Cebu, Paddling Capital of the Philippines

Buzzy Budlong

Buzzy Budlong has been a long time friend and partner of Travel Authentic Philippines. Buzzy was the first Filipino to travel the whole 3025 kilometer length of the Philippines from Sarangani in the south to Ilocos in the north by sea kayak. When kayaking was introduced to him in 1997 he soon realized that this was his passion. Since then he devoted his life to promoting Cebu as the “Paddling Capital of the Philippines” and to stimulate local people to appreciate their paddling culture and local watercraft, specifically the Bigiw. The Bigiw is a traditional dugout outrigger sailing canoe. For generations it has been used by fishers in the Tañon Strait. This strait connects the Visayan and Bohol Seas. Located between the islands of Cebu and Negros, this Strait is incredibly rich in biodiversity. It hosts 62% of the country’s coral species, plus 14 species of whales and dolphins. Buzzy’s company paid tribute to traditional Visayan sailing and paddling culture by organizing a Bigiw regatta in May, 2017.

Bigiw traditional sailing boats on a beach in Cebu

Oceana Philippines, Earth’s largest nonprofit organisation dedicated solely to marine conservation, is working with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the protection and conservation of this important protected area and fishing ground. Oceana works closely with stakeholders which include a wide range of public and private institutions to end illegal commercial fishing in both the Tañon Strait and across the Philippines.

Buzzy also was the pioneer of Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) in the Philippines. Staff of Travel Authentic Philippines joined him on a SUP Adventure in the mangrove forests of Cebu. It is a great to way to enjoy the mangroves and fishing villages off the coast of Cebu. We support Island Buzz Philippines and Buzzy’s endeavour to life Cebu to become the “Paddling Capital of the Philippines”. We recommend everyone to join us and Buzzy on our maritime adventures. You will not regret it. Please contact us for customized tours. Here you can find information for beginners about standup paddleboarding. It is great fun and very healthy.