Uacon Lake: Candelaria, Zambales

Uacon Lake was chosen as a venue for the Zambales Dragon Boat Festival. No doubt, it's one of the many beautiful tourist spots of the province for it was adjudged as the cleanest and greenest inland body of water in the region. It has a total of 112-hectare fresh water. 

I guess the local government was well-prepared for the event. I am as well amazed how they keep the lake clean. Maybe because the lake is also a source of income of the locals.  It is really unpolluted as I've seen some fish and jelly fish while on the boat during the race!

Off course, I wouldn't allow myself not to take any pictures on this wonderful and memorable lake that I have just visited. Here you go!

Taking picture with Uacon Lake on the background.

Locals was there to watch the two-day festival. It was great seeing those locals watching the festival and cheering us paddlers. Good thing the weather was cloudy during the race and it did not rain so the lake was flat and great enough for dragon boat paddling.

Now sharing some shots on our boat as we paddle going to the starting line. Can you see me?! 

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