Monday, June 10, 2013

2nd Zambales Dragon Boat Festival

The 2nd Zambales Dragon Boat Festival was held last April 13-14, 2013 in Uacon Lake, Candelaria, Zambales. It was two years ago when the 1st Zambales Dragon Boat Festival was held with twelve dragon boat teams competed for the event. This year, different teams from the country competed for the 2-day event which was hosted by the local government of Zambales. 
  

The 1st day of the 2-day event started with 400m open, mixed and women's categories while on the 2nd day it was for a shorter distance of 250m with the same categories. My team Onslaught Racing Dragons participated in both Open and Women's Categories.   


It was my first time to attend the festival in the province because I was not yet a paddler when the 1st edition of the Festival was held. I just started paddling last January (that's barely less than 4 months). It was such a great experience for my first out of town race. New places and new experiences to cherish. Also, to mingle with my team mates and fellow paddlers from the other teams. Experiences that can never be bought.  

With my team mates: Mylovelle, Lovely and Rose

Having some jump shot!

Now sharing some pictures while during the race. I was the 3rd man on the Bow Side (left-side of the boat). Onslaught Racing Dragons (ORDs) on the 4th lane competing with Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard, 3rd and 2nd lane respectively. The heat was a race for the finals slots: first two to finals. The heat was loudly cheered by the crowd as if it was the final race of the event. 






Chilling with Rose, our drummer.
At the end of the 2-day event, we landed at the semis (both open and women). I am proud to say that most of the paddlers on our boat were newbies who only started paddling few months ago. This was also a great preparation for our team for the upcoming International Dragon Boat Race to be held in Bohol.

With my ORDs Family