Retracing the course of Philippine history to showcase the Manila's longstanding maritime ties with Beijing—that’s the message of the 35 people who completed a voyage to China and back aboard three balangays.

• LOOK: 3 balangays return to PH from China expedition

Expedition leader Arturo Valdez said they made the journey to also show how the waters should unite the two countries instead of dividing them.

“These waters unified us, never divided us. And having an ancient boat sailing to China symbolizes the thousands of years of relations,” he said.

Valdez added that the Philippine government should shift its focus to developing the country's maritime capabilities and further enrich our marine resources.