Philippine Navy: Philippines Guam Day
Everyone looks extra sharp in our whites because today marks the first official activity of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) in the Philippine territory. Dressed with our snappiest uniforms paired with a renewed Filipino pride and an unconcealed excitement of being home, we “manned the rails” to participate in the “Sail Past” tradition rendered by the local government of Casiguran, Aurora. By the way, “Manning the Rails” is a naval custom and tradition wherein the entire crew of a naval vessel stand one-arms-length facing the sea, behind the railings on the sides of the ship. This tradition is usually done to give honors or respect when passing another naval vessel, a significant establishment such as naval bases or government houses, or memorial sites.
In my seven years of service to the Navy, this is the first time for me to witness a “Sail Past” tradition. It is a welcoming gesture rendered while still at sea by small fishing boats and commercial crafts. The procedure is not complicated at all. To celebrate our arrival, about two dozen small boats dressed with prints and streamers encircled us while flying welcoming banners on their flagstaffs. It was indeed a very moving ceremony, particularly to us who just came from a long voyage in the high seas.
Obviously, they prepared so much for the warm gesture they put together just to welcome us. Our “kababayans” were very excited to see us! Everyone aboard the small fishing boats showed their warmth by waving small Philippine flags! Out of appreciation, we removed our hats and in return we waved back to the cheering crowd on the boats.
Suddenly, there was a Navy Islander that flew by. I believe it was flying low above us not just to welcome us too but also to take good aerial shots and footages as part of the documentation of our journey. Whatever the reason may be, it is still so refreshing for all of us aboard to see another naval asset not from any other foreign Navy but from our very own. We are really back home. It is hitting us all, no doubt.
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In my seven years of service to the Navy, this is the first time for me to witness a “Sail Past” tradition. It is a welcoming gesture rendered while still at sea by small fishing boats and commercial crafts. The procedure is not complicated at all. To celebrate our arrival, about two dozen small boats dressed with prints and streamers encircled us while flying welcoming banners on their flagstaffs. It was indeed a very moving ceremony, particularly to us who just came from a long voyage in the high seas.
Obviously, they prepared so much for the warm gesture they put together just to welcome us. Our “kababayans” were very excited to see us! Everyone aboard the small fishing boats showed their warmth by waving small Philippine flags! Out of appreciation, we removed our hats and in return we waved back to the cheering crowd on the boats.
Suddenly, there was a Navy Islander that flew by. I believe it was flying low above us not just to welcome us too but also to take good aerial shots and footages as part of the documentation of our journey. Whatever the reason may be, it is still so refreshing for all of us aboard to see another naval asset not from any other foreign Navy but from our very own. We are really back home. It is hitting us all, no doubt.
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