fishing Become an Olympic Sport? 80
Oz Goose Nationals Regatta 84
Barry Dawson Editor
Sunseeker 95, p25
Sunseeker 95
Cover photo courtesy of HYS YACHTS Philippines
Ho Ho Ho
Happy Holidays!
Active Boating Magazine trophy, p28
Published quarterly by: ABW PUBLISHING
House 16, Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON
Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER
Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ
Advertising: 551-4587/ 0928-714-4461
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
permission of the publishers.
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.
9

The All Souls Regatta is not just about racing,
with the club in full-on party mode each night.
Entertainment included live music and the inevitable
karaoke. Halloween night was celebrated with
crews competing for prizes by dressing in ghostly
and in some cases totally outrageous costumes.
This year was no exception with some outrageous
costumes and everyone getting into the spirit of
the evening’s festivities, like Alan Burrell and Suzie
our prehistoric cave dwellers who had to be one of
the best on the night. After the last day of racing
it was back to the every day work grind but with
big smiles and anticipation of a bigger and better
2018 Royal Cargo All Souls Regatta.
Halloween night was
celebrated with crews
competing for prizes
by dressing in ghostly
costumes.
10

11

SURFING
Monteiro T
AT 2017 SIARG
12

iumphant
GAO CLOUD 9
G CUP
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
Brad Gerlach
Cloud 9, Siargao/Philippines, (Wednesday,
September 27, 2017) - After an epic
four days of competition, Raoni Monteiro
(BRA) has been crowned the Champion of the
2017 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. In its first year
as a World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS)
3,000 event, Cloud 9 didn’t
disappoint with great waves
on offer all week including
the final day where
competitors had clean 2-to-
3 foot high-performance
waves to lay into.
Competitors had
clean 2-to-3 foot
high-performance
waves to lay into.
In an event filled with
excitement and pumping
waves, the most thrilling
heat of all was hands-down the Final. Former elite
Championship Tour (CT) competitor Monteiro came
up against Costa Rica’s Thomas King (CRI). The lead
went back and forward between the two throughout
the 35-minute final with King holding the lead into
the dying minutes. Needing a solid 7.17 (out of a
possible 10) in the dying seconds, Monteiro took
off on a medium set wave and got busy. The score
came in at an 8.03 giving Monteiro the win with a
heat total of 17.06.
13

Thomas King with 2nd place finish
“I can’t even explain how happy I am right now,”
Monteiro said. “Right at the end when I saw that
wave came I knew it as the one and I knew I could
do it. This has been a really amazing event for me.
It is my first time here in the Philippines and the
waves have so good, we have all been really spoiled
with the waves we got and everyone was ripping so
I feel really lucky to come
out on top.”
“I have been working
really hard on my
comeback and training
hard.” -Monteiro
Day 4 Raoni wins
After a myriad of knee
injuries forced Monteiro
off the CT in 2014, he took
some time to focus on
family and time at home.
In 2017, he has returned
to competitive surfing
arena and is determined to
return to the elite level. This win not only gives him
3000 raking points but the confidence to know he
can still mix it with the best and win events - a feat
he last accomplished at the prestigious Vans World
Cup at Sunset Beach in 2010.
“The last event I won was Sunset so it has been a
while since I had this feeling,” Monteiro continued.
“I have been working really hard on my comeback
and training hard. It is so nice when all of the hard
In form surfer
Raoni Monteiro
14

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Sunbrella marine fabrics create a comfortable, relaxing
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15

Seb Williams
work pays off. The most important thing I have
gained from this win is confidence in my surfing and
my ability to surf contests. I can’t wait for the next
event in Brazil.”
Thomas King (CRI) had Monteiro on the ropes until
the final seconds and looked to almost become the
event champion. Falling just short was not an issue
for 21-year-old King who surfed an incredible event
and will leave the Philippines with his best QS result
to date.
“This is the best place I’ve been in my life,” King
said. “It is beautiful and the waves are sick, I’ve had
an amazing week. This is by far my best result so
I’m just happy to surf in
“This is the best
place I’ve been in my
life,” King said. “It
is beautiful and the
waves are sick.”
a final, especially with
a former CT surfer like
Raoni. He was surfing so
well and I’m really stoked
for him that he won.”
On his way to the Final,
Monteiro overcame
Peruvian ripper Lucca
Messinas (PER) in an
epic semifinal. Messinas looked in incredible form
posting a solid heat total of 14.93 for his quick
forehand attack. Monteiro had other ideas how
ever posting a massive heat total of 18.07 leaving
Messinas to finish the event in equal third place, his
best QS result to date.
Yuuki Nakashio
Piso Alcala
16
“I’m really happy with my performance here,”
Messinas said. “I have never had a result this good
in a QS so I’m stoked. This event has been so good
with some amazing waves, definitely the best waves
I’ve seen for a QS event. This was my first time in the
Philippines as well and I loved it – it’s an epic spot
here at Cloud 9.”
Podium finalists group

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17

18

L E O P A R D
Welcome the newest addition to the
award-winning fleet
DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS
19

2017
Autumn
Regatta
Day 1
20

Eighty eight boats turned out for the first day of
the Autumn Regatta with much speculation on
whether the breeze would also join the fleet due to two
typhoons in the region doing
their best to suck the breeze out
of Hong Kong.
It was a day of challenging
conditions for racing with nine
starts to get away. Racing was
initially delayed as the wind had
swung 180 degrees requiring
the marks to be reset and new
course selections made.
Racing kicked off at 1411hrs
with easterly courses chosen
starting from Hung Hom. The
The track turned into
a huge drifter with
racers battling it out
in no breeze and the
tide against them.
first fleets to set off were the J/80s and Sports Boats,
the Etchells (after a general recall) and Impalas. The
Flying Fifteen sequence was postponed as the wind
dropped, and then restarted
in the new westerly breeze.
The westerly breeze resulted in
downwind starts for following
fleets, the Dragons set out next
with all other starts thereafter
setting off in six minute intervals.
The later starters got the benefit
of the breeze and caught up to
the rest of the fleet but when
they approached the huge hole
off of Tai Koo Shing the track
turned into a huge drifter with
racers battling it out in no breeze
Words by
RHKYC
Photographs by
RHKYC/ Guy
Nowell
21

and the tide against them. The hole eventually resulted
in a massive pile up at the Top Mark where almost half
of the fleet tried to round the mark at the same time.
After the pile up (which resulted in a few protests
being heard after racing), the westerly wind caught up
to the fleet and sent the fleet up the course, reports
came in from around the race track of first 6kts then
a few minutes later 14kts. The first boat to cross the
finish line at Hung Hom was J/80 Footloose at 15h
58m 12s with all boats finished racing by 16h 33m 10s.
Today’s race was also designated as the Royal Hong
Kong Yacht Club Bart’s Bash 2017 – “the biggest sailing
event in the world”. Bart’s Bash is a global charity
fund-raising
sailing race
taking place
at 100s of
venues, with
1000s of
Bart’s Bash 2017 –
“the biggest sailing
event in the world.”
22

23

Going into racing today,
the Royal Hong Kong
Yacht Club was listed as
the Top Venue with the
most participants.
sailors in 100s of different classes of boat around the
world. Going into racing today, the Royal Hong Kong
Yacht Club was listed as the Top Venue with the most
participants.
This year’s event is supported by sponsors St. James’s
Place who are continuing their collaborations with
the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club after an incredibly
successful Sunset Series. Joining them are new
sponsors, ICE Yachts, who will begin a multi-event
partnership that sees them also involved in the
Around the Island Race and the Spring Regatta and
Foundation Global Education who also begin a wider
partnership with the Club engaging in sailing events
and classes/courses for the younger members of the
Club. Partnering with the event are ETA Logistics and
The Artist who will be providing
their unique brand of Craft
Beer for the prizegiving event
tomorrow evening.
For more information please
visit the Club website
Autumn Regatta -
http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/
AutumnRegatta.aspx
Bart’s Bash - http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/bartsbash.
aspx
24

25

Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
With the arrival in the Philippines of the
newly designed Sunseeker 95 Yacht, it is
about to set new standards in luxury boating in the
Philippine Archipelago. A magnificent performance
craft the Sunseeker 95 Yacht
exemplifies the latest in cuttingedge
design and innovation,
showcasing a new and exciting
design with a streamlined yet
spacious elegance. Everything
stems from the raised
wheelhouse. While this does
add to the height and bulk of
the yacht’s external profile,
the advantages that it creates
inside are immeasurable, the
design and spacious luxury
demonstrating a clever use of
space that gives even greater
flexibility and freedom on
board this superbly designed
superyacht.
Everything about
the Sunseeker 95
exudes elegance,
glamour, style and
luxury.
HYS Yachts of Subic Bay Philippines, renowned for
their expert craftsmanship and who are fully focused
on customer service, was the ideal choice to be
appointed as Sunseeker dealer in the Philippines.
It is the only full service yacht
repair and service facility in
the Philippines with the skills
and passion that is required
to meet the Sunseeker factory
requirements for product and
customer support.
Sunseeker
Sets New Standards in
the Philippines
Mr. Luke Prince of Sunseeker
Philippines stated that excellent
product support is the key to a
happy customer and good sales
growth.
HYS is also currently building its
own 400 ton floating dock to
cater for the Sunseeker range.
26

Mr. Mark Prangnell of HYS yachts noted that
Sunseeker Philippines will be the only yacht dealer
in the country that can offer the complete facility
and support expected by the clients. Sunseeker
is known for being one of the best, and HYS is
clearly the best choice in the Philippines.
The new Sunseeker 95 was delivered this month
to the HYS facility Subic Bay. This superb example
of craftsmanship and design is set to take the
yachting scene by storm here in the Philippines.
Fully equipped for luxury entertaining, the 95
yacht combines a superyacht feel with many
practical advantages. Showing off a streamlined
yet spacious elegance and demonstrating a
clever use of space that gives even greater
flexibility and freedom on-board. Innovations
that are making the Sunseeker 95 unique, are
designs that maximise space while combining it
with luxury, designs like the owner’s suite which
is set on three levels, with the bedroom on the
main deck, a full-beam, marble-clad bathroom
below, and a dressing area on the landing. All are
linked by two flights of stairs. The arrangement
is both spacious and spectacular, and the glass
balustrade, curving stainless steel handrails,
and mirrored wardrobes bordering the landing
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Everything about the Sunseeker 95 exudes
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giving you complete control with ease, to the
luxurious appointments right throughout from
the galley to the accommodations.
27

Golden Globes
Active Boating
28

After over seven years of producing your
favourite watersports magazine, the
efforts of a dedicated team and the support of
our faithful readers resulted in Active Boating
and Watersports being awarded the Golden
Globes for Business Excellence.
The awarding took place
at the Grand Centennial
Ballroom Manila Hotel on
the evening of September
23rd 2017 in grand style.
Active Boating was
represented by Rosalie
Macasabwang, Publisher
and her partner Mr Peter
Baird, Barry Dawson, Editor
and Production Manager
and partner Richelle Galvan.
Our thanks must go firstly
to all those who work
diligently behind the scenes
to make the magazine the
success it is today. Firstly
our dedicated layout artist
Mr. Mar Suba, who works endlessly to make the
presentation of each article, published a work
of art. And of course we could not produce
the destinations so informatively without the
Support of the Department of Tourism, and our
special thanks go out to Grace Marzan and her
team at The Regional Monitoring Staff, Makati,
The Golden Globes
Annual Awards for
Business Excellence has
awarded our magazine
the Best Active Boating
and Water Sports
Magazine.
who coordinate with the local tourism offices
of each destination. To dedicated contributors
to the magazine like famous author Bruce
Curran who produced famous works such as
“Combing the Coral Carpet”and James Webster
who supplies us with our fishing stories, plus
all other contributors that have supported the
magazine since day one.
Thank you also to Rochelle in
Subic who does our accounts
and Richelle in Manila who
tirelessly supports us with
BIR and registrations etc.
Our advertisers who stay
with us and of course most
importantly YOU our readers
who made all this work to
bring you the best magazine
in the Philippines. Other
dedicated supporters who
have made this all possible
are people like Jun Avecilla
of The Lighthouse Marina
and Subic Sailing, Puerto
Galera Yacht Club not only
with the regattas held but
with the valuable assistance
in distribution of the magazine in Puerto Galera,
and Peter Capitosto of Lake Taal Yacht Club.
The inspiration this has given us has renewed
our efforts to continue to make the publication
even bigger and better. Once again, our thanks
to everyone for your continued support.
Barry Dawson, Editor.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
29

30

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31

Murp
inPalawa
Words by
BRUCE
CURRAN
Photographs
as credited
32
Murphy’s Law’ is the expression defined in
English as “If something can go wrong
it Will”.
*** ** ***
The time for exploration and adventure had finally
arrived and we set off for the North Harbour in
Manila to board the 2GO Ferry
‘St Augustine of Hippo’.
In true Filipino style we were
told that we had to arrive
at the dock 4 hours prior to
scheduled departure. I think this
is due to the fact that Filipinos
are traditionally late for all
appointments, and if they state
4 hours then many will arrive at
least 1 hour before the actual
departure. On this occasion
the ferry left, travelled for an
hour, then turned back to dock
to sort out a ‘minor’ engine
dis-function. That lucky Asian
number 8 was our saviour as
we left harbour 8 hours behind
schedule – so had been at the
dock for a total of 12 hours. We quoted Murphy’s Law
and had a laugh between us, and the boat was finally
on its way. Coron first, then on to our destination to
Murphy’s Law’ is the
expression defined in
English as
“If something can go
wrong it Will.”
the port of Puerto Princesa in the capital of Palawan.
*** ** ***
On board, the main open ‘Tourist’ cabin was getting a
little warm, so I decided to go to the 2nd floor and find
the small restaurant that had good air-conditioning.
I arrived there with a copy of my book ‘Combing the
Coral Carpet’ tucked under my
arm. I sat alone, but noticed 2
people chatting up the other
end, and felt like joining them,
so walked up sat beside them
and introduced myself;
“Hi, I’m Bruce …may I join
you?” I shook this guy’s hand,
and he then said, “Hi Bruce …I
haven’t seen you since 1995!
It’s Andy, do you remember?
Great seeing you again!”
It was Andy Alford who had
sailed with me on a 43 foot
yacht from Subic Bay to
Hong Kong in 1995. BUT the
weirdest thing was the fact
that the story of that crossing
titled “Blue Phoenix Hits the Headlines” was in my
book that I was carrying now under my arm! Our 9
day crossing included a massive storm and friends in

hy’s Fun
n
HK thought that we had been lost at sea, and when
we arrived alive but exhausted, we made the Chinese
newspapers front pages! And here was Andy on his
way to his now home territory of Coron where he has
his own yacht these days, and was here on board
talking to a dynamic Filipina who lived in Coron too,
married to a foreigner. We had a great catch up chat,
and are now back in regular contact. How is that for a
coincidence and definitely reflects just how small the
World really is.
.
On the return journey going to Coron, another
remarkable coincidence occurred, which also showed
how small the world is. David, a Vietnamese refugee
who had grown up in Australia, was in the same
little restaurant with his Filipina wife and their 2 year
old twins. We started talking about spirituality and
many interesting things. I then told him how I had
done some work for Art Valdez, as the editor for their
grand maritime history celebration of the Philippines
with the book “The Voyage of the Balangay” by Art
Valdez and Andy Maluche (photographer). Art had
previously been the Filipino who had organized the
first Filipinos and Filipinas to climb Mount Everest. I
told David the story of how one of the Filipinas had
given birth within a year before she climbed Mount
Everest, and when she came back down she named
her child ‘Himalaya’! David then announced that
Filipina and her husband with Himalaya had lived in
the house next door to them in Coron! BUT then he
told me a tragic up-date, since they had had another
child, a daughter, and when they moved to live on a
boat, she had drowned when 3 years old. They had
then wanted to get away from all the associations
so moved away from Coron, and he thought they
had moved to the Himalayas to live. The World was
spinning again.
*** ** ***
Palawan is the Province out of a country total of 82
that contains ¼ of all the islands in the country -
1,780 out of 7000+ islands. In this magical tropical
arena only an estimated 1% of the total country
population lives, with 250,000 inhabiting the widely
spread Puerto Princesa City itself.
39 nine hours later since our arrival at the dock in
Manila we disembarked in Puerto Princesa, meaning
we had theoretically covered 7 miles per hour in all
the time allotted!
It was a great relief to step ashore at 2.30 am, and
Arnold and his trike took us through the city to our
hotel which we had booked for 2 days online from
Manila. They had been informed by me that we were
coming by ferry, since I had asked them the price of
the trike in my online booking to them, and they had
told me P100.
The Victoria Guest House was padlocked and the
front building was in total darkness, and though we
Entrance to the
Underground River
33

a large Coca-Cola bottle full of gasoline being sold at
the side of the road a few hundred metres further up,
and headed out again, found a shop, bought an inner
tube and headed back. The tube was fitted filled with
air and we headed out again for San Vicente another
41 kilometres away on the West coast.
Correa’s Borrowed
bike from a
completely
friendly stranger
banged on the gate and shouted for 30 minutes there
was no response whatsoever … So much for booking
online! We quoted Murphy’s Law again and Arnold,
who luckily had kindly waited, triked us to a place he
knew, which was all light up, with a receptionist wide
awake and we were shown smiling to room number
5. We fell asleep before our heads hit the pillows and
slept like logs!
The next day Arnold helped
us organise an automatic
125cc Japanese scooter and
we scooted around the City
to the Abanico Yacht Club,
where I left some copies
of the Philippine Active
Boating and Watersports
magazine for the yachties
based there, and left them a
‘sponsor’s pack for my upcoming republication of the
book “Combing the Coral Carpet” which is the sailing
and cruising guide to the Philippine islands. We also
biked to City Hall and left “Sponsor Packs” for the
Mayor and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
We pushed the bike
for a kilometre and
with amazing luck
found a repair shop.
We then headed out up country for a bike ride of some
200 kilometres and finally after passing Roxas on the
East coast of northern Palawan Island Murphy’s Law
paid us another visit.
We arrived in San Vicente having travelled on a
covered road all the way, and went a little further
north looking for a beach resort. Another wobble
session found us re-punctured, again it was the
back inner tube! Hurtful Murphy had done it again.
A friendly local on his bike stopped to help us, and
I wobbled to the next built up area to yet another
vulcanizing shop. Our new found friend told us of a
beach resort just a few hundred metres way from the
repair shop, and we slipped in to book a room while
the bike was being fixed.
The weirdest thing was about to confront us. The
place was called the Victoria Beach Resort, and
it turned out to be the same owners as at the one
we had abandoned at 3 am in Puerto Princesa. Was
Murphy giving us some positive payback at this stage,
for it was a remarkable coincidence.
The Victoria Beach Resort was a class act, very friendly
and helpful staff, a full on birthday party that evening
which we were invited to join for singing, dancing and
a luscious seafood dinner caught from the pristine
ocean waters of the West Philippine Seas. Then, the
ultimate coincidence occurred, and we met the owner
Mylene, who apologized for our treatment in Puerto
and welcomed us with open arms to this magic resort
laced in natural materials that tuned neatly into the
environmental consciousness of the place. Then
and there I vowed to write a Trip-Advisor review to
celebrate this great find.
The next day we rode all the way back to Puerto,
stayed at the same spot, but took issue with the
Bike Rental shop, and asked for a replacement bike
because there were some strange clanking sounds
now coming from the bike as we wove our way back
to the city. Sure enough they turned up with another
Japanese auto scooter, and we had a relaxing and full
night’s sleep.
34
All of a sudden the bike started wobbling violently
side to side, and luckily my experience and gradual
braking found us still up right and on the side of
the tarred road, but with a back tyre puncture. We
pushed the bike for a kilometre and with amazing
luck found a repair shop. However, they did not have
a replacement tube, since the burst one had opened
at the seam for a 2 foot stretch, so they lent us one
of their Rusi bikes and we headed back to Roxas, but
only for a mile before the bike ran out of gasoline
– Murphy was beginning to take over our lives and
the amusement side was now long gone. We found
The next day was D-Day, it was Nessy’s Birthday,
and time to visit the magnificence of the St Paul’s
Underground River, designated as one of the 7 New
Wonders of the Natural World since 2012. We headed
out on our fresh machine. Murphy joined us for
another session!
Some 30 kilometres out of town the now familiar
wobble began again and this bike’s back tyre was
totally flat. I pushed, then rode the bike gingerly
and slowly for 8 kilometres (that Asian lucky number
8 was haunting us again) before we found another

35

Drying Fish Puerto Princesa
Newly-built banca at Roxas
Chance meeting with
Andy aboard 2GO
after 22 years
36
repair shop in a village area. They said we needed a
new inner tube, and since they were going into the
city later, they could buy us one and fix it later in the day.
We were stumped, because we had to make it to
the Underground River before they closed new
entrants to the caves by midafternoon.
We were lost in the
realm of Murphy’s Law, but
were rescued by an old bloke,
who appeared like an angel,
and offered to lend us his old
manual chained bike to go to
the Underground River! Off
we set and arrived, booked,
went by local banca (bangka)
boat with a Czech couple and
a Filipino Honeymooning couple to the unbelievably
awesome trip for 1.5 miles underground seeing
thousands of bats, swooping swifts, stalactites and
stalagmites galore in all their natural thousands of
years of glory.
It was a consuming and mindboggling and superb
adventure magnifying our minds in tuning in
We were
stranded again on
the side of the
road in the middle
of nowhere!
to the environmental wonders and opening our
consciousness to the need to protect and conserve
our natural world for the future of us, our children
and their children to eternity.
We were all smiles as we biked back to collect our
rented bike. But, then, when,
how, why and right there
Murphy poked at us again as
the connecting link on the drive
chain snapped and fell out. We
were stranded again on the
side of the road in the middle
of nowhere! Alfie turned up
passing us by, turning back
and stopping on his very own
chained bike and asked us
what was the problem. Murphy was our problem –
big time! Alfie went off with Nessy, bought a new pin,
went home, got his bike tools, returned to the scene
of our predicament, rolled out his tool bag, refitted
the chain, installed the new link pin and secured our
borrowed bike back to road worthiness……..we
were on our way yet again.
Our rented bike was fixed and we biked back towards
Puerto. We laughed together as we were passing the
exact spot where we had had the outgoing puncture
8 kilometres back towards Princesa. Murphy was
listening in to our conversation, and the bike went
into a fresh wobble, hobble and back tyre puncture.
Our fourth in 3 days of biking – I thought it must
be a Guinness Book of Records winner by now, and
laughed aloud at our new predicament. Some guy
on a bike stopped and told us that 1 kilometre up
the road was a vulcanizing shop. I pushed the bike
there, and we told our stories as they fixed the bike
by flame burning and moulding the inner tube back
to a fit ride-able state. It was night time, and we set
out slowly and carefully for our hour trip back to
the bright lights of the city. Nessy was overawed by
the thousands of stars in the crystal clear night sky,

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Inside
Undeground
River
and admitted to never seeing so many in her entire
lifetime. It was indeed a fantastic sight, before the
city lights cut out natures beauty and we made it
back to the lodgings.
The next morning was a ride out to Honda Bay in
search of a beach for a swim in pristine waters. We
only found a pier taking visitors out to various islands
and turned back towards the city to find a public
beach on the shores of Puerto City itself.
We were on our final ride back and it was on our final
day in Palawan before we were to board 2GO for our
ferry ride back to Manila. Murphy raised his ugly head
and we wove into a wobble session for the fifth time!
The vulcanizing shop set to work, and our texting
resulted in the rental shop owner turning up, giving
us his bike, allowing us 5 ‘free’ hours more of rental,
and off we went.
all the life jackets that had been assigned to each and
every bunk for safety- - the sign reading “Your safety
is our priority” seemed to be laughing directly at all
of us as passengers, and it felt as though we were
all being held to ransom in a world without logic.
However, Murphy did not visit us as the boat did not sink,
and we all made it to port, life jacket naked but safely.
We had been hounded by Murphy’s Law on 8
occasions, we had been assisted on each occasion by
remarkably friendly locals who helped us to the core
of their humanity and we miraculously covered all the
ground that we had intended to on our exploration and
adventure in the tropical magic that is Palawan Island.
The truth is, Palawan is brimming with natural wonders
and a haven for divers, boaters, cavers, waterfall lovers,
hikers, bikers, natural environmental travellers and has
an endless host of magic places to visit.
The sign reading “Your
safety is our priority”
seemed to be laughing
directly at all of us as
passengers.
38
Alfie saves
The Pristine Beach was a gem as we bathed in the
waters of the Sulu Sea, and laced ourselves with Rum
and cokes.
The biking back was a wobble
of a different nature, and we
returned the bike and Arnold
picked us up for our final road
trip to the ferry pier.
The trip took 36 hours in all,
since the boat diverted to go
east of Mindoro instead of
east, in order to avoid some
building swells that were making some passengers
anxious. Oh yes, Murphy had also played his part
here, because the Depression ‘Mirang’ had caused
our departure to be delayed by one day and we
finally stepped on land again another day behind our
original schedule.
The last 3 hours of the ferry ride was into and up the
30 mile length of Manila Bay.
Something here had me worried that Murphy might
pay us all a visit on board the 2GO ferry, since 3 hours
before we docked the crew went around and collected
On our journeys we met a host of local and foreign
travellers. Everyone with an interesting story to
tell: two were from Sheffield University in England
on their Asian tour; a Scottish commercial seafarer
taking his annual break; a French couple working in
Malaysia; another French University student doing
his qualifying agricultural trip working on a fish
farm in Coron; the Czech Republic couple on their
annual adventures. Life goes on enriched by these
personal encounters and inspired by the warmth and
friendliness of the Filipino people all wrapped up in
the endless tropical magic of Palawan.
My advice to everyone is, don’t focus on Murphy’s
Law, “get on your bike” and visit Palawan, full of a
people friendly beyond compare, and full of evidence
that it is indeed “More Fun in the Philippines”, since
as they say here “Ever Island An Adventure”. Get
steeped in that Asian lucky Number ‘8’, and visit at
least 8 sites on your trip to at least 8 of the 1,780
islands making up the Last Frontier that is the Palawan
Island chain – the only non-volcanic island group in
this country of some 300 volcanoes, of which over
25 are active. Cleopatra’s Needle at 1,593 feet is the
highest point in Palawan and surrounded by thick
luscious green forests running along the mountain
range that covers so much of the main island that
is home to a host of endemic species including the
Palawan Peacock Pheasant (Palawan’s emblem), the
Palawan Bearcat, the one-toed otter, the Calamian
deer, the Palawan Hornbill and hundreds of other
unique species.
Go well, Stay well, and enjoy Life’s Journey
Get real, Go to Delightful and Friendly Palawan now!
*** ** ***
Thanks to Murphy, our trip was 8 Days
*** ** ***
It is definitively More Fun in the Philippines And
Murphy’s Fun in Palawan

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39

CEBU
40

Lifeguard
Rescue 2017
A
s the sun majestically started to rise over the
shores of White Sands Beach Resort and
Spa at Malibago Cebu, the excitement was already
building as teams from as far as Zambales, started to
arrive to contest the 2017 Cebu Lifeguard Challenge
in a day that would expose the skills these young
skilled and trainee lifesavers
had learnt since becoming
part of this prestige group of
junior citizens.
Lifesaving and Lifeguard
Rescue are two of the most
important elements of safety
in any water sport activity,
and these young athletes
train tirelessly all year round
to make your watersports
holiday a safer one. So now
it was their day to show
off their skills and compete
against each other in a series
of events, this year organized
This year there
were eight teams,
representing resorts
that are fully aware
of the importance of
water safety enough to
sponsor a team.
by the Surf Life Saving Cebu Inc. This year there
were eight teams, representing resorts that are fully
aware of the importance of water safety enough to
sponsor a team and support the wonderful work
of these young citizens, and sincere thanks go out
to all the resorts who recognise the importance
of these events. The teams
competing this year were from
Bohol Beach Club, Cebu Park
Lane Hotel, JPark Island Resort
and Waterpark, Sanga Bohol,
Surf Lifesaving Cebu chapters
from both Minglanilla and
Naga, Villa Teresita Resort and
Zambales Surf Lifesaving.
The event was sponsored by
the White Sands Beach Resort,
who open their doors and their
hearts to the event supplying
not only the venue but all
refreshments and meals for all
the competitors and officials.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
41

The events got under way right on time at ten am
and four of the seven events were completed prior
to a delicious lunch served up by the hosts. The
events for the day were seven in all which included
rescue board relay, rescue tube relay, rescue tube
and transfer relay, rescue and transfer relay, lifeguard
ironman, lifeguard rescue challenge relay, and the
beach flag race.
After a well-earned
rest, it was back into
the fray for the final
three events.
After a delicious luncheon and
a well-earned rest from the
morning’s strenuous activities, it
was back into the fray for the final
three events. After the final event
was over and the scores being
tallied everyone enjoyed some
light refreshments supplied by
White Sands Cebu Resort and Spa.
42

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At the awards presentations every one of the
contestants received the accolades and awards that
each player so richly deserved. Zambales showed
their strength by team members taking honours in
4 of the events, SLSC Inc. Naga snaffled 2 and
Sanga Bohol 1. Over all winners were, Zambales
first, SLSCInc. Naga second and Sanga Bohol came
in third.
Surf Life Saving Cebu made a heartfelt thanks to all
the supporters and volunteers who made the day
the complete success it was. Active Boating and
Watersports encourage more of our young citizens
to become part of this elite group of outstanding
youth. For further information in Cebu. Call landline
032 267 1793 or mobile 0915 851 2486. Email
inquiries to slscphil@gmail.com
Active Boating and
Watersports encourage
more of our young
citizens to become part
of this elite group of
outstanding youth.
44

45

Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
Nearing the end of the Subic Sailing Calendar
is the Bonifacio Cup, held this year on
the weekend of November 25th and 26th, 2017.
Fully supported by Lighthouse
Marina, the Bonifacio Cup
is one of the many popular
events held each year by Subic
Sailing.
Although this year, because
of other commitments of the
sailors, numbers were slightly
down, but this did not deter
everyone from having a great
weekend of sailing.
Competing in the regatta this
year were, Selma Star with Jun
Avecilla and crew, Selma with
The winds and
some inefficient
sailing caused Alexa
to retire with a
broken mast.
Ricky Sandoval and crew, Centennial II with Martin
Tanco and Crew, Karakoa with Ray Ordoveza and
crew and Alexa with Eric Jurado and crew.
After the skippers meeting
at the Subic Bay Yacht club,
Racing got underway in earnest
with good healthy winds,
giving an exceptionally good
start. Some excellent sailing by
Jun Avecilla and his crew seen
them take out the honours on
the first day with Centennial II
in Second Place and Karakoa
in third. After the days racing,
everyone gathered at the bar
at the Lighthouse Marina, for
some well deserving drinks,
and light snacks.
Before
After
2017 Bonifacio
46

The Sunday’s racing seen even better breezes for
a faster start, but the winds and some inefficient
sailing caused both Alexa to retire with a broken
mast, and Selma Star’s crew receiving the best
aerobatics award when they came to grief when
trying to do too much and tipped the boat, but
with a resilient and efficient crew, they were able to
recover and came in second overall.
Not so lucky was the fate of Alexa which had to
be rescued by the race committee boat and with a
broken mast was forced to retire from the race. The
good thing about the incident was, that the only
injuries in the mishap was some very badly bruised
egos. The awards were given after a delicious
meal of sausages and pasta was supplied by the
Lighthouse Marina.
The overall results seen the ever popular, Martin
Tanco and his crew taking pride of place and coming
first for the weekend. With Jun Avecilla and crew
coming in second and Karakoa with Ray Ordoveza
and crew placed third.
Active Boating and Watersports would also like
to express their gratitude to Le Charme Suites Of
Subic Bay who supplied the accommodation for the
magazine. The beautiful newly appointed hotel in
Palm Street is near Royal Duty free Mall, so it not
only offers first class accommodation, but is very
close to all your shopping needs. Rest assured, as
their slogan says, you will be charmed when you
stay at Le Charmes Suites.
Le Charme
Cup Regatta
47

48

DESTINATION
CEBU
C
ebu City (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbu;
Filipino: Lungsod ng Cebu) is a first class
highly urbanized city in the island province of
Cebu in Central Visayas, Philippines. Though the
seat of government and capital for the province,
it is governed independent and separate from it.
According to the 2015 census, it has a population
of 922,611, making it the fifth most populated
city in the nation. In the
2016 electoral roll, it had
630,003 registered voters.
Cebu City is a significant
centre of commerce, trade
and education in the Visayas.
Located on the mid-eastern
side of Cebu Island, it is the
centre of a metropolitan
area called Metro Cebu,
which includes the cities of
Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu,
Mandaue, Naga and Talisay;
and the municipalities of
Compostela, Consolacion,
Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla
and San Fernando.
Metro Cebu had a total
population of 2,849,213 as
of 2015, making it the second most populous
metropolitan area of the nation after Metro
Manila in Luzon.
The city is the first Spanish settlement, the
country’s oldest city, and the first capital of
the Philippines. It is considered as the Fount
of Christianity in the Far East. It is the “second
city” of the Philippines after Manila. Cebu is the
Philippines’ main domestic shipping port, and is
home to about 80% of the country’s domestic
shipping companies. Cebu City is bordered to
the northeast by Mandaue and the town of
Magellan’s Cross was
erected on the site
where the ruler of
Cebu, Raja Humabon
was baptized and the
first Catholic mass
delivered.
Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, and the
towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are
Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across
Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island.
Cebu City is also a significant cultural centre. The
imprint of Spanish and Roman Catholic culture
is evident, with Magellan’s Cross the city’s most
famous landmark. The Cross,
now housed in a chapel beside
the Basilica, was erected
by Ferdinand Magellan on
the site where the ruler of
Cebu, Raja Humabon, his
wife Hara Amihan,(Juana),
and followers were baptized
and the first Catholic mass
delivered. In 1835 Magellan’s
Cross was encased in hollow
tindalo wood, on the order
of the Augustinian Bishop
Santos Gómez Marañon,
to prevent devotees from
taking it home chip by chip.
The same bishop restored
the present template or
kiosk, located in Magallanes
Street between City Hall and
the Colegio del Santo Niño.
Magellan’s Cross is a symbol of Christianity in
the Philippines and revered by Filipinos. A few
steps away from Magellan’s Cross is the Basilica
Minore del Santo Niño. This Augustinian church
was elevated to the rank of Basilica in 1965
during the 400th anniversary commemoration of
Christianity in the Philippines, held in Cebu. The
church, which was the first to be established in
the colony, is built of hewn stone and features
the country’s oldest relic, the figure of the Santo
Niño de Cebu.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
49
www.aegoesaround.wordpress.com

outbounders.tv
Cebu Central
Business District
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, (MCIA), is
the second busiest in the Philippines in terms
of passenger numbers and the volume of freight
carried. Located on Mactan Island it serves as
the main gateway for domestic and international
flights servicing Cebu and other cities throughout
the country. In the last
15 years international
Cebu’s weather promises
to be good for business
because typhoon activities
are minor and rainfall
is evenly distributed
throughout the year.
passenger traffic
through Cebu has grown
at an annual average of
21%. Spurred by years
of growth, plans are well
advanced to build a new
terminal and facilities
at an estimated cost
of $240 million, to be
funded under the Philippine government publicprivate
partnership program. When completed,
the new terminal will handle international flights
while the old terminal will host domestic flights.
In addition, in the first half of 2016, MCIA and
GMRCAC started the rehabilitation, renovation
and expansion of terminal 1. This is the Phase 1
of the Project. The new terminal building to be
designed by Integrated Design Associates Ltd.
(IDA) is expected to be completed by 2018.
On Mactan Island, Megaworld Corporation’s
Mactan Ocean town is a 25-hectare business
park near the luxurious Shangri-La Mactan
Resort and Spa. The project will house hightech
offices, a retail centre, residential towers
and villages, and leisure facilities with a beach
frontage. Mactan Island is linked to mainland
Cebu via Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and Marcelo
Fernan Bridge.
Cebu City
Cebu plays a vital role in trade and commerce
in Asia because the island has been gifted with
a natural harbour. Its channel is deep enough
to accommodate the flow of goods through
international cargo sea vessels, and the Mactan
Island serves as protection from winds and
current.
Cebu’s weather promises to be good for business
because typhoon activities are minor and
rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the
year. Moreover, the island is not located within
any earthquake belt, there is no known active
volcano, and its international airport has been
large enough to connect the island to several
continents. Making this area a tourists paradise
50
The Cebu International Port is the main domestic
shipping hub in the Visayas region. Notable
business districts are the Cebu Business Park and
the Cebu IT Park. These parks host information
technology, such as software development;
telecommunications; engineering research
and development centres; business process
outsourcing and other related industries.
Cebu City, also known as the ‘Queen City of the
South’, is one of the country’s most popular
destinations, with tourism being a major
contributor to the city’s coffers. Many visitors
find the best way to explore the city is by bus,
jeepney or metered taxi. The colourful multicabs
ply all areas of Cebu. You can travel to all areas
of the city and outlying barangays fares start at

DEDICATED ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS
51

Butterfly at the
Jumalon Butterfly
Sanctuary
3.bp.blogspot.com
The lights of the
city at night as seen
from Mountain View
CEBU
52
P8 depending on the distance travelled. There is
also the motorized pedicars, these are usually a
fixed charge, but you can negotiate a fare with
the driver.
There are many monuments, churches, museums
and cathedrals in Cebu that reflect the rich
historical legacy of the city. The Spanish initially
administered the fledgling colony from Cebu,
resulting in many interesting buildings and
monuments dating from the time of Spanish
colonial rule. The elegant, ‘H’-shaped, three
storey Capitol Building, on Osmena Boulevard,
with its curved façade was inaugurated in 1938,
and is the hub of provincial government.
Fort San Pedro National Museum, Legaspi
Extension, attracts many visitors daily. This very
popular museum has several well displayed and
presented ancient artifacts of distinct interest.
Rizal Museum and Library on Osmena Boulevard
showcases many antiques, donated by Cebu’s
wealthiest families, which preserve the heritage
of early settlers, along with numerous artworks
by popular local painters and artists from Cebu
and surrounding areas.
Mountain View
Mountain View is about 30 minutes from the city
centre, Set high atop a mountain overlooking
the entire area of Cebu, this spectacular view
of the entire city is well worth the trip. There is
also a swimming pool and overnight cottages,
restaurants and snack bars. For some memorable
photos of your trip to Cebu, make sure Mountain
View is on your agenda. It is a romantic, clean,
safe, serene haven where you can stroll around
and take in the fresh, crisp air.
Mountain View Nature Park in Busay offers
camping sites, gardens, retreat and seminar
halls, cottages, children’s park, swimming
pool, botanical garden, picnic tables, countless
benches of different variations, videoke, jukebox,
bunk-houses, mini-zoo, hanging bridges,
viewing decks, a canteen, mini-restaurants, a
Way of the Cross area, Christmas Park and much
more. Mountain View Nature Park is just a few
hundred meters below TOPS, a famous tourist
attraction also in Busay.
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
This charming sanctuary was the brainchild
and passion of Julian Jumalon, an enthusiastic
lepidopterist and accomplished artist. The
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the most
fascinating tourist destinations in Cebu.
Established in 1974, there are now around 50
species of butterfly flying freely within the
reserve, many of them quite rare, which Jumalon
initially attracted by growing their favourite food
plants so he could watch study and paint them in
their natural habitat. Man must devise strategies
for survival toward a better, sustainable future
while carrying on what is good and beautiful
for posterity to enjoy. That is what the Butterfly
Sanctuary is all about. Part of its rationale is to
inculcate upon impressionable young minds,
captive audiences of pupils accompanied here

y concerned teachers and parents, the wisdom
of environmental protection and conservation.
Every time a species becomes extinct owing to
man’s greed or negligence, mankind is poorer,
for the gene pool is diminished, as consequently
are the resources available to it in terms of
potential economic, survival or aesthetic value.
This pilot Butterfly Sanctuary has provided in its
modest space the natural habitat of 55 butterfly
species and scores of moths and associated fauna.
Itself a veritable botanical
garden, it has grown within
the 1,460-square-meter
enclosure more than one
hundred plant species,
some serving as part of
the life-support system of
butterflies in their larval
stages. Although many
a visitor strays into the
garden to catch a glimpse
of these flying gems in their
poetry in motion, through the years students
with scientific inclination have been assisted in
their term papers and master’s theses by having
materials in the Sanctuary available for them
for research on natural history. It is also a place
where sometimes an overenthusiastic adult,
with sharpened reflexes, can be young again by
chasing something beautiful and elusive.
Casa Gorordo Museum Cebu
The Casa Gorordo Museum, located in Lopez
Jaena Street, is one of the best preserved
Spanish colonial houses in Cebu.
Once home to the first Filipino
Bishop of Cebu, it was
Casa Gorordo was
declared a historical
landmark of the nation
in 1991, by the National
Historical Institute Board.
acquired by the Spanish merchant Juan Isidro
De Gorordo in 1863 and four generations of his
family lived there. Built of timber and stone it
typifies Spanish architecture in the Philippines
and is situated in the Parian district, once home
to Cebu’s most prominent families.
Within the museum are religious relics, antique
furniture, paintings and household items that
reflect the lifestyle of the period, including
ceramics and pottery. The courtyard is quite
pretty and the museum well
maintained and carefully
refurbished to maintain
the integrity of the original
house. Built by Alejandro
Reynes Y. Rosales in the
middle of the 19th Century,
the building was acquired
by the Ramon Aboitiz
Foundation, Inc., in 1980.
After restoration,the home
was turned into a museum
and opened to the people. Casa Gorordo was
declared an historical landmark of the nation in
1991, by the National Historical Institute Board.
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is the oldest, and smallest,
triangular bastion fort in Cebu, was named
after the galleon ‘San Pedro’ on which Miguel
Lopez De Legaspi, navigator and governor who
founded Cebu in 1565, sailed the Pacific. Two
sides of the fort face the sea and were equipped
with cannon to ward off unwelcome visitors.
Entrance to the fort is on the third side which is
the base of the triangle and looks inland towards
the city. Fort San Pedro was briefly the focus
Casa Gorordo Museum
53

of Spanish rule in the country
until the government moved to
Manila in 1571. The fort was
also a stronghold for Filipino
revolutionaries in the closing
stages of the 19th Century.
The fort is handily located in
the Plaza Independencia, near
the Port of Cebu, and contains
artefacts from Spanish times
including documents, paintings
and sculpture.
History of
Fort San Pedro
The conquistador, Miguel Lopez De Legaspi,
was responsible for the construction of the fort
and there is evidence that the ground breaking
took place as early as
1565. Originally this
Fort San Pedro was
rebuilt in stone during
the 1730s, with walls
6 meters tall and 2.4
meters thick.
sturdy little fort was
built of mud and timber,
but was rebuilt in stone
during the 1730s, with
walls 6 meters tall and
2.4 meters thick. The
towers rise to a height of
7 meters. The land area
of the fort is about 2025
square meters. Fort San Pedro was neglected for
many years and at one stage faced demolition.
Wiser heads prevailed and the fort has largely
been restored to something like its original
state. It’s now administered by the City of Cebu
and serves as an historical park. There’s a statue
of Miguel Lopez De Legaspi outside the gates to
the fort.
Taoist Temple Cebu
Taoist Temple Cebu
The Cebu Taoist Temple is an imposing multitiered,
variegated oasis of calm built in 1972,
at an elevation of 300m above sea level, by the
city’s substantial Chinese community. Located in
the decidedly upmarket Beverly Hills region of
Cebu, the temple is reached by three separate,
circuitous pathways, with the entrance way
through a pseudo Great Wall of China. The
teachings of the 600 B.C.E. Chinese philosopher
Lao-Tse are preserved in the temple.
Twice a week Taoists can climb the 81 steps of
the Temple with each step representing one of
Fort San Pedro
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54

archiemercader.com
the 81 scriptures. Worship is followed by the
lighting of joss sticks and having one’s fortune
told by a monk. Open to non-worshippers, the
temple contains a chapel, library and a wishing
well. The views from the temple over Cebu and
nearby islands of Mactan and Bohol are quite
stunning.
Sinulog’s Annual Fluvial Procession
The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an annual
cultural and religious festival held on the third
Sunday of January in Cebu City, and is the centre
of the Santo Niño Catholic celebrations in the
Philippines.
The festival is considered to be one of the most
popular festivals in the Philippines, with every
celebration of the festival routinely attracting
around 1 to 2 million people from all over the
Philippines every year. Aside from the religious
aspect of the festival, Sinulog is also famous for
its street parties, usually happening the night
before and the night of the main festival.
Other places like Kabankalan City, Maasin City,
Balingasag Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro
City, Butuan City, and Southern Leyte also have
their own version of the festival in honour of
Santo Niño.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the
grand street parade which lasts for 9 to 12 hours
with participants coming from the different
towns and cities of Cebu and from Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao across the Philippines.
The Sinulog dance contingents are dressed in
bright coloured costumes dancing gracefully to
the rhythm of drums, trumpet and native gongs.
Smaller versions of the festival are held in
various parts of the province, also to celebrate
and honour the Santo Niño. There is also a
“Sinulog sa Kabataan” performed by the youths
of Cebu a week before the parade. Recently,
Sinulog fluvial procession
55

Sinulog participants
parade in colorful
costumes
the festival has been promoted as a tourist
attraction, with a contest featuring contingents
from various parts of the country. The Sinulog
Contest is usually held in the Cebu City Sports
Complex. The Sinulog
Festival competition
is divided into three
categories namely the
Street Dancing Category,
Free Interpretation and
Sinulog base categories.
The free interpretation
category has the most
number of participating
contingents coming from
outside Cebu. The dance steps are fast and
the storyline and theme varies from folkloric,
mythical and historical lines. The Sinulog-based
category centers more on the Sinulog ritual dance
The Sinulog celebration
lasts for nine days,
culminating on the final
day with the Sinulog
Grand Parade.
worship and the choreography is more “formal”
the dance steps depicts the prayer dance which
is the true identity of the Sinulog ritual dance.
The Sinulog-based participants wear Filipiniana
and Hispanic inspired costumes. The Grand
Champion of the Free Interpretation, Street
Dancing, and Sinulog base categories wins one
million pesos respectively. The Sinanduloy Dance
Troupe of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental is a
consistent winner in the Sinulog-based category.
Carcar City of Cebu also proved their mastery of
the Sinulog dance and they always end within
the top 5 places in the Sinulog Competition. The
famous Lumad Basakanon dance contingent of
Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City has won several
Free Interpretation titles in Sinulog and made
history when they were elevated to the Aliwan
Fiesta Hall of Fame for winning the national street
dancing championship during Aliwan Fiesta
2006, 2007, 2008 and 2014. Sinulog Festival
showcases the most number of participants and
the best choreographic exhibition of any festival
in the Philippines. The Sinulog celebration lasts
for nine days, culminating on the final day
with the Sinulog Grand Parade. The day before
the parade, the religious Fluvial Procession
sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cebu is held
at dawn with a statue of the Santo Niño carried
on a beautifully decorated boat which sails
from Mandaue City to Cebu City, decked with
hundreds of flowers and candles. The procession
ends at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de
Cebu where a re-enactment of the baptism to
the Christian faith of Cebu is performed. In the
afternoon, a more solemn procession takes place
along with the major streets of Cebu City, which
Sinulog performers
battle for the best
in street dancing
CEBU
56
byahilo.com

57

The MB Adventure
banca of the Abentura
Visayan Cruises
last for hours due to large crowd participation in
the event.
The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano
adverb sulog which roughly means “like water
current movement;” it describes the forwardbackward
movement of the Sinulog dance. The
dance consists of two steps forward and one
step backward, done to the sound of drums.
The dance is categorized into Sinulog-base,
Free-Interpretation, and
Built in Cebu the
MB-Adventure-1 is
designed to allow a
more comfortable and
stylish experience to
Island Hopping.
street dancing. Candle
vendors at the Basilica
continue to perform the
traditional version of the
dance when lighting a
candle for the customer,
usually accompanied
by songs in the native
language.
Sinulog is the ritual prayer-dance honouring
Señor Santo Niño. An image of the Child Jesus
is said to be the baptismal gift the Portuguese
conquistador Ferdinand Magellan gave Hara
Amihan (Humanay) of Zebu (now Cebu) in April
1521. The image, believed to be miraculous, is
housed at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in
downtown Cebu City.
According to historical accounts, the Zebu
natives already danced the Sinulog in honour
of their animist idols long before the arrival
of Magellan who led a Spanish expedition on
April 7, 1521. Magellan did not live long after
he introduced Christianity. He died in a failed
assault on nearby Mactan Island at the hands of
a local chieftain named Lapu-Lapu.
Survivors of Magellan’s expedition left behind
the image to be discovered 44 years later. The
expedition led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
bombarded the native settlement when they
arrived on April 28, 1565. In one of the burning
huts, one of Legaspi’s men, Juan Camus,
discovered the image of the Santo Niño inside
a wooden box beside other idols. This time
however, Legaspi discovered that the natives
already dance the Sinulog honouring the Santo
Niño.
Today the Sinulog commemorates the Filipino
people’s acceptance of Christianity, and their
rejection of their former animist beliefs. The first
of these conversions happened in 1521 on the
island of Cebu, when Rajah Humabon and his
queen Amihan (Humamay) were baptized along
with their subjects, becoming Carlos and Juana
of Cebu.
58
The Sinulog dance moves are basically two
steps forward and one step backward as the
dancer sways to a distinct rhythm of drums.
This movement resembles the current (Sulog) of
what was known as Cebu’s Pahina River.
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The Marcelo Fernan
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CEBU
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Built in Cebu the MB-Adventure-1 is designed
to allow a more comfortable and stylish
experience to Island Hopping. So you can
relax in comfort while exploring islands like
Gilutongan, where you can experience the local
underwater wonders that Cebu has to offer, this
fish sanctuary provides a variety of the local
fish that you can enjoy at your leisure while
snorkelling.
Lapu-Lapu, Mactan
Mactan or Maktan is a densely populated island
located a few kilometres from Cebu Island in the
Philippines. The island is part of Cebu Province
and it is divided into Lapu-Lapu City and the
municipality of Cordova. Mactan Island lies
across the Mactan Channel, opposite Cebu City
in the southeast of Manila. It is modern and yet
has retained its greenness and features lovely
sandy beaches and good diving spots off the
neighbouring islets. Mactan has a long history
with many stories, the most frequently told
being about the Battle of Mactan. In 1521, when
Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan
arrived onshore he was killed by Mactan Chief
Lapu Lapu and his men. Visitors can visit both
the Magellan and Lapu-Lapu shrines while
visiting the island. Mactan is also important as
home of Mactan – Cebu International Airport,
the country’s second busiest airport as well as
the country’s largest export processing zone.
Mactan is also well known for producing guitars
and other musical instruments. As Mactan is a
coral island, it boasts some of the best diving,
snorkelling, island hopping, jet-ski, sailing
and cultural activities of any island in the
Philippines. The only aquarium in the Visayas is
located here.
Mactan Island Aquarium
This charming attraction is the first in the Visayas
and the only public aquarium outside of Luzon
on the 7107 islands of the Philippines. The
Aquarium opened to the public in September
2008 and is the first and only public aquarium
in the Visayas region. The exhibits, tours and
educational programs focus on the aquatic
life of The Philippines and the tropical Pacific
Ocean. Scientists also recognized that the
central Philippines region as the global centre
of marine biodiversity. Meaning that there is
nowhere on this planet with a greater variety of
marine life than here, so where better to have
an aquarium to reveal the amazing life forms
beneath the water? Visitors can see an amazing
variety of marine life from the tropical Pacific
Ocean. Home to over 1,000 animals including
exotic fish, water snakes, sea slugs and even
turtles, the Aquarium is especially proud of its
wide variety of life forms. When you come to the
Aquarium, you can get up-close views of reef
sharks, living corals, sea horses, graceful sea
jellies, myriads of colourful reef fish, and much,
much more.
Olango Island
Just twenty minutes by boat from Punta Engaño
the island has so much to see and do, rich in
mangrove forests, coral reefs and sea grass
beds, being protected from the trade winds
and monsoons makes it one of the best known
flyways for migratory birds, The Olango wildlife
sanctuary is home for these migratory birds
taking refuge from the harsh winter conditions.
Situated in San Vicente about a twenty minute
tricycle ride from the pier, this sanctuary of
over 920 hectares has an observation deck in
the middle of the water where you can see part
of the feeding and nesting grounds of over 97
species of birds. On the same road to sanctuary
is the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary where you
can dive and take in some of the exotic marine
like exclusive to the area.
Diving Mactan
Because of its proximity to Cebu City and the
international airport, the diving infrastructure is
well developed and visitors can literally be in the
water within an hour or so of flying in.
Whilst Mactan doesn’t offer the best diving in
the Visayas there is plenty of choice and the
island attracts thousands of divers every year.
The east coast offers the best variety of sites
along its walls and the Hilutangan Channel,

Kayak Racing in
Palompon
which separates it from Olango Island to the east,
is extremely deep, offering good opportunities
to see the larger fish that dwell there.
With the creation of Marine Protected
Sanctuaries, there has been a promising
development of the marine life during the
past 5 years and while pelagic fish are still not
frequently seen around, the dive sites have
amazing sea creatures, which will delight any
diver including macro enthusiasts.
Currents can be
strong, so not every
dive is suitable for
beginners.
Fun & Sun House Reef
This site is composed of a gentle slope with
some boulders and corals formations followed
by a small drop off. Juvenile Puffer fish and
Porcupine fish like this quiet spot. Seahorses,
Blue Ribbon Eels, Pegasus and Mantis Shrimp
have been spotted there as well. At night,
several kinds of Crabs and shrimp come up. Ideal
for divers who like to search for crawling critters.
Talima Marine Sanctuary
Is a fish sanctuary with a small wreck attracting
countless fish and where some cool shrimp can
be found. Parrot fish, Rabbit fish, Butterfly fish,
Trigger fish and Sweetlips are always spotted
as well as big Groupers. The wall is particularly
interesting.
Learn to dive in Mactan
Schools of Jacks, Batfish and Chevron Barracuda
will be present among superb coral gardens
where you will also find some spectacular
critters such as Ornate Ghost Pipe Fish, Frog
fish, Nudibranches, Shrimp and much more.
Currents can be strong, so not every dive is
suitable for beginners. As sites are numerous,
and in some cases very similar, they are grouped
into three sections, one of which is Olango
Island. Mactan is a favourite jumping off point
for excursions further afield around the Visayas.
Some of the dive sites that are popular with
divers are:
61

TambuliCEBU
Steps to the
wildlife sanctuary
Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary
Is one of the largest fish sanctuaries in the vicinity of
Mactan Island. This dive site has an abundant coral reef
formation and a gentle slope where Groupers, Blue
Spotted Stingrays, Surgeon fish, Lionfish, Snapper and
Parrot fish cruise around. Big Jacks are also patrolling
the reef. Occasionally Turtles are seen there as well. The
soft coral on the shallow area is outstanding.
Nalusuan Marine
Sanctuary is one of the
largest fish sanctuaries in
the vicinity of
Mactan Island.
Plane wreck at
West Punta
Is a dive site well
recommended for macro
lovers as the visibility
there is limited. Frog
fish, Octopus, Stone fish,
Scorpion fish, Flounder,
Ghost Pipefish and several
kinds of Nudi branches can
be spotted there. Good
for macro photography and it is a different dive
ambiance with an unusually greenish visibility.
Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary
Located just thirty minutes from Mactan,
Hiluntungan Island is also a favourite spot for the
snorkelling community. You will find, Barracudas,
Jacks, Groupers, Bat fish, Lionfish and most of
the tropical fish of Cebu’s’ Oceans can be found
here. Also Eagle Rays are occasionally being
spotted in the area.
Kon Tiki
A real favourite for night diving, as its wall is
abundant with marine life. Many divers are
surprised at the amount of Crabs, Shrimps,
Octopus, and many other species you will
encounter. During the day, the school of Sardines
and Mackerel are common spectacles.
Agus Wall
Besides being abundant with tropical fish, the
wall is host to different species of sponges, and
other types of coral. Clown Fish and Anemone
Fish are frequently spotted here. You never
know what may show up. It has been known to
have manta rays and even whale shark cruising
along the wall from time to time.
Tambuli
Tambuli Site is the final resting place of a small
plane wreck in about 20 meters of water that
is always enjoyed by the divers that frequent
this site. The current makes you drift along a
slope where you will see schools of Damsel fish,
Sergeant Major fish, Catfish and Butterfly fish
among others.
62

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63

Whale Shark at Oslob
CEBU
64
With so much to choose from divers enjoy the
variety of Mactan and Cebu and with places
like Fun & Sun dive travel and the Kon Tiki Dive
Centre to help and guide you Mactan in Cebu is
a great place to dive.
Oslob, home of the
whale shark
The south east of Cebu, in Tanawan, Oslob, is
now famous for watching whale sharks, and a
pod of 22 whale sharks was seen there last year.
If you ever wanted to see whale sharks up close
then Tanawan is the place to do it. Not so long
ago this sleepy barangay about 130km south of
Cebu City was unheard of, the locals deriving
there subsistence lifestyle from fishing. The
whale sharks used to be physically discouraged
as they caused damage to the fishing nets.
One day a fisherman noticed that if he put bait
out behind the boat the whale sharks would
follow. The boatmen are divided into three
teams, all do the same job and the ticket price is
fixed. You can hire snorkels, underwater cameras
and diving equipment at additional costs above
the basic price, which while relatively expensive
still, represents good value compared to similar
attractions in the Philippines.
Get there early as feeding stops at 12 pm, during
weekdays 8-9 am would be fine, but on high days
and holidays 6-7 am start means you will spend
less time queuing and the outside temperature
is cooler early in the morning. Transportation
couldn’t be easier as the normal yellow and blue
buses will drop you outside, where you will be
greeted by many Filipinos trying to secure your
business, As I said the ticket price is controlled,
you shouldn’t need to pay an entrance fee most
won’t charge, but beware. Once you get there
ticket in hand, you wait your turn. The boatmen
are used to seeing scantily dressed females now,
most Filipinas being a little more conservative
with their beach attire. seeing Whale Sharks is
a virtual guarantee although most are juveniles,
they are still an impressive sight up close, and no
doubt you will be tempted into buying a T shirt
saying save the Whale Sharks.
Whale sharks are visible during good weather
and clear water before the temperature begins
to rise: but when the water is rough and muddy,
the sharks don’t come in to feed. Swimming with
whale sharks is an awesome experience and the
local government has sensibly introduced strict
rules to protect the sharks and the environment.
Swimmers cannot approach within 5 meters of
these magnificent creatures, the use of a flash
camera is prohibited, and feeding the whale
sharks is not permitted. You can snorkel in the
water with the sharks or observe them from
the boat. The boats are all wooden bancas
with oars only, no motorized boats are allowed
anywhere near the area to protect the sharks
from dangerous propeller blades. But no matter
which way you choose to see these magnificent
creatures of the ocean please observe the rules
the rules set in place by the local authorities or
you can face a very severe penalty and justly so.
Besides the whale shark watching, an experience
everyone should be part of, there are many
other attractions in Oslob well worth the visit.
The Heritage Park located at the back of
the municipal offices facing the shoreline is
picturesque and extremely well maintained,
take a leisurely stroll along the shore or visit the
newly established museum. From Heritage Park
you can also see the Cuartel, a unique structure
built from the coral stones of the fallen church
bell tower through the efforts of El Gran Maestro
Don Marcos Sabandal as barracks for the Spanish
armies but was halted during the American arrival
in 1899.
The oldest street in Oslob, Calle Aragones was
built in 1879 and faces the church which was
destroyed by fire, luckily there was no structural
damage and this beautiful old church built
from coral stone in 1840 has had the interior
completely rebuilt.
Oslob also hosts the watersports triathlon in the
beginning of October each year. It is a weekend
of fun, activity and friendly competition that
attracts many visitors and competitors to this
quaint and peaceful town. Your visit to Oslob
would not be complete without a visit to the
spectacular Tumalog Falls. The road down to

the actual falls is sealed but very steep so it
is recommended to get a motorbike from the
entrance to the falls, it is only P50 and the
drivers are very experienced.
These magnificent falls cascade down the
mountainside from approx. 300 meters into a
pool below, there are many observation points
at the falls all designed to give you a perfect
One day a fisherman
noticed that if he put
bait out behind the
boat the whale sharks
would follow.
Moalboal, a divers paradise
The municipality of Moalboal lies on the
southwest coast of Cebu island. Moalboal has
been ‘discovered’ and is now a famed tourist
destination for both locals and foreign nationals.
It has laudable coastlines, flanked by almost
deserted beaches. It’s a magnificent underwater
paradise and one of the best dive capitals in the
world.
Moalboal is approximately 89 km by road from
Cebu City, and can be reached by bus or car in
under three hours. Everyone can enjoy the warm,
pristine waters, and the fine, glistening sand
to be found here. It is popularly known as the
‘Diving Paradise of Cebu’ because of its beaches,
dramatic coral and different underwater marine
view. While at the falls remember to get some
very tasty native passion fruit for a special taste
delight.
Another taste delight of Oslob is the local BBQ in
the main street of an evening, typically Filipino,
very delicious and very low cost, just select what
you prefer and have it BBQ’d. You can eat it at
the tables provided along with some rice or take
it back to your hotel.
Sometimes good food is hard to come by in the
provinces, but if you fancy a T bone steak or fish
and chips, Buddy’s bar and restaurant offer a
large choice of cuisine and cheap accommodation
, located 2 km north of Oslob town.
On the second Saturday of December the town of
Oslob holds the “Toslob Festival. The word Toslob
means soak in the local dialect and got its name
from the original naming of Oslob. A long time
ago there was a popular spring called Bolocboloc
named because of its existing spring located
beneath the shoreline and is now called Nigad.
The word Oslob comes from a misunderstanding
between a native couple and two civil guards
in 1785. While the couple were sitting resting
under a tree eating boiled bananas soaking them
in vinegar and salt, the two guards asked them
the name of the place, the couple were surprised
and not being able to comprehend what the
guards were saying , thought they were asking
them what they were doing to which they replied
“Toslob” which meant soaking.
Ceres Liner runs frequent bus services to Oslob
from Cebu the trip takes about three hours
depending on traffic conditions. The buses are
air-conditioned and the fare is very low cost.
65

life, especially around Pescador Island. This
region is the most fascinating of the underwater
world, interlaced with awesome and exotic coral
and a variety of sea flora and fauna, which is
why it’s considered the jewel of Moalboal.
Moalboal celebrates its annual town fiesta on
May 16 in honor of Patron Saint, San Juan
Nepomuceno, and on May 15 visitors can
watch the “KAGASANGAN FESTIVAL”. This is a
presentation of street dancing and ritual showdown
participated in by
A paradise for scuba
divers, Moalboal has
numerous beach resorts
offering luxurious
amenities.
the different barangays.
A paradise for scuba
divers, Moalboal has
numerous beach resorts
offering luxurious
amenities, European,
American, Asian, and
Filipino cuisine, a full
range of aqua sports
and a splendid night life by the beach. The
diving schools and dive centers like Kasai Village
Resort and Dive centre can teach the skills and
techniques of scuba diving. Enjoy the diving
experience in wonderful Moalboal.
Panagsama Beach
Is a paradise for scuba divers! It has numerous
beach resorts that offer luxurious amenities,
aqua sports and cater for European, Asian,
English, American and Filipino Cuisine. Sit back
relax and enjoy the majestic night life on the
beach. New to diving? There are many diving
schools and dive centers that can teach you
the skills and techniques needed to enjoy the
wonderful world of scuba diving. Formerly know
as Basdiot beach it is situated in the barangay
of Saavedra it has a lot of white sand to offer
and is the ideal place to sun, swim, snorkel and
even jet ski, let the pristine waters and whites
sands tempt you. The Marine Sanctuaries at
Basdiot, Tuble and Saavedra, are home to
different corals and shoals of various fish. These
marine sanctuaries bring forth moments of
amusement and amazement. Exploring the coral
with its surrounding flora and fauna will expose
a paradise of the marine world.
Pescador Island
This uninhabited island has an automated
lighthouse with access steps on the north and
east sides, while the area around the island is a
marine reserve, protected by the local Moalboal
Municipality.
However it is a marine reserve in name only, as
fishermen extensively spear fish across the entire
reef. Local fishermen are destroying the coral
by using rocks as anchors and entangling the
delicate growth with their nylon fishing lines.
Experienced divers have noticed the lack of
large fish around Pescador compared with other
similar areas, such as the nearby Apo Island.
Dive operators claim the economic benefit to
Moalboal derived from dive tourism is far greater
than the traditional fishermen’s contribution
Tourists enjoy
delicious native
cuisine
CEBU
66

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SUBIC BAY CEBU
SAMAL ISLAND
MANILA BORACAY PUERTO PRINCESA
www.broadwatermarine.com
67

CEBU
and the current abuse of the area is resulting in a
decline of the island’s attraction to scuba divers.
From a diver’s perspective it is an ideal dive site
with easy access from the shore, (a 10 minute, 3
km boat ride from Panagsama Beach), and with
great snorkeling and diving spots ranging from
shallow to deep dives. Accessible year round
in all but extreme storm conditions, Pescador
Island provides consistently
interesting diving.
Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is located in
the Visayan Sea, to the west
of the northern end of Cebu
Island, across the Tañon
Strait, which separates Cebu
from Negros. It is known as
the egg basket of the Philippines producing over
one million eggs per day.
The warmth and friendliness of the local people is
truly something special visitors to Bantayan will
remember for years to come. And the destruction
suffered here in the 2013 earthquake did not
deter these people from making it still one of
the best island destinations in Cebu.
Bantayan Island is
known as the egg basket
of the Philippines
producing over one
million eggs per day.
A vacation in Cebu is hardly complete without
going to Bantayan island, known for its sparkling
beaches and crystal clear waters. Having the same
beach front as the world-renowned Boracay,
Bantayan is one of the most visited islands in the
region. A must visit is the Sugar Beach Resort,
with its beautiful white sands like refined sugar,
hence the name and the bungalows set amongst
tropical palms is one of the most beautiful and
cleanest beaches I have seen
in for quite a while. During
holy week the beach comes
alive with many activities
including many concerts
and live shows. There are
many resorts in Bantayan
to choose from and most of
them are right on the beach.
Resort rates range from
US$12 to US$142 daily. With
a vast shoreline it won’t take long to find has
just been completely refurbished, or the unique
Anika resort where all the cabins are made from
shipping containers. Next door to Anika is the
Beach Placid Resort the caption of this resort is
“where serenity starts” and one can truly believe
this when staying at this beautiful resort with its
rustic cabins, native style restaurant and tropical
gardens where you can relax and swim at the
68

eautiful white sand beach. The most notable
resort on the island is the Ogtong Cave Resort set
in lush tropical gardens this well-appointed resort
has it all including the only cave on the Island
where you can swim in crystal clear fresh water.
Another activity well worth the effort is the
bird watching at Balidbid, where you can
see thousands of egret or as known in the
Philippines Tuwabong. In the early morning and
just before sunset thousands of these graceful
birds turn the trees white. The island hopping
from Bantayan is a great way to spend a day
with a difference. Seeing places like the Hilanta
Gaan Island and the Hilanta Gaan Dyut Dyut
meaning smaller island, this was later named by
a tourist as the Virgin Island, because it was not
yet developed at the time.
However, before jumping on the next plane
or ferry to Bantayan, here are some important
reminders. To save time and money, plan the trip
well in advance of departure. Choose the best
dates to travel and pick the most convenient yet
affordable means for the voyage.
Upon arrival in Cebu, take a bus to San Remigio
from the North Bus Terminal. After a more or
less 2½ hour land journey by bus, SUV, van or
taxi, a further hour on one of the big RORO
ferries from the Hagnaya wharf to the port of
Santa Fe, Bantayan is required.
Chartering a plane is the most convenient way
to get to Bantayan Island. The flight takes about
25 minutes and costs, at the time of writing,
PhP2300 per person from Mactan-Cebu airport.
One of the airlines operating a charter service
is Air Island Tours. Before setting off on a trip
to Bantayan Island, some preparations will make
the vacation more comfortable. Plan ahead to
reduce stress and make the most of this tropical
getaway. The rule of thumb is: stick with the
essentials.
Beach clothes. This includes swimming gear and
several changes of lightweight clothing. The
Philippines is a tropical country so leave those
long woolen pants and thick shirts at home; just
pack lots of shorts, a few tops and one pair of
long pants or slacks. Jeans can be worn almost
anywhere in the Philippines. Sun protection.
The tropical sun is quite fierce for the unwary
so pack a good pair of sunglasses and a widebrimmed
summer hat. Most importantly
remember to bring a sunscreen with high SPF
to avoid sunburn, skin moisturizer for hydration,
and lip balm to avoid chapped lips. And the best
way to keep hydrated? Drink lots of water.
Camera
Keep those memories alive through photographs
of this beautiful island. Be sure to bring extra
batteries and an adapter.
Cash
Most establishments and hotels on Bantayan
Island don’t accept credit cards. Have some cash
on hand to avoid the tedium of finding an ATM
machine, which will quite possibly be off-line
when it’s needed most.
Malapascua
Friendly faces everywhere
The waters surrounding Cebu have long been a
diver’s paradise, boasting some of the best dive
sites in the world, and Malapascua Island off
the northern tip of Cebu is no exception. This
beautiful, pristine island, with its shimmering,
sandy beaches approximately thirty minutes
from the port of Maya is one of the best. The
residents of this little island paradise will make
you feel like royalty, welcoming you with true
Filipino hospitality that comes from the heart.
The resorts and dive centers of the island have
staff that will make you wish your diving vacation
would never end. With the most beautiful
beaches and sparkling waters being ideal for
both swimming and diving. The waters are crystal
clear and visibility is every diver’s dream.
The resorts and dive centers can cater for all your
needs and some of the popular places to stay are
the Malapascua Legend and Watersports Resort;
the rooms are five star, there’s a swimming pool
and a superb restaurant. Another resort of note
is the Hippocampus. There are many dive centers
on the island, such as Sea Explorers, Seaquest
and Dive Link. The owner of Dive Link and his
69

karissajavier.files.wordpress.com
CEBU
Bantayan Island
70
staff are well versed in the top dive sites and are
also innovators of Project Sharklink.
Project Sharklink is a collaborative undertaking
by Singapore and Philippine Education,
Research, and Diving institutions to investigate
and monitor the state of the Monad Shoal reef
and propose measures to limit the degradation
caused by increasing numbers of scuba-divers
to the region, both in the water and on the
fragile ecology of Malapascua Island. This
includes “mapping and comparing topography
and biodiversity of two underwater ‘cleaning’
stations that support cleaner-fish services.”
Cleaner-fish, known as elasmobranch, include
the grey reef and thresher sharks as well as manta
and devil rays which are frequent visitors to
Monad Shoal. Project Sharklink will also identify
“sustainable management of natural resources,
such as fresh water,” on Malapascua island as
well as monitor the quality of the ground-water
which is in danger of long term contamination
by pit latrines and open refuse sites. The teams
will also establish workshops to conduct training
on an alternative livelihood programme for local
volunteers.
When island hopping, some of the better dive
sites are at Chocolate Island, for coral and a
variety of fish. While Isla De Gato is prolific for
sea snakes, sea horses and juvenile sharks.
Situated atop Guimbitayan is the lighthouse that
guides all the vessels plying the shipping lanes
between Cebu and Manila.
One of the more interesting dive sites is Monad
Shoal, a sea mount rising 250m from the floor
bed, 8km east of Malapascua. It is increasingly
popular with divers and snorkelers attracted
by the thresher sharks and manta rays which
regularly bask in the crystal waters of the reef.
Get in touch with Dive Link for details on trips
to Monad Shoal.
One can only say about Malapascua is that it’s
the one destination in the Philippines that every
diver should make time to visit and dive. Its
delightful beaches, water as transparent as fine
glass and intriguing marine life combine to make
this diver’s paradise the holiday of a lifetime.
Handy Hints
There are no cars on the Island so transport
around the island is by motor bike, or if nearby
walking, which is more of a pleasure than a task
as you stroll along the beautiful beaches to your

destination. It’s no hardship to walk around the
island in around three hours. It is important
to note that the lighter you travel the better,
only bringing with you essential items and
light summer clothing. The island has no banks
or ATM’s and credit cards are not generally
accepted, so have enough cash to cater for
your needs: it is not a disadvantage if you
know in advance and come
well prepared. Whatever
your decision for your next
diving holiday choosing
Malapascua is a decision
you would never regret!
How to Get There
From Manila there are
numerous flights daily from
all the major airlines, with most of the airlines
offering different promotional package deals,
so check out the internet for your best options.
From Cebu to places like Oslob and Moalboal,
Ceres Bus lines runs a regular scheduled service
with departures every 30 minutes. There are also
private air charter services available to get you
where you wish to go at reasonable rates. Air
Juan have also commenced regular flights to
various Cebu destinations.
Where to Stay
One of the more
interesting dive sites is
Monad Shoal, a sea mount
rising 250m from the
floor bed, 8 km east of
Malapascua.
Where ever your next stop over on this magical
island there is no end to the number of choices
you have to stay at from the
budget conscious to five
star. Cebu has is all.
Where to Eat
This all depends on your
taste buds and fancies, but
no matter whether you are
in Cebu itself or one of the
many provinces there is
always a selection of places to choose from to
please even the most discerning palette.
So looking for a holiday that has a bit of
everything, then look no further than Cebu for
that memorable holiday of a lifetime.
Malapascua Island
simonjpierce.com
PERFECTLY SUITED FOR DIVING AND
OTHER WATER SPORT ACTIVITIES
NELSON’S SCUBA
DIVING SCHOOL
Tuble, Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines 6032
Reservation: +63 (0)32 516 2617
Front Office: +63 (0)32 406 7865
info@kasaivillage.com | booking@kasaivillage.com
Panagsama Beach Moalboal Phone: 0322-474-3023
Mobile: 0917 276 7969-
Email oceansafariphilippines@hotmail.com
71

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Nautical Publications
All titles from Admiralty Publications are readily available
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Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots)
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Admiralty Tidal Publications
Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Nautical & Navigational Instruments
Navicharts Philippines Inc.
are stockist of a complete
range of fine nautical and
navigational Instruments
Other References
Complementing our extensive range of publications are the following
renowned global publishers:
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We also keep stock of
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SOLAS Symbols
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Bldg. 1, Cebu Yacht Club, Pusok, Lapu-lapu City (6015), Cebu Philippines Tel: +63 32 3401193 Fax: +63 32 3401194 Mobile: +639173200010
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73

Chall
2018 Zambales
74

s Lifeguard
llenge
Two Thousand Eighteen will see the running
of the 7th Zambales Lifeguard Challenge,
again sponsored by Standard Insurance
Co., Inc., this is fast becoming the premier
lifesaving sports event in the Philippines, due
to Zambales Lifesaving Inc. continuous drive for
precision training, safer beaches and drowning
awareness and prevention.
The growth of this event has
been continuous, with the
first event in 2012 being pool
events and only four teams,
every year it gets bigger
and better; this is brought
about by the continued
assistance of the Standard
Insurance Co., Inc. who
understand the value to the
community that drowning
awareness brings. Also the
support of the Provincial
Government of Zambales
through the support of
Hon. Governor Atty. Amor
Deloso, Congresswoman
Cheryl Deloso-Montalla and
a number of the LGU’s, especially Iba and San
Narciso.
Since the inception of the program, Zambales
Lifesavings president Mr. Roger Bound has
worked hard to bring the swimming community
and lifesaving together, this has resulted in
Zambales Lifesavings
president Mr. Roger
Bound has worked
hard to bring the
swimming community
and lifesaving
together.
a number of competitive swimmers joining
lifesaving and a number of lifesavers also
joining the swimming ranks, which has greatly
benefited both groups and the Province
through sharing ideas and recourses.
Also the recent support of Surf Life Saving Far
North Coast that is assisting
with supply of equipment
that is being issued to
resorts that support the
program, so as to improve
safety on the beaches of
Zambales.
The 2018 event will be held
on the third weekend of
March, which will become
the permanent date of the
event, so in 2018 will be
March 17 and 18.
Even this early there is
interest from a number
of out of province teams,
including Cebu and Bohol,
Zambales Lifesaving are also
hoping that the Naga team can find a sponsor,
as they are fast developing as an extremely
strong team and the more experience they can
get, the stronger they will become.
To assist teams in keeping cost down, teams
will consist of only two persons, these can be
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
75

males and females and there will be special
awards for all female teams.
Current inquiries from parents and kids are
increasing, which is a great sign of the junior
ranks increasing, starting from only 4 in 2012,
it is expected to see a minimum of 40 kids
compete in this year’s
event, due to the growth
of interest there will this
year be introduced new age
classes and separate events
for boys and girls, age
categories will be category
1, for 8, 9 and 10 year olds
and category 2 for 11, 12
and 13 year olds, these will
all be individual events,
the 14 and 15 year olds will compete in Team
events and the teams will be mix of 1 female
and 1 male, this it to encourage more females
into the sport and to make the competition as
close as possible.
The program expanded to
assist some 400 children
in basic water safety, with
the major goal to be able
to teach them to “float”.
This year will also see the introduction of a
junior novice category for kids below 8 as there
are inquiries for this, which may well lead to
Zambales following the Australian format of
the juniors being from 5 to 16 rather than the
current 8 to 16.
Events will be run over 2
days and at this point it is
anticipated that there will
be 7 events for seniors and
5 events for the juniors, for
safety, events will be run in
heats, all of which will be
timed and results based on
the fastest times, so it is
envisioned that in all a total
of some 45 plus heats over
the 2 days, so there will be plenty of action for
spectators.
Overall winners will be decided on a points
system based on their overall placing in each
76

event, points are 1st. 20 pts.) (2nd. 17 pts.)
(3rd. 15 pts.) (4th. 12 pts) (5th. 10 pts) (6th.
and below 5 pts.) and Did Not Finish (DNF) - 0
pts Disqualification (DQ) – 0 pts.).
The majority of the senior events will be
actual rescue scenarios, using victims who
shall be volunteers from the local lifesaving
communities and resorts.
Due to additional assistance from the sponsor,
Standard Insurance, will be greatly reduced
from what was required in previous years
for individual entries, this is in line with the
policy to make the event more affordable for
competitors and will include a competition
shirt, lunch and medals for first three in all
events and trophies for the outright 1st., 2nd.
and 3rd. in overall points.
As usual the host resort will be offering
free entrance to all spectators; there were a
number of possible venues, but after careful
consideration, the venue chosen for the
7th Standard Insurance Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge is Palmera Garden Beach Resort
and Hotel in Bangantalinga Iba, who have
also hosted some of the previous Lifeguard
Challenges.
The events in the 2018 events to be held will be:
Juniors events:
Run – swim – run. / Beach sprint. / Beach flags. /
Rescue Board run – paddle – run. (These are
junior styro rescue boards) / Rescue tube run
– swim – run. (towing a rescue tube, but no
victim) / Iron-kid. Run – swim – paddle – run.
(Top 6 competitors only)
Senior events and Junior teams:
Beach flags. / Run – swim – run medley relay. /
Rescue board and transfer relay. / Lifeguard
Challenge relay. / Rescue tube and transfer
relay. / Rescue and resuscitation assessment
relay. / Iron-man Challenge. / Board race. If
additional time available this will be a relay.
For further information and registration of the
2018 challenge contact Mr. Roger Bound on
0918-922-2863 or Marichu on 0918-938-0266
or email: slszambales@gmail.com.
77

Sailing Tips
Equi
You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing technobabble,
and what little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no
more. This continuing series of articles is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats,
as well as common sailing techniques, terms and definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware,
and much more. This will keep you informed about most things you will need before you begin your own
sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor and someone knowledgeable about boats.
The bow and stern
lines have to be
strong enough to
carry the main load
of the boat.
Article
excerpts
reprinted
from
the book
CRUISER
HANDLING
by BOB BOND
& STEVE
SLEIGHT
Polyform f-series boat fenders
Your boat is probably going to have to spend a good
deal of its life berthed alongside a quay or pontoon.
It is therefore crucial to know how to secure it
properly to prevent it from moving around and
damaging both itself and other craft. You will also
need the proper equipment with which to secure it:
good-quality rope warps, fenders of a suitable size
and shape for your boat that are strong enough
to withstand chafe on rough walls, and cleats and
fairleads fixed to your boat, sturdily made and
securely bolted on. All the equipment with which
to secure it should be checked regularly for signs
of wear and tear, if you do not wish to find yourself
adrift one night in the middle of a gale.
78
In Normal circumstances, you would choose a
berth which is sheltered from the full force of wind
and waves, but now and again you may have no
alternative. Any equipment must be strong enough
to withstand considerable pressure. Make sure the
knots you tie will not come undone.

pment for Berthing
Boat at dock
Rope with plastic tubing
Fenders
Fenders are usually made of plastic, although you do
get rope ones occasionally. They are hung over the
side of the boat, tied to the stanchions or grabrails,
and are carefully positioned to prevent the boat from
rubbing against the sides of the berth, or another
boat. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes
to suit the needs of different boats and berthing
situations. You will need at least four large fenders
on board, preferably more. They are, however bulky
and take up a lot of space. Since only the widest
part of the boat normally touches the side of the
berth, you need only position them where the side
of the boat and berth meet. If you are berthed up
alongside an uneven quay wall, you may find it best
to hang a fender board (wooden plank) outside the
fenders to spread the load correctly and protect the
boat.
Cleats and Fairleads
The cleats on your boat should be as large as
possible, since the larger the cleat the less wear there
is on the warp. There should be no sharp edges to
it, and every boat should be equipped with at least
four deck cleats which can be used for mooring.
Bigger boats will need more. If the warps are under
great strain, you should have a Sampson post. Your
boat should have a fairlead on either side, at the
bow and stern, so that the warps do not rub against
the stanchions or rigging. The fairleads can be open
or closed at the top, although the closed type are
safer since the warp cannot slip out accidently.
Warps
The warps used for berthing a boat serve different
functions. Two warps, which form the bow and stern
lines, position the boat correctly in the berth, and
are used by the crew to control the boat’s speed
when coming alongside. The bow and stern lines
have to be strong enough to carry the main load
of the boat and long enough to allow for any rise
and fall of the tide (roughly three times the tidal
range). Two other warps rigged as springs, prevent
the boat from moving backwards and forwards, and
from rubbing against the side of the berth. These
don’t have to be as long as the bow and stern lines:
one and a half times the tidal range is normally
sufficient. The bow and stern lines and the springs
need adjusting as the tide rises and falls. The bow
and stern lines, provided they are long enough,
need only be adjusted at half tide; the springs may
need more frequent adjustment. If you are going
to leave your boat unattended for some time, you
must make sure that you have left enough length
on the lines to allow for the tidal range.
When lying alongside a quay or wall do not lead
the springs through or under the rails, but take
the instead through the fairleads then outside all
the rigging, to prevent chafe on the deck edge or
lifelines as the boat rises and falls with the tide. You
can use fore and aft breast ropes to keep the boat
close alongside when loading, for example. They are
not, however, essential when both bow and stern
lines, and springs are used. When lying alongside a
floating pontoon, they can be used to replace the
bow and stern lines. When about to leave a berth,
you usually rig the lines ashore as slip lines, so that
the crew does not need to go ashore.
79

Will Fishing
Olympic
80

Become an
Sport?
F
ishing has been recognized for some time as
being the most participated sport in the world
with anglers numbering in the hundreds of millions
around the world and 50 million active anglers in the
United States alone.
The World Freshwater Angling Championships have
been dominated by Europeans since its inception in
1954, being staged on rivers, canals and still waters.
Australian, Dave Wesson, became the first non-
European to win the World Title in 1992.
Words by
JAMES
WEBSTER
Photographs
as credited
The International governing
body for fishing (The
International Confederation
of Sport Fishing) has applied
for Olympic status in the 2020
Tokyo Olympic Games, and
why not?
Critics argue
that there is
no athleticism
involved in
fishing.
Angling has already been
an Olympic demonstration
sport with 600 competitors
vying for Olympic Gold at the
1900 Paris Olympic Games.
Since then Angling has
become a major international
competitive sport. There are
now World Championships for
fishing in its many forms with
probably the largest being
“The World Fly Fishing Championship” attracting
fisherman from all over the world. The WWFC also
hosts the Adventure Fishing World Championships,
a very demanding, nine hour, kayak-based fishing
event which would be an outstanding Olympic event
and one that would certainly silence those critics
who argue that there is no athleticism involved in
fishing.
Yet another prestigious world
fishing event is the “Offshore
World Championships” held this
year in Costa Rica. Maybe those
non-athleticism critics need to
discuss the subject with guys
who have tangled with Blue
Marlin in excess of 1,000 pound
on the fitness levels required to
compete at this level.
There are many, many other
branches of fishing World
Championships including
individual species world
titles such as The World Bass
Fishing Championships and
The World Blue Marlin Fishing
Championships.
Many have given up their day jobs for the grind and
prize money of professional fishing. As in all sports
most have failed but the champions have prevailed.
Case in point is Dr. Martin Arostegui who broke 326
world records in his career or Kevin Vandam who
earned $US4.5 million in Bass Tournament prize
money in 2010 and earned 20 consecutive berths
cebacobay.com
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in Bass classics. Had fishing been part of Olympic
competition over the last 50 years, both of these
sportsmen would be held in the same sporting
esteem as the likes of Usain Bolt and Michael
Phelps.
So there is no shortage of anglers who have
achieved the same years of training, knowledge,
experience and skill levels in their sport as those
competitors in other Olympic Sports. To those critics
who say fishing is not really a great a spectator
sport I say “watch synchronized swimming for an
hour and then watch an angler fight a massive
sailfish for an hour and tell me what creates the
biggest adrenalin rush.
There is no shortage
of anglers who have
achieved the same years
of training, knowledge,
experience and skill
levels in their sport as
those competitors in
other Olympic Sports.
If Rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming
and what? race walking? can become Olympic
Sport, then fishing should certainly be part of the
Olympic Games.
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Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
TBecause of the mishap at the beginning of the
year in the Hobie Challenge, where 21 Hobies
were lost at sea in typhoon weather conditions,
the usual Round Taal Volcano
Hobie races and regatta had
to be cancelled for this year,
as replacements of these craft
had not yet arrived.
One of the events on this
weekend was the Oz Goose
race, and this year it was time
for the Oz Goose to shine
in the Inaugural OZ Goose
Nationals Regatta sponsored
by Hyde Sails. The Oz Goose
is a small home built craft with
amazing sailing capabilities.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club
is probably the Philippine’s
most active sailing club and
has traditionally focussed on
the Hobies. However Hobie
16 is far too expensive for the average middle
class family. So Commodore and Founder Peter
Capotosto is looking at the Oz/ PD Goose to bring
more people into the club, increase participation
in sailing and to provide a pool of sailors, some of
whom will move into more advanced sailboat types
as their experience increases. The Oz Goose looks
odd – so how do they sail? Top recorded speed solo
sailing has crept up in the last two years. Originally
The Oz Goose is a
small home built
craft with amazing
sailing capabilities.
12 knots it was raised to 12.9 (both on a tideless
lake in Central Texas. And finally rose to 13.8 knots
on a tideless lake in the Philippines. For fleet racing
they are quite competitive
sailed two up allowing learners
or disabled sailors to take part
in racing against the singlehanders.
But how does the Oz
Goose flat bow and flat bottom
deal with rough water? For six
month of the year the wind
blows down to our lee end of
Taal Lake. They get serious
waves and chop with lots of
reflections off the rocky shore.
The goose is very powerful
because of its high stability
and able to carry full sail
happily in 20 knots even with
65kg sailors. it just smashes
any taller wave tops out of the
way, but a bit of heel gives a
smooth ride. In light winds and
leftover chop they can be quite noisy, but the 89
sq. ft. of sail gives good speed and action is smooth
with a little heel.
The weekend of November 18 & 19 saw 17 Oz
Goose craft compete on the waters of Lake Taal, in
what can only be described as a fun weekend where
the OZ Goose proudly showed the sailing world that
sailing can be fun and inexpensive as well.
Oz Goose
Nationals Regatta
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At the start the wind gods were unkind with still
calm waters and not the slightest breeze all morning,
delaying the start till after lunch, when thankfully
the winds picked up to a satisfactory level, paving
the way for an excellent afternoons’ racing with the
Oz Goose craft strutting their stuff. After the days
racing, a complimentary drink was enjoyed by all,
followed by a delicious evening meal.
To get people
started in sailing
you need something
they can afford, that
has good response
and feels right.
The Sunday seen a much
better start to proceedings,
with good winds prevailing,
allowing for some stiff
competition. While
the racing was on the
traditional delicious Aussie
sausage sizzle, sponsored
by Broadwater Marine
was prepared to feed the
hungry sailors after a day of good racing.
Following the Luncheon, Peter Capotosto presented
the awards to the well deserving winners. The overall
winners were, in first place, Peter Capotosto and
Angelique Tuazon, second place went to Michael
Storer and Honey Trazel Mae S.Truz, with Job
Ferranco and Mikee Vinzon taking 3rd spot.
This amazing little craft drew a host of comments
after its’ first national event. Some of the comments
were: Peter Capotosto “I know. It looks like a closet
that someone kicked over and put a mast in it.
When I saw it for the first time, I laughed! It’s a new
design that sails surprisingly well, is cheap, easy to
build, has enormous buoyancy, and as a result, is a
boat that can be used for collegiate and corporate
training, racing, and flood rescue. It hits several
hot buttons. This is a cheap way to get into sailing.
Remember what they named the largest class in
the world? The „Optimist“? Because you had to
be an optimist to think you could sail it? This is an
improved, simpler, larger, more practical boat, and
it’s a lot less expensive. It sails also LOT better too.”
Michael Storer: “The big advantage is that we can
get 10 to 20 people sailing for the price of importing
a single Laser and spares. To get people started in
sailing you need something they can afford, that
has good response and feels right. They will move
on to something fancy later.
Every feature is designed to keep the cost down.
But they have good spars, a light hull, and excellent
foils with simple but effective rigging not requiring
many imported bits of chandlery.
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Over half the people in the fleet had not sailed
before much. So materially adds to the people
involved with the Taal Lake Yacht Club and sailing
in general. But you have to start them somewhere.
Remember that sailing was dropped from the
Paralympics, not enough countries and not enough
participants in each country. They will also be having
a family boat building weekend on the 16th to 18th
of February 2018 some come and join the fun,
please note that one of the conditions of joining the
FBW2018 is the participation of Oz Goose races for
one year.
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Watch out for more of the Oz Goose in Active
Boating and Watersports, as this easy to build and
sail craft makes its’ mark on the Philippine Sailing
Calendar. If you would like to become involved in
the exciting sport of sailing start by contacting Roy
Espiritu on 09147-871-8547 or Michael Storer on
0977-250-0033 or you can email info@pinoyboats.
org.

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