Imaginecrossing the great Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii to the Philippines, in aself-made 24-foot sailboat, powered only by two 25 horsepower outboardmotors and a canvass sail. That is probably more than a bolddream. In fact, it is not unusual for others to call it a crazyambition.

Poweredby two 25-horse power motors and a canvass sail, Florentino Dassucessfully navigated the Pacific Ocean in 1955-1956, sailing fromHonolulu to the Philippines. (Photo: Philippine Consulate General-Honolulu)

Butthat is exactly what Florentino Das did.  Without the aid ofvoyaging instruments, and guided only by the stars, Florentino Das leftKewalo Basin in May 1955 and reached Siargao, Mindanao, Philippines inApril 1956. He withstood six typhoons and had to stop and repairhis boat several times in some islands along the way. Reaching thePhilippines, he was received by no less than then Philippine PresidentRamon Magsaysay. According to Das, he did this feat todemonstrate the unwavering Filipino will and spirit.

On May 14, 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Kewalo Basin, the 50^thanniversary of the completion of Florentino Das solo voyage will becelebrated.  The commemoration will include the unveiling of amarker with a plaque honoring Das. Open to the public, the eventis jointly sponsored by the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission,the Congress of Visayan Organizations, and Hawaii Community DevelopmentAuthority.