MANILA, Philippines — After a successful trip to Brunei, traditional Balangay boats from the Philippines docked in Manila to mark the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
The Balangay, also the logo and symbol of Cinemalaya, is the huge boat with sail and outriggers that early Filipinos used to cross unchartered and untempered waters in search of a land where they could live in freedom.
Early Filipinos were a people of the sea, living in coastal villages or near rivers. Boats were linked to many aspects of Filipino life: fishing, trade, warfare, piracy (trade-raiding for goods and slaves), travel, communication, and dwelling.
The Balangay or Butuan Boat is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th century, in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest pre-Hispanic watercraft in the Philippines. It is the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia, only found in the Philippines even when a flotilla of such prehistoric wooden boat exists throughout the world. Nine specimens were discovered in 1976 in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Mindanao. Three of those that have been excavated have been found out to date back to 320, 990, and 1250 AD.
The finely built boat, made without blueprints but taught from one generation to another, uses a technique still used by boat makers of Sibutu Island. It is 15 meters long and three to four feet wide, propelled by sail of buri or nipa fiber. It used to hold a crew of 90 warriors, captives, and cargo.
To date, the modern recreations of the Balangay boats have traveled to countries in Southeast Asia and another trip is set for China in 2018. The voyage of the Balangay is led by Transportation Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, who heads Kaya ng Pinoy, Inc.
Traditional outrigger Balangay boats without engines plying over Manila Bay. Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Traditional outrigger Balangay boats without engines plying over Manila Bay. Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo