Leaving the comfort of Shangri-La Mactan was hard. But we had the Habagat wind pushing us as we moved north along the east coast of Cebu. We crossed a short river canal at Bogo. At the narrowest point, it’s less than 5m across and our hulls were scapping the bottom. That saved us some 50km from going all the way to the northern tip of Cebu. We arrived at Hagnaya in storm-strength wind. We learnt that the morning ferry from Hagnaya to Bantayan turned back due to the rough sea. So, if the ferry turned back, we’d better stay put for the day.
The next morning’s 14-km crossing was nasty – hugh waves breaking from the beam. It was pure adrenalin trying to avoid capsizing. Landing in Bantayan was sheer joy. Wee Leng & kids took the ferry with Libert. JR & Markie were on the pumpboat.
The next challenge was a 44-km paddle to Sagay, Negros with some island-hopping and crossings. As we approached Sagay, we could see not one but three storm systems closing in on us. It didn’t look good at all. It reminded me of Placer. I said a prayer and paddled on. Luckily, somehow, we escaped all the storms with just some minor wind. Again, landing in Sagay was like a sailor coming home after braving storms. Tourism officials in Sagay treated us to one of the best lunches we had for a long time – huge prawns, shells, fish & other good stuff. We drove along the sugar-cane fields to a nice hotel with a pool.
LGUs at Cadiz also provided us wonderful hospitality. The next day, the weather turned great – blue sky and mirror sea. Heaven for a paddler ! For the first time, Wee Leng & kids hopped on the pumpboat to San Dionisio, our first landing in Panay. By now, Sheng Feng and Sheng En have got used to the rough travel. They have been on a ferry, bus, van, car and now, the pumpboat.
We arrived in Carles in windy and cloudy condition. The next morning, it was a cold, wet and miserable start. The sky looked ominous. Without a pumpboat support, we had to hug the coast. It was a long 55-km day to Roxas, the capitol of Province Cadiz.
At New Washington, we stayed at Mdm Tita Cruz’s Green Hut Resort. It’s a warm home-resort known to few people as it’s not advertised.
The next day, instead of staying at Ibahay, we decided to push on past Nabas so that we could get to Boracay early.
Finally, a 22-km paddle brought us to Boracay. Unfortunately, I found the White Beach too crowded. The sand is truly fine and blindingly white but, commercialism has taken away the tranquility. We were warmly welcomed at Shangri-La Boracay and the feeling here is such a sharp contrast from the White Beach. It’s beautifully landscaped with flowing-water coursing through the terraces and walls. It has only opened for 7 months. After we check-in, all of us are hoping for a typhoon now so that we can all stay longer ! It’s a paradize here. Of course, our stay is kindly sponsored by Shangri-La Boracay. We simply can’t afford it on our own.
Boracay marks the halfway point of the expedition. 1,662km in 48 days. So far so good. Thanks to the tremendous support of LGUs along the way, we should be able to make it to Pagudpud with the continued support of LGUs ahead of our route.
The 2nd half of the voyage will start with the most difficult section – three long crossings consecutively, 37km, 16km & 17km. It will take 2-3 days. We will need all your prayers to get across to Mindoro.
Stay tuned…..
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angie
9 months ago
hey ! been journeying with you and praying for you and your family. sheng feng and sheng en are very lucky to have the world as their classroom. indeed they are learning so much more than any other kid who’s stuck in the classroom !! enjoy boracay whilst you are there. hope to get there next year for the dragonboat race on 1st may.
paddlz up !
Ondoy palaboy
9 months ago
Hey! i finally found the web site of this two dude. So, let’s open a discussion on the kayak design and material contruction, the paddle that they used and navegation. it seems that the white one looks nice with the high bow and and yellow one looks low. Please do share your experiences in this blog… ooppss whats out! Rogue wave!!! sea you on the water!
bernard
9 months ago
Living the good life is hard indeed! That makes the team going.Half the estimated number of days and made good gain in distance covered! That’s progress. One last channel cross in the sometimes notorious Verde Pass and your on the big Island of Luzon.From then on all land mass will b visible from the paddlers starboard side after seeing land onthe port side most of the time.
Hoz
9 months ago
I’ve been following along with your “spot” track every day. Good to read you are doing well and glad to hear you both are committed to preserve on to Pugudpud. Beat wishes for the rest of the journey.
Romi G.
9 months ago
Kakainggit! I recall about a year ago, this expedition idea (over rounds of beer in Pier1) was just that – an Idea. And now you’ve paddled thru Mindanao and Visayas and will soon complete the final stretch of Luzon. AMAZING!
Good luck, keep it safe… =)
Congrats to the whole support team, Doing GREAT so far!
Romi
ps. Toby – pa-text when u finally reach Batangas/ Manila (or when you’re about to). Owe u guys beer for making takas
Buko
9 months ago
Godspeed! stay safeish