Things You Need to Know

The Golden Balangay Awards

The Golden Balangay Awards is a nationwide search for outstanding Filipino Canadians. The Golden Balangay Awards is the first of its kind to be launched in partnership with a service provider with the technology expertise in awards and recognition solutions.

The Awards Purpose

The name “Golden Balangay” was chosen so that the future generations of Filipinos will recognize the invaluable contribution of their forefathers in shaping the country’s maritime tradition and in passing on the values of solidarity, harmony, determination, courage and bravery.

The Judging Process

Judging is done online. Qualified nominations are allocated to the panel of judges to review and judge according to a defined set of criterias and its weighted percentage. The judging portal is a web-based tool with embedded scoring and judging algorithm that allows judges to navigate and
perform their judging/scoring tasks.

The Journey

Ang Paglalayag...

The Origin and History of Balangay

What is a 'Balangay'?

The balangay is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines. It was the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia and is evidence of early Filipino craftsmanship and their seamanship skills during pre-colonial times. The name barangay originated from balangay, the Austronesian word for sailboat. It was one of the first native words the Spaniards learned in the Philippines when they arrived in the 16th century. They found the Filipinos living in well-organized independent villages called ‘barangay’. The balangays of Butuan was declared as National Cultural Treasures by then Philippine President Corazon Aquino. It was also declared as the National Boat of the Philippines by the House Committee on Revisions of Laws.

Their Passion and Inspiration

The Founders

In moments and occasions like this, where integrity is the focal point of trust that the awards are given to the right people, knowing the founders and who they are sealed the fate of any awarding ceremonies ever conducted and created. 150 + Nominees dropping down to 90 + and down to three each category, it manifests sincerity, hard work, transparency and integrity as cornerstone to this undertaking before we can call it ‘prestigious’. Both Ronnie Dela Gana and Jovy Favila successfully laid that foundation to build the first serious award giving body and to be prestigious at that ever created in Canada. – Li Eron

When We Started

The Launch

It was the perfect time to celebrate our journey, our community and show pride for our contributions and winning moments. As part of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian confederation, Golden Balangay Awards launched and celebrated its first Awards Night. The first nationwide search for outstanding Filipino Canadians – from all ages and from all walks of life.

A Tribute

GBA 2020 Unsung Heroes

Celebrate with Us!

Events & Awards Night

Thank You

Sponsors & Partners