Palawan's famous boat race ‘Bangkarera’ returns after 2 years

The famous boat race called “Bangkarera” has made its comeback in El Nido, Palawan after two years!

As seen on Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, the boats looked like colorful fishes swimming in the clear waters of the island when it commenced. Among the participants was Bong Mili’s group.

“Seven times na rin po akong nanalo,” said Mili, whose job is to make the machines and the boat itself. He is also joined by Jolante Parayday, who’s in charge of running the craft.

Despite having experienced problems with the machines on their first day, Mili and Parayday’s team still emerged victorious under the “Palikpikan category” even after years of taking a break.

“Kailangan din po namin protektahan yung (pagiging) champion namin,” Mili said, smiling.

Apart from being skilled seamen, Filipinos are also known for their ability to create good quality boats. In fact, the first wooden boat called “balanghai” in Southeast Asia was found in the Philippines.

The oldest balanghais, meanwhile, were discovered in the 1970s in Butuan, Agusan del Norte, where the Balanghai Festival is also being celebrated.

In the Visayas region, their pride is the “karakoa,” which doesn’t use nails and is three times faster than Spaniards’ galleons. Mindanao, meanwhile, boasts of the “vinta.”—Franchesca Viernes/LDF, GMA News