BIO

I am PO2 Ridgely M. Balladares, PN (Ret), a retired Philippine Navy Petty Officer whose passion for the sea continues to guide my life. After years of service in the Navy, I decided to share my maritime knowledge through sailing education and community development. I founded the "I PHILSAILing" program to help develop Basic Sailing Instructors and improve Coach Boat Handling skills across the region. My goal is to raise the standard of sailing instruction and inspire more Filipinos to discover the joy and discipline of sailing. I have proudly represented the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games from 1995 up to the present, competing in various sailing classes. My sailing journey began with the Mirror Dinghy, where I raced in the World Championship, and continued through the 470 Class, Hobie 16 Class, and FE28R keelboat regattas. I also had the honor of competing in the FE28R World Championship in China and the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on a TP52. These experiences strengthened my passion for teamwork, seamanship, and sportsmanship. Today, as part of the World Sailing Scholarship Training Program, I continue to learn, share, and report to the Philippine Sailing Association. Sailing has shaped my life, and I am committed to using it as a platform to teach, inspire, and serve others.