INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—Former president Fidel Ramos led the unveiling of “The Voyage of Balangay” spearheaded by the Philippine Mount Everest Expedition team Friday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines grounds.

The Voyage of the Balangay aims to rebuild the balangay, or “Butuan Boat”, which was used by early Filipino seafarers for maritime trade and migration from Asia to nearby islands.

The former president said this new venture would make other countries once again look up to Filipinos as the team that would navigate the neighboring countries of Asia and the Pacific.

“It’s a good reflection of how we should be in times of crisis. That we should not sink the ship and carry unity, solidarity and teamwork as we sail,” he said in his keynote speech.

Everest team leader Art Valdez said Badjaos are helping them in building the balangay as they have been boat builders for generations.

“On our sail we will learn how to harmonize with nature, boat and people,” Valdez said.

The balangay will measure 15 meters long and three meters wide.

Meanwhile, Leo Oracion told INQUIRER.net that the team is still researching about the navigation techniques Malay ancestors used four hundred centuries ago.

According to him, the voyage aims to “reorient the psyche of Filipinos that we are a maritime nation and not land-based”.

“Our voyage will start on our Independence day (June 12). It’s a symbolism of us being united in achieving one destination—success,” said Oracion, the first Filipino to reach the top of Mt. Everest.

The core of the Balangay crew will be comprised of Team Everest led by Valdez, Oracion, Erwin “Pastour” Emata, Noel Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Dr. Ted Esguerra, Fred Jamili and Dr. Voltaire Velasco.

They will also be trained by the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy.