Balangay Crew

photos by Sato Raypon on their way from Dauis to Loay, Bohol

Voyage of the Balangay had already docked in Lipata, Surigao del Norte in the morning of November 23 and was greeted by tropical storm Urduja.

Balangay crew headed by Art Valdez is checking on the updated weather bulletin to have a safe sail to complete the 5th leg-Mactan-Butuan City route.

In Art Valdez' blog during Balangay's arrival in Danao on October 27 he wrote: "For the past five days we enjoyed favorable northeasterly wind and the skies were all clear and sunny for most of the days. Our skins are really darkened now because of too much sun, prompting Rey Santiago, our National Museum Balangay adviser to comment that now we truly look like our “Austronesians” forefathers in their wave of migrations. Leo and Carina had already made contact with Danao officials who organized a welcome reception upon our arrival. The distance between Bogo and Danao is quite far, estimated to be a little more than 70kms. After 9hours of sailing we slowly entered the newly finished fishing port of Danao. The typical throngs of welcomers were on hand. But what took us by surprise was the boom of cannons that greeted our arrival at the port."

If good weather prevails tomorrow and the coming days, Balangay will continue to sail docking at Jabonga then in Cabadbaran Agusan del Norte before entering Butuan Bay through Masao.

It is expected for Balangay to be home in Butuan on November 27.