The Romance of the Sulu Seas - the Vinta
January 11, 2009
The southern part of the Philippines is popular with many foreigners for the wrong reason. The current military movements in the area has overshadowed the beauty of the place and many tourists are afraid to visit Mindanao.
The truth is, Mindanao is probably the most captivating of all the major islands in the country, well for me atleast. Here, you will sea the ocean everywhere you turn and this for me is beauty in itself. Early in the morning and during the rest of the day, one gazing out to the sea will definitely be amazed at the colorful sailboats that the Sulu Seas are famous of - the Vinta.
Perhaps you’ve seen one of those sunset pictures of the Philippines with sailboats looming the distance. The term “vinta” is basically the term used by the martime people in the southern archipelago. Locally, it is more commonly known as “lepa-lepa” or “sakayan”. If you want to see a fleet of vintas, then travel to philippines. And, there’s only one place to visit - Zamboanga!
The photo you see above is not of a real vinta, but it is nonetheless magnificent. It suggests peace and harmony - things which the Philippines needs right now.
