27 Sep. Surigao. Rest Day.
Typhoon Ondoy has caused 51 deaths and more than 20 missing in Manila area. It’s a national disaster. Ondoy means a little boy in Boholan.
Mindanao is feeling the effect too. The past 4 days have been very hard going. Struggling against the headwind is exhausting and being tossed about in the huge waves was no [...]
22 Sep. Lanuza.
While launching from Tandag, Buzzy capsized cause his spray cover wasn’t in place. The Tandag Port is a tricky place for kayaking. It’s a narrow gorge of less than 200m wide and waves just pounce from all sides. It’s like being in a washing machine. Buzzy lost his sunglasses, his second and last pair.
I was [...]
14-21 September 2009. Mati – Tandag.
Mayo Bay is a beautiful and quiet bay. Residents say there are 6 dugongs here and we were lucky to see one. It just popped its head out a few meters from my bow just to check me out and then disappeared. I also saw a sea turtle and dolphins. Catching these illusive animals on [...]
Day 9. Secion Davao-Mati
The media reception in Davao was a major success. Thanks to Governor Dominguez of Province Sarangani for arranging that. He has been of great help to the expedition. We kayaked to Samal Island and spent a wonderful evening at Sonni Mendoza’s nice resort called Hayahay, meaning refreshing. Sonni is another great friend of the exedition. [...]
Day 8. Dumalag Point – Davao
It was a short paddle of 15km to Davao. It’s nice to have the supporting friends on the water.
At Santa Ana Wharf, we landed for a short break. When I tried to leave shore after the break, a group of playful kids jumped onto the back of my kayak. They wouldn’t get off even when [...]
Day 7. Santa Cruz – Dumalag Point
We woke up at 5.30am which is pretty late by our routine so far. But we could afford some sleep after yesterday’s 52km.
Today’s distance was 27km to Dumalag Point where Randy, Sonni, Toby & Buko will join us for the 11km tomorrow to Davao.
Governor Miguel Dominguez has again come in with his relentless support. He [...]
Day 6. Tubalan – Santa Cruz
Woke up at 4am again. My body is craving for more sleep. Can’t wait to get to Davao.
Today’s wind is Hamigan (northeast monsoon wind). This morning, I woke up with a sore right shoulder. I got to be careful not to stress it this early in the expedition.
During the day’s paddle, three of us are [...]
Day 5. Don Marcelino-Tubalan
We woke up at 4am. Sunrise is 5am. It’s good to start early. Our destination today is Tubalan, Arnel’s hometown.
Today was hot with no wind. The sea was calm and glossy like a mirror. We passed by the 2nd light house just before reaching Malita.
While kayaking, it’s quite common to hear karaoke sound far away [...]
Day 4. Caboran-Don Marcelino
I woke up at night – diarrhea. In the morning, diarrhea still persisted. I took 2 Immodium pills and drank lots of 100 Plus. I had to stop the diarrhea and regain my strength quickly to face another day’s challenge. Once I started kayaking, diarrhea stopped. Thank God for that.
The Habagat (southwest monsoon wind) strong [...]
Day 3. Nuing-Caboran
Vice Mayor gave us a letter of endorsement for our next stop. The letter says we are good and nice people. This is the most unique testimonial I ever got in my life.
Thelma even packed lunch for us – a big bag of rice with corned beef wrapped in banana leaf. She is such a [...]