The 33-member crew that set sail to China aboard traditional “balangay” wooden boats are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday, following an almost monthlong expedition meant to commemorate the Sulu sultan’s voyage to Beijing six centuries ago.
LOOK: One of three balangay sailboats arrive at Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union after sailing from China. pic.twitter.com/eZjfy3SYlS
— Dagupan Stories (@dagupanstories) May 18, 2018
The team, led by former Environment Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, will be honored by the Philippine Coast Guard in an arrival ceremony at Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union. Valdez’s team left for Xiamen, Fujian province, on April 28 aboard three identical balangays.
WATCH : Balangay sailboats arrive at Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union. pic.twitter.com/fGdhWMiCg2
— Dagupan Stories (@dagupanstories) May 18, 2018
The expedition commemorated the 1417 voyage of Sulu Sultan Paduka Pahala, who paid tribute to the Yongle Emperor, but later died in in Shandong. —JOVIC YEE