The Friendship Kayak Team made the First Kayaking Trail in the Philippines

I just came from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to cover the historic ending of the 88-day Friendship Kayak Expedition which started from province of Sarangani, up to the white sandy beach of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Buzzy Budlong proudly displaying the national colors

After paddling 3300 miles across 50 provinces in 88 days through three typhoons, two daring adventurers were able to make one dream come true – establish the first kayak trail in the Philippines.

The Friendship Kayak Team is composed of Singaporean Khoo Swee Chiow and Filipino Buzzy Budlong.

Khoo Swee Chiow

Buzzy Budlong arrived in Pagudpud first, but a few minutes later, Khoo Swee Choiw arrived next. Buzzy was all teary-eyed when he sat his foot on the beach. It was a dream come true for him to circle the country by kayak.

This expedition is a celebration of the 40 years of Filipino-Singaporean diplomatic relations.

The Friendship Kayak Expedition is very hisrotic since this is the first time that a team has attempted to link the islands of the Philippines through a course that took them from the south-central regions of Mindanao moving north to Luzon’s most celebrated locales.

Khoo Swee Chiow and Family

Mindanao: Maiden Voyage

Swee Chiow and Buzzy started paddling from Sarangani in Mindanao. Predominantly a coastal province in the southernmost tip of the Philippines, Sarangani has a 230-kilometer coastline lined with inspiring coves and jaw-dropping rock formations. Afterwards, the team headed to Davao del Norte and then to Davao del Sur.

Visayas: Navigating Endless Coastlines

For the second leg of the kayak expedition, Swee Chiow and Buzzy departed from the historical province of Leyte. Witness to many monumental events in history such as the landing of General Douglas McArthur in 1942, it is also home to largely undeveloped white sand beaches along the coasts of Libertad, Capoocan, Leyte and Puro Island. This was followed by a beach-buffet that begins with Bohol, Cebu, surfing Mecca Siargao and top tourist destination Boracay.

Luzon: Lovin’ Luzon

Just as with any other journey, the final stretch is the most difficult one. Who would want to leave an island destination rated by the National Geographic Traveler magazine as the 13th Best Island Destination in the World in 2007 because of its incredibly beautiful and natural seascapes and landscapes? And to complete the expedition, Swee Chiow and Buzzy traversed the open waters to Pangasinan and finally to its final destination at Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

Swee Chiow during the post-event media interview

It may be time for the Friendship Kayak Team to put their paddles down, but they’re hoping that their expedition has inspired more Filipinos to pick theirs up and paddle on.

The event would not have been possible without the support of Department of Tourism, the Local Government Units in each of the provinces they visited, Primer Group of Companies through Columbia Sportswear and R.O.X. for sharing and believing the team’s vision.

Interview transcript will be posted soon.