Notes

A balangay, also known as the Butuan boat, is a remarkable type of watercraft that holds a significant place in Philippine history. These boats were constructed by joining planks edge-to-edge using pins, dowels, and fiber lashings. Here’s what you need to know about balangays:

Purpose and Use:
Balangays were primarily used for trading and transportation. They served as essential vessels for maritime commerce and connectivity among different islands in the Philippines.
These boats were large enough to accommodate 60 to 90 people and were capable of carrying cargo.
The balangay’s versatility allowed it to navigate both coastal waters and open seas.
Historical Significance:
The oldest known balangays are the Butuan boats, carbon-dated to around 320 AD. These ancient watercraft were excavated from several sites in Butuan, Agusan del Norte.
The Butuan balangays are considered the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia.
They provide valuable insights into the maritime heritage and seafaring capabilities of early Filipinos.
European Encounter:
The Venetian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan during his voyage to the Philippines in 1521, referred to native boats as “balangai” or “balanghai”.
The term “barangay” (with the same meaning) appears in all major languages of the Philippines.
Over time, due to Spanish influence, the pronunciation shifted from “ba-la-ngay” to the modern “ba-rang-gay”.
Cultural Celebrations:
Balangays are celebrated annually during the Balanghai Festival in Butuan.
Despite historical inaccuracies in some modern replicas, the balangay remains a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and seafaring heritage.
In summary, the balangay played a crucial role in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and exploring the vast archipelago of the Philippines.