Orchid Island's traditional paddle boat "Golden Friendship" sets sail for Bataan Island in the Philippines

Traditional rituals are performed on the shore. (Provided by Maraos)

At 9 o'clock this morning, Orchid Island's traditional paddle boat "Ovayan Golden Friendship", which had been idle for several days, was finally launched and sailed to Bataan Island in the Philippines. Due to the high degree of intermarriage and the same language between Orchid Island and Bataan, there have been frequent sea trips back and forth for thousands of years, until it came to an abrupt end 300 years ago. Nowadays, the traditional way of rowing back and forth by human power is of special significance to the Orchid Island people. Half a year after the exhibition of this paddle boat in Batan Island, it is hoped that the Batane Island tribe will row it back by human power.

Originally, the ceremony was to be held on the 9th and the boat was about to launch, but the wind and rain were strong at that time, so the departure was rescheduled today. Although the sea surface of Orchid Island is not calm now, it is much calmer than the previous few days. Maraos, the chairman of the Yuanwen Association, who is also an Orchid Island tribesman, said that the sea becomes calmer as we go towards the Philippines. It is expected to arrive at Mahatao Port in Batanes Islands, Philippines at 6 o'clock tomorrow evening. The crew will take the yacht back to Orchid Island two days later.

With the support of the Aboriginal Association and the Aboriginal Association, six tribes and more than 200 people worked together to build this large 20-person paddle boat. It is about 12 meters long. A total of 60 paddlers take turns rowing. When they arrive in Bataan, they will communicate with the locals and participate in local festivals.

Maraos said that after it is expected to be exhibited locally for half a year, he hopes that the Bataan people will return it to Orchid Island next year. Friendship belongs to both parties, and the "Ovayan Golden Friendship" is also everyone's property. He hopes that such activities can continue.

The paddlers took turns rowing, and the large paddle boat sailed towards Bataan. (Provided by Maraos)

Traditional rituals are performed on the shore. (Provided by Maraos)

The paddlers took turns rowing, and the large paddle boat sailed towards Bataan. (Provided by Maraos)