Young Filipinos take voyage of heritage and faith

Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje goes to Cebu

Participants and organizers of Viaje del Galeon.

IT WAS both a voyage of faith and heritage for 300 youthful souls who joined the Viaje del Galeón, Oct. 8-11, as part of the Dia del Galeón (Day of the Galleon) celebrations.


Dia del Galeón, of course, was the first international commemoration of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade that flourished from 1565 to 1815. The celebration was organized by Spain, Mexico and the Philippines.

The youth cruise was notable since the image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) of Antipolo accompanied it. It was the first time for the icon to set sail again after 200 years.


“What you love, you bring along with you,” Msgr. Rigoberto de Guzman, director of the Antipolo Shrine, said in his homily for the opening Mass, referring to the centuries-old Antipolo image. The Mass was held on board SuperFerry 20.
De Guzman underscored that the devotion to the Marian image was one of the most significant legacies of the galleon trade. He also stressed that, to date, the Philippines had remained a “bastion of faith.”

Youth cruise marks international Day of the Galleon

MANILA, Sept. 20, 2010—Young people here and abroad are taking a cruise dubbed as “Viaje del Galeón,” on Oct. 8–11, to mark the climax of country’s participation in the first ever international commemoration of the “Día del Galeón” (Day of the Galleon).

Over 300 youth delegates from the Philippines and other countries are expected to board Super Ferry 20, Aboitiz Transport System Corporation’s latest acquisition, to participate in the event. Aboitiz is the main sponsor of the event.

Official logo of Dia del Galeon.

Under the supervision of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the four-day cruise from Manila to Cebu will feature lectures and interactive events, grounding on Filipino culture and the effects of the centuries-old Galleon trade to the Filipinos.

Highlights of the event include a procession of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, cultural exhibits and presentations, and the “Gabii sa Kapilin,” a night heritage tour in Cebu. The awarding ceremonies for the national essay writing, oratorical, and declamation contests in relation with “Día del Galeón” will also be held onboard the ship.