Cover What better way to explore the Philippines than to traverse its seas? In this feature, we talk about our latest subic yacht experience (Photo: Jove Moya)
What better way to explore the Philippines than to traverse its seas? In this feature, we talk about our latest subic yacht experience (Photo: Jove Moya)
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What better way to explore the Philippines than to traverse its seas? In this feature, we talk about our latest subic yacht experience
We were taken on a sunset cruise at Subic port last weekend. It’s the perfect time to sail, says Tere Marcial, the president and CEO of BPI Wealth. Members of the press were invited to witness a regatta which began in November last year. Initially perceived as a mere sporting convention, the gathering eventually served a much bigger purpose: to showcase the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of the Philippines. It wishes to do so through races in Corregidor, Busuanga, and Boracay, among others.
BPI Wealth seeks to score a double win through this sailing series. “Among our objectives is to support marine conservation and grow the sailing community in the Philippines. We want the country to become a top sailing destination,” Marcial tells Tatler.
She asserts that sailors are the natural allies of the sea, and the trust corporation desired to forge a lifelong partnership with them. “They love the seas, and if you love something, you want to protect it,” says Marcial. “We want to be a good partner to them.”
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On Marine Biodiversity
Above The canyons in Puerto Galera, Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)
The canyons in Puerto Galera, Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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The Philippines, located in the coral triangle, is considered a global priority for marine conservation. Its archipelago contains more than 1700 reef fish species and an estimated nine per cent of the global coral reef area (approximately 25,060 km²).
Despite marine environment woes like overfishing and pollution, the country has been successful in setting up marine protected areas (MPAs), thanks to the efforts of the local communities pursuing the preservation of marine life.
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Through BPI Wealth’s signature yacht series, Marcial and her team seek to raise awareness about marine conservation and promote sustainable practices among sailors and yacht enthusiasts.
“We are committed to preserving marine life; in fact, we partnered with the WWF Philippines, which has been giving us tips to enhance our conservation efforts. Part of our campaign is the circulars issued to the sailors. We also had three days of sustainability talks around different topics, including taking care of marine habitats and avoiding pollution in the ocean .”
“We just need to continue... one step at a time. That has always been BPI’s core strategy.”
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PH as a sailing destination
Above Subic Yacht Club
Above The Sunset Cruise
Subic Yacht Club
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Jerry Rollin, the President of the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP), says it is best to explore the Philippines through the seas. “The country is such an attractive place not just on the surface but also underneath,” he shares. “You can always explore it—it’s not just a matter of sailing; you can go canoeing, snorkelling, and whatnot. There are lots of things you can do in the sea... we have more than 7000 islands here, and they’re all so beautiful.”
The Philippine seas indeed provide a vast expanse for sailing. Due to the country’s tropical climate, there are ideal sailing conditions for enthusiasts to explore. Marcial briefly explains why the Corregidor regatta started in November and ended in Subic on April 5.
“It kicked off in November because it was the start of the northeast monsoon. During this time, the wind is blowing from the northeast, and it’s really perfect for sailing—the winds are great, and the waters are flat,” she discloses.
Yacht racing enthusiasts assure us that safety is paramount in every race. “There are world sailing rules that we follow, and for every race, depending on the category, there are certain requirements for safety equipment, the configuration of the board or what you must have on the board like an additional anchor, liferafts, and personal floating devices,” she says.
“There are special regulations for racing that must be observed, and we make sure that the safety protocols are put in place. When we did an offshore leg in the BPI Boracay Cup, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorted us,” she adds.
Marcial echoes the call to consider the Philippines a premier sailing destination.
“We have beautiful islands, very kind and hospitable people, offer sumptuous food, and a great culture. Because we’re an island nation, I think the best way to go around is through sailing,” Marcial concludes.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
