A wet welcome from host town, Ubay, met the joint Singaporean and Filipino kayak expedition team. The adventurists proved that Ubay waters is feasible for kayak adventures, reports information officer Virgie Dupa. Navigating and maneuvering their agile fiberglass kayaks, the team doubled up on their efforts as they came in with a super typhoon Pepeng brewing unpredictable gusts causing high swells and treacherous waves. But even then, the team pushed on in attempts to instill to the local communities the feasibility of an eco-friendly adventure truly suitable for eco-tourism in kayaking, especially in the waters off Ubay, Dupa shared. Paddling colorful fiberglass boats, the rowers, all expert paddlers took on to the challenge and then also to complete a segment of the ambitious paddle from Singapore to Ilocos Norte of the Philippines ; the Ubay Bohol leg. Based on the letter coming from Governor Erico Aumentado, addressed to Mayor Eutiquio Bernales, the organizers of the project requested the assistance and support of the provincial government upon the entry of the team until the time of their departure. Mayor Bernales ensured the safety of the expedition team, extended the necessary assistance and warm accommodation during their stay.

The expedition team rested overnight and on the following day of Oct. 2 they proceeded to Talibon as their next destination. Bernales and Ubay representatives welcomed the team led by foremost Singaporean adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow and Filipino Erwin Budlong of Habagat outdoor outfitters and their crew. The project is also in line with the continuing Adventure Philippine Campaign with the Department of Tourism's Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation in partnership with privately owned Singaporean Recreational Outdoor Exchange, Chiow explained. Said to the very first traverse adventure of the entire Philippine Archipelago via a kayak, the foremost aim is to establish a veritable 3,300 kilometer kayak route from southern Mindanao to the northernmost tip of Luzon , organizers said. Now truly tested and proven feasible, it may not be too long before locals could start off ventures as kayak outfitters or tour operators while helping spread the Bohol doctrine of eco-friendly tourism. (PIA)