Bigiw is a Samal-Kagayanen word for a needlefish. A long and narrow-jawed fish that can jump out of the water up to 30 knots when spooked or excited. The spear-like projectile are feared by night fishermen on outriggers because they are also get attracted to artificial light.
Like any other bangka with prows designed after sea creatures, this unique outrigger canoe has the same features as a needlefish at the bow and stern. There are no flat decks at both ends; instead, it has an open cockpit located in the middle third of its overall length.
Bigiws can slice through waves and ride on following seas with minimal risk of swamping. The bottom half of the hull is made from a dug-out log, while the hull sides are constructed from 5mm thick marine plywood. The outriggers and sailing rig are crafted from bamboo. Crab Claw or Sprit (Banog Pindang) sails are used. Bigiws are often sailed single-handedly and steered with a paddle.
Bigiw boatbuilding is still practiced on Samal Island, but only a few exist. I haven’t found similar designs in other parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, except for the one displayed at the Bohol museum.
The Bigiw with Tanja sails features an optimized hull designed for no-frills cruising and weekend camping. Its 16-foot hull form, light weight, and two-person capacity make it well-suited for practical adventures on coastal waters.
As of August 2025, I am constructing a 16-foot Bigiw sailing outrigger boat kit, utilizing CNC-cut panels fabricated from 6 mm thick Santa Clara marine-grade plywood. The vessel will be assembled using the stitch-and-glue method.”
Sailing around Davao Gulf 