I’ve been following the developments of the “Voyage of the Balangay” since last I wrote about it. Last June 27 2009 was another momentous date as the Balangay (Balanghai) was eased forth to the sea months after its creation. Morning at 10am Saturday, more than 400 people at the CCP grounds witnessed how Art Valdez cut the rope to let loose the Balangay to sea. I wasn’t at the event that afternoon since I have a Photo Lecture at that time but Carina, one of the Everest team showed us snippets of the video when we dropped by in the afternoon.
From the video, we saw how the Balangay momentarily suspended from the air and splashed into the water but getting back quickly in form, then sliding gloriously into the Manila Bay. I saw how the people there cheered after. Art Valdez told us himself how there was a momentary silence and some teary eyed moments as the Balangay was put forth to sea.
Also that day, the Balangay was also blessed with the name “Diwata ng Lahi.” For the next few weeks, she will be sailing on a test run at the waters of Manila Bay until it finally sets sail around middle of July. Like a nymph at sea, the Diwata ng Lahi will symbolize and spread Unity throughout its journey.
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