MANILA, Philippines - The third balangay, Sama Tawi Tawi, has sailed off from Butuan City to rendezvous with two other balangays docked in Zamboanga City. The three boats, built to resemble the ancient wooden balangay used by Filipino ancestors, will then embark on a voyage around South East Asia together.

Balangay Sama Tawi Tawi sailing off. Credit: Sato Raypon, Butuan Crew of Balangay Voyage

Sama Tawi Tawi was finished last week but was not able to sail on July 16 as scheduled after oil leaked from its engine tank.

The third balangay was named after the person who crafted the first balangay, Sama Tawi Tawi.

It will serve as communication center and will extend aid should something happen to the expedition team on board the two other balangays, Diwata ng Lahi and Masawa Hong Butuan.

"We're building this boat as an escort. And we're fixing the sail because kung magkaproblema man 'yan, lalayag naman ito," said voyage leader Art Valdez of Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation.

Balangay Sama Tawi Tawi: Ready for a voyage around South East Asia. Credit: Sato Raypon, Butuan Crew of Balangay Voyage

Unlike the other two balangays, Sama Tawi Tawi is more sturdy. It is also bigger at 75 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 10 feet high.

Diwata ng Lahi and Masawa Hong Butuan have already journeyed around the country so the expedition team thought of sailing to South East Asia this time with Sama Tawi Tawi in August.

"By sailing on an ancient boat like the Diwata ng Lahi and Masawa Hong Butuan, then we show that we are confident that the sea is part of our natural environment. The purpose of this is to stir our maritime consciousness," explained Valdez.

The expedition is expected to return to the Philippines in December. -- Report from Rodge Cultura, ABS-CBN News