Getting A Beautiful Lover Wet Part 1

Karlon Rama of Sunstar Daily Cebu, Atty. Butch Cañares, Atty. Jade Ponce and I sailed off towards Tagbilaran, Bohol last friday upon the invitation of Andy Smith. We've been anticipating this trip for weeks, we've laid out all our plans. After all, it's been months since the four of us got out of our daily routines.

"It is time to get the Beautiful Lover wet" said Andy. Getting her wet was definitely in the iterinary.

In another text message he sent us he said "Catering at launch for about 70 people. Fondue dinner party Saturday evening and picnics and sandwiches on boats over the weekend. Guess who's doing all that?", top that with an all-expense paid stay in Panglao Island. Who could resist such an invitation?

We finally arrived in Libaong Beach in Panglao, and there she was in all her glory. We could not resist but be amazed with her beauty, her perfect curves and how the sun shines upon her. Indeed, she should get wet. We looked at each other and with guileful smiles we seemed to agree that everything was going as planned.

Our host soon greeted us and introduced us to this Beautiful Lover's owner Richard Jones and Martin of Hyde Sails. We said our customary "hellos" and "how are you?" and talked about her beauty and how she compared to anything else. We will know soon enough. "It is time", Richard exclaims.

Richard, accompanied by two female companions, goes up to her and opens a bottle of champagne. He then hands it to one his female companions, who then drowses her with the bubbly drink. The Beautiful Lover is ready.



The 30-foot custom-built Catamaran was built by Junction Boatworks and named "Magandang Cariad", a play of words from two languages (Filipino and Welsh). Literally meaning "Beautiful Lover", was launched in Libaong Beach, Panglao Island. After the formal ceremonies, Richard left the crowd to board her and spent a good hour in what seemed a spiritual moment between boat and skipper.

Marine Engineer Richard Jones was born in Wales, but spends a considerable amount of time in the Philippines. The Magandang Cariad is his third boat.

We were sooned motioned by Richard to come on board as the Magandang Cariad was about to sail to Alona Beach, which was on the other side of Panglao Island. Without hesitation, we boarded her and soon enough did we sail using the boat's engine.

The evening was just as wonderful, a fondue dinner, great wine, wonderful company and british comedy.

Late in the morning Saturday we were on board on another Junction Boatworks masterpiece, a utility powerboat christened "Denja". Yes it was ironic that I had to feel safe in a 40 horsepower engine called "Denja" and No, it wasn't a play of words but it was taken from the names of Andy Smith's parents. And so we sailed off.


With Butch as skipper, he knew that I had to take pictures of the Magandang Cariad in the open sea. Easy he went as I tried to hold on to my gear, hoping to keep it away from the water. We approached the Tiki 30 from it's port side, Butch throttled down and I brought out my camera. The Magandang Cariad unfurled its sails and turned off it's engine. With less than 20 meters distance between the two boats, I started clicking away. As if it was coordinated routine, Butch went around the Tiki 30, as I tried to take pictures of it's every angle.

I was satisfied with the number of shots I got and gave Butch the thumbs up. I packed my gear and Butch gave the boat a good throttle to our new destination, Balicasag Island.