(L-R): Albert Altura, Chairman, Ocean Racing Club Philippines; Pip Hare, Ocean Racer and Vendée Globe sailor; Maria Theresa Marcial, President & CEO, BPI Wealth; Zedrik Avecilla, Managing Director, Subic Sailing Club & Lighthouse Legacy Foundation; and Monchu Garcia, Director, Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation.
Raw Honey, skippered by James Villareal, emerged as the Overall Champion of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series (SYRS) Season 3. Capping a season of competitive sailing across some of the Philippines’ most spectacular waters, the announcement headlined the launch of Season 4, which carries the theme “Legacy of the Seas” and reinforces the series’ commitment to advancing Philippine sailing, promoting the country as a world-class sailing destination, and supporting marine conservation.
Raw Honey capped the season with multiple wins, including first place in the IRC Class at the BPI Subic Regatta. Other standout teams also delivered notable performances across the season’s race legs. Papaya, skippered by Renie Ticzon, won the Cruising Class in both the BPI Busuanga Cup and BPI Subic Regatta, while Estelita Del Mar, skippered by Andy Aguila, topped the Ocean Multihull class winning both the BPI Corregidor Cup and BPI Subic Regatta.
The launch also marked the start of Season 4, which will bring sailors to some of the Philippines’ premier sailing destinations: Corregidor, Subic, Boracay, and Busuanga. Anchored on “Legacy of the Seas,” the new season builds on the series’ competitive spirit and community while underscoring a shared commitment to sustaining Philippine sailing and protecting the marine environments on which it depends.
“For us, sailing has always been about more than the race itself. It brings people together through a shared passion, challenges us to push our limits, and reminds us of our responsibility to protect the waters that make these experiences possible,” said Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth. “With ‘Legacy of the Seas,’ we want to build on that connection and inspire our community to help shape a future where both Philippine sailing and our marine ecosystems can thrive.”
British offshore sailor and Vendée Globe finisher Pip Hare also joined the launch to share lessons from completing the solo, non-stop race around the world. Drawing on her experience at sea, Hare discussed the resilience, adaptability, and sound decision-making needed to navigate demanding conditions — qualities that also help people manage uncertainty, overcome challenges, and stay focused on long-term goals.
Beyond the competition, the ocean remains central to the story of “Legacy of the Seas.” The Philippines’ marine ecosystems support extraordinary biodiversity and sustain coastal communities, making their protection essential to the country’s natural heritage and future. Through the series, BPI Private Wealth continues its partnership with WWF-Philippines to champion marine conservation, raise awareness, and encourage collective action to protect the country’s waters.
This commitment reflects BPI’s broader “Do More Philippines” aspiration: turning a shared appreciation for the country’s natural resources into meaningful action to preserve them for future generations.
