Last Tuesday i attended the send-off program for the Balangay team who is on an ambitious mission to travel around the Philippines using only a balangay, an ancient form of sea vessel used by during the pre historic times in the country
Balangay is a large boat that has no outrigger. Its shape is somewhat similar to the Faluwa being used in Batanes. Balangay only uses the power of the wind when navigating.
Balangay are built large in size. normally more than 10 people can fit in. If you can still remember our history class the word “Barangay” is derived from the term Balangay.
The balangay will sail to every major port in the Philippines. Her team of navigators will also organize coastal clean-up, tree planting, lectures on Philippine maritime history, and mini-fiestas to rekindle the glorious days of the Filipino seafarers.
The Voyage of Balangay project is expected to revive maritime consciousness in the country by successfully building the ancient boat, a historic proof of the Filipinos’ ingenious skills in shipbuilding and maritime navigation, and sailing on Philippine seas.
Completed in June 2009, the Balangay was presented by the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation and was later launched into the waters of Manila Bay with the ngandahig, the rope-cutting ceremony which eased the ancient boat into the sea.
The Balangay, a legacy of ancestors handed down through generations, symbolizes the Filipino people’s ingenuity, resiliency, strength, courage, and unity.
Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit Filipino organization that pushes for projects that uphold national pride and promote the Filipinos’ unique traits and world-class skills. The foundation was formed by members of the successful first Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition.
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