A group of twenty indigenous Tao men have embarked on a remarkable 100-nautical-mile journey, paddling a traditional hand-carved boat from Taiwan’s Orchid Island toward the Philippines. This ambitious expedition, the first of its kind in three centuries, aims to reconnect the Tao people with their ancestral kin in the Batanes islands. The vessel, a massive 12-metre version of the traditional tatala known as the "Golden Friendship," represents more than just a feat of engineering; for the crew, it is a spiritual bridge to their history and a way to honor the legacy of those who navigated these waters long ago.

While the tatala was historically a vital tool for survival and fishing, this modern voyage seeks to transcend its functional roots to foster deeper cultural exchanges. Organizers hope that by tracing this ancient sea route, they can revitalize maritime ties between the two communities and eventually inspire the Ivatan people to return the journey to Taiwan. As the crew braves the waves of the Bashi Channel, they carry with them the hopes of their community, aiming to transform a vessel once used for local trade into a global symbol of heritage and unity.