Sailing back to Philippines' glory days

Deckhands aboard a replica of a traditional Philippine wooden boat, known as a balangay, sailing their craft in Manila Bay. The replica of the ancient boat, which dates back as far as AD320, is one of two that will make a six-day journey to southern
PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Deckhands aboard a replica of a traditional Philippine wooden boat, known as a balangay, sailing their craft in Manila Bay. The replica of the ancient boat, which dates back as far as AD320, is one of two that will make a six-day journey to southern China early next year, led by Philippine adventurer Carina Dayondon. She is planning to sail from Manila to the south-eastern Chinese city of Quanzhou, a journey of about 1,000km, recreating trade and migration voyages made before Spaniards colonised the Philippines in the 1500s. The journey is aimed at boosting national pride in a forgotten maritime prowess.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 03, 2017, with the headline Sailing back to Philippines' glory days. Subscribe