Bigiw-Bugsay: 3 Years of Upholding Traditional Sailing Culture

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A five-day expedition followed by a regatta was held in several areas hemming in the Tanon Strait in the Central Visayas to honor the traditional culture and heritage of seafarers and navigators who use dugout canoes called Bigiw.  

Since the first Bigiw-Bugsay event was staged in 2016, a growing number of fisherfolk have joined the regatta. This year, over 60 participants registered for the youth, women and men’s Bigiw paddling and sailing races. 

The regatta was held at the Seaside Park in Moalboal last 22 April. To make its 3^rd year more exciting, the organizing group Island Buzz Philippines, a water sports company which aims to promote the use of non-motorized watercraft to protect the environment while reviving islander cultural lifestyles, embarked on a Bigiw expedition from 16 to 20 April, featuring 3 Bigiw sailors led by Buzzy Budlong, a renowned Visayan paddler who holds the record for paddling 3025 kilometers from south to north of the Philippines in 88 days.

The other two Bigiw sailors are Gary Neil Benedicto, a longboarding skater champion and Panie Lagon, a lifeguard and fisherman from Moalboal.

During the expedition, the group conducted free Bigiw paddling and sailing clinics for locals. 

Oceana Philippines, the world’s largest nonprofit solely dedicated to marine conservation, joined the clinics to give environmental lectures. “We support Island Buzz Philippines in promoting fibreglass boats which use wind and paddle power. Fibreglass is not only lightweight – it frees fishers from relying on our thinning forests to build and repair boats. Sails harness the wind so fishers need not rely on dirty fossil-fuels,” says Oceana Philippines Director for Communications Gregg Yan. Oceana also distributed primers on the country’s Amended Fisheries Code to better help local fishers in protecting their home coasts.

The expedition and Bigiw clinics covered a number of municipalities, including Bindoy, Manjuyod, Tanjay and Amlan before heading back to Moalboal for the Bigiw regatta and the launch of the ‘Hybrid Bigiw’ – an innovative sailing canoe which is more compact, lightweight and efficient than currently-used designs. Most importantly, the watercraft is environmentally-friendly as making one will not be at the expense of a tree. 

Some Bigiw canoes can still be found along the Tanon Strait, being used by fisherfolk from both Cebu and Negros. Some can also be found in Samar and Leyte. However, because more fishermen are inclined towards motorized boats, the design and most especially the skill of paddling and sailing these Bigiws might be lost in the future.  

Concludes Buzzy Budlong, “We don’t want this to happen. We shall continue with our advocacy of promoting the Bigiw and we will keep on improving its design without losing the local touch. With the help of our sponsors, supporting local government units and the Department of Tourism Region-7, the use of the Bigiw, its pointed and slim hull, triangular sail, plus traditional methods of navigating can be passed on for generations to come, as a source of pride and most especially as a lifestyle.”

IPC’s Timekeeping, Payroll App is now TRAIN Law-ready

Wazzup Pilipinas!

IPC PayCheck, a timekeeping and payroll solution with add-on HR features offered by local cloud solutions pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) has adjusted its system to reflect the new tax computations under the recently-approved Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. The latter is the government’s program that seeks to provide a fairer and simpler tax system for Filipinos.

IPC PayCheck is a convenient HR tool that streamlines and automates the management of employees through a digital means of timekeeping, leave filing, and compensation and benefits computations. The system also helps eliminate errors and speed up the completion of tasks, freeing more time for other vital activities like employee engagement and training, as well as other core business processes. IPC PayCheck looks to improve its features according to market feedback and needs of the times.

“IPC PayCheck is a productivity suite of scalable payroll and timekeeping solutions that help HR employees perform their work, easily and accurately.” says IPC Chief Operating Officer, Dave R. de Leon.

“It’s apt for any organization -- from startups, to small-and-medium-sized businesses, and even large enterprises who are looking for a digital approach to carry out manual, repetitive tasks in no time, and one that will allow them to focus on vital tasks that will help the company grow further,” adds de Leon.

IPC PayCheck’s clientele is expanding as more and more companies shift from on-premise to cloud-based HRIS (Human Resource Information System). This is due to businesses’ increasing interest in innovation and cost-reduction efforts.

Aside from personal income, the TRAIN law or Republic Act 10963 decreases the tax on estate, and donations, while increasing the excise tax on certain products such as petroleum, automobiles, sweetened beverages, and cigarettes; as well as non-essential services like invasive cosmetic procedures. The law took effect early this year.

Discover the Other Side of Japan with Mastercard

Wazzup Pilipinas!

From its rich history and breathtaking landscapes to its unique and delectable cuisine, Japan is a dynamic country with so much to offer. But there’s more to this exciting Asian destination than its famous and frequented capital of Tokyo, and with Mastercard, you can fully experience the different sides of Japan. Tailor your itinerary to suit your ideal Japan vacation by letting Mastercard show you what makes each city unique.

The delectable flavors of Osaka. Elevate your dining experience with exclusive offers on bookings in the city’s most sought after restaurants. Mastercard partners with online booking service Voyagin, so you can wine and dine like a VIP in the food haven that is Osaka.

Apart from captivating historical structures, Nagoya is also home to a world-class that is worth a trip for both kids and parents, LEGOLAND. Make sure to plan a full day here because there are over 40 rides, numerous shows and themed attractions, 17 million LEGO bricks, and 10,000 LEGO models for everyone in the family to experience.

Mastercard cardholders can enjoy a special offer of JPY200 off on admission tickets. So, be sure to put LEGOLAND on your itinerary for a one-of-a-kind family bonding experience.

The third largest city in Japan is home to more than 90 Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, the 3-Michelin-star restaurant Hajime is where you’ll get to delight in the best French dishes in Japan created by Chef Hajime Yoneda who is dubbed by Le Chef magazine as one of the best representative chefs in the world.

For the best seafood, 2-Michelin-star Sushi Harasho serves the finest sushi in all of Japan. Sushi Harasho is also known for having only eight seats, but with Mastercard, you can enjoy the quiet and elegant atmosphere of one of the most popular sushi restaurants in Japan.

Osaka Cuisine ASAI, on the other hand, offers an authentic taste of traditional Japanese cuisine. Choose from over 150 dishes, which change according to season, and are specially created by the chef. 3-Michelin-star restaurant Kashiwaya is where you will be able to experience classical Japanese kaiseki (multicourse) cuisine and relax in your very own private tea room.

The breathtaking sights of Nagoya. Though renowned for its industrial core, Nagoya also boasts of beautiful parks, fantastic museums, and of course, the Nagoya Castle. The original structure was built between 1610 and 1614 by the Tokugawa family, and today’s replica is where you’ll find treasures, an armor collection, and histories of the Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa families.

The winter getaway in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is famous for being a skier’s paradise with its blanket of snow covering wide, open spaces. However, its hot springs and elegant Ryokan hotels make it a favorite choice among travelers who are looking for a relaxing getaway as well. 

For a world-class skiing experience, Hokkaido’s Niseko Village reigns as the number one choice with its 800 skiable hectares, soft and light powdery snow, ski schools, beginner slopes and the more advanced ones like black diamonds. While you’re on a snowcapped getaway, experience authentic Japanese hospitality in the Ryokan Collection – an exquisite chain of luxury ryokans or traditional Japanese inns, which provides lavish meals and a private onsen (Japanese bath).

Mastercard gives you access to exclusive experiences like in-house personal masseuses and offers like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades in other hotels in Japan.

Hokkaido is a place where you can also give yourself a well-deserved dose of retail therapy in Japan’s premium outlet malls, where you’ll find extensive selections of local and international brands across categories like fashion, gadgets, home, and luxury goods. If you’re looking for a great place to start head to one of the Mitsui Outlet Parks spread all over Japan, like Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitohiroshima.  Mastercard rewards your shopping experience in the Mitsui Outlets with up to 10% discounts.

There are numerous ways you can experience every corner of Japan, and Mastercard enriches your travels with offers to suit and elevate your vacation plans. Plan your trip to Japan with Mastercard and unlock the various ways you can make your travels more fulfilling.