Boatmaster Building and Storytelling of Philippine Culture

Look carefully as Boatmaster Florentino carves the tataya and fallowa boat from a local tree called Palomaria. The tree fibers prevent water from coming into the boat. Its design also makes it difficult to sink. “The boat looks like a fish with a wide head and narrow tail,” Florentino explains. “It takes a lot to sink it.” The boats dance playfully in the waters and withstand challenge and change. Florentino shares with you, Marissa and Jordan, “The boats are like the Filipino people, resilient and flexible, as they have navigated through the seas of change and the influx of diverse people.”