BUGSAY 2018- The Second Bluewater SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) Challenge and My Bluearth (An Earth Day Family Festival) was held at the Bluewater Maribago Resort last April 22, 2018 at the resort’s beach front and cove in celebration of Earth Day.
Now on its fifth year, the event was aimed at spreading awareness on the environment and promoting free energy sports such as “bugsay” or boat paddle race.
“Promoting bugsay or boat paddling will help us remember our heritage. Being coastal people, fishing was a prime livelihood and Lapu-Lapu, along with other men in the old times, were well adept boat paddlers,” said Erik Monsanto, Bluewater Maribago marketing communications manager. “We promote bugsay as an ancient art and practice it as a sport since it benefits the body and is environment-friendly.”
Boat paddlers came from various walks to participate in the race.
The race was divided into three categories: open, women’s and kids. Mr. John Rex “Dandoy” Tongco, an Extreme Sports Enthusiast, was the Race Director.
BUGSAY 2018 was done with a twist, wherein racers were only allowed to use “wooden paddles” to ensure fairness. In the past years, they were allowed to bring their own paddles. This time, paddles were provided by the organizers.
Open Category Winners were Cyrill Igot (first), Nathaniel Borromeo (second), and Michael Flores (third). Women’s winners were Kristine Orbiso (first), Dorothy Amit (second), and Jodette Romaguera (third).
The top three in the kids category were Sean Paul Vincent, Raine Alexis Andrino, and Glad Constantine Romaguera, respectively.
Winners bagged cash prizes, certificates and a “bugsay” or paddle, as a trophy.