Firefly360's Blog
A Collection of Published 360VR Articles and Personal JournalsArchive for sailing
Aboard the Galleon Andalucia
Author’s Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 1.7Mb each.
Ropes, a lot of ropes! That was the first thing I noticed when I first came aboard the 17th Century replica of the Galleon Andalucia on her Manila visit. Docked at Pier 13 just behind the Manila Hotel, the galleon is open for public viewing until the 9th of October; after which, she sails to Cebu and Bohol, taking the route of her ancestors from a golden bygone era.
“Would you like to go up?” referring to the crow’s nest at the main mast of the galleon, asked Miguel, the press officer cum chronicler cum sailor of the Andalucia. At first I thought he was kidding, but after a few seconds of finding no hints of triviality, I responded with “…and I thought you’ll never ask!”
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Maiden Voyage of the Balangay
Author’s Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.2Mb each.
I found myself in Erik Lacson’s car speeding towards Sangley Point, Cavite City on an impromptu decision that day after seeing the balangay off in CCP grounds for the start of its maiden voyage. It was a decision that I never regretted.
The weather that morning was radiantly sunny like the day before. The sky was in a deepest blue, and crystal clear. A slight breeze was coming from the west and temperature was on a steady increase as we approached mid day.
When I arrived on the site, a sizable crowd and well-wishers from sponsors and supporters were already gathered. The sent-off ceremony was brief and simple; highlighted by a few speeches and a prayer for safe voyage.
ARC Gloria in Manila
Author’s Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.0Mb each.
The Colombian naval training ship, ARC Gloria visited the Philippines from July 31 to August 2, 2009. Docked at Pier 13 of the South Harbor, the ship promotes international goodwill between Colombia and other countries.
The ship’s crew is composed mostly of cadets and under the command of Captain Luis Jorge Tovar Neira.
Construction of the ship started in April 1967 and was undertaken by Spanish Naval Construction Company of Bilbao. The three-mast brigantine sailing vessel was completed in September 1968.
