THE BIGIW Bugsay hopes to make waves when it returns for its third year on April 21 and 22 in Moalboal town, southwestern Cebu.
The bigiw regatta and stand-up paddling (SUP) competitions will have the bigiw paddling races in youth ages (10-15 years), women’s open, and men’s open while the bigiw sailing will have the tandem open, and men’s open.
There will be no registration fee for those who will bring their own bigiw. Registered individuals will receive a free race shirt, lunch, and an honorarium for bringing their own bigiw.
The bigiw is a traditional dugout outrigger sailing canoe which, for generations, has been used by fishermen and travelers.
Island Buzz Philippines aims to make sailing and paddling part of the Filipino lifestyle, not just for the fishermen as a source of their livelihood.
Buzzy Budlong, president of Island Buzz Philippines, said there are more activities this year that is held in line with their advocacy on public awareness for the sport and the environment.
“We will have three bigiw sailors who will do an expedition along Tañon Strait, and have stopovers at spots in Negros and Cebu to do paddling and sailing clinics and conduct environmental talks for locals,” Budlong said.
On April 16 to 20, stopovers will be at the Negros Oriental towns of Bindoy, Tayasan as they continue the expedition to Tanjay City going through towns of Amlan, and Santander in Cebu then back to Moalboal.
Last year’s edition saw 40 fisherfolks compete in the races. Budlong expects a bigger number with the new additions.
“We intend to double this number as we will be unveiling the “hybrid bigiw,” an innovative sailing canoe that is more compact, lightweight and efficient. Most importantly, this watercraft is more environment-friendly as making one won’t be at the expense of a tree,” said Budlong, a pioneer of the SUP in Cebu.
The event is sponsored by Oceana Philippines, Pioneer Epoxy, Happy Juanderer Travel Inc., Monkey’s Belly Bistro Bar, and Visit Central Visayas.