PDBF Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Race 2014

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Race 2014 kicks off! It is the first dragon boat race of the year and paddlers were all excited as the new season of dragon boat racing starts. It was originally scheduled on the 2nd day of February but it was moved last Sunday, February 9, 2014 giving more ample time for the competing teams to prepare for the event. The event started with the Chinese traditions like Dragon and Lion Dance, burning of incense sticks and the like. It was fun to experience how Chinese celebrate new year. 

Seventeen teams were there to compete for the event. High-spirited and well-motivated teams gathered together aiming to bring home the bacon. 

Cool Down!

In between heats, off course we also got time to bond with other members of the team. I also have the time to meet my friends from other teams, do some chats with them. Is it not great that even if we were from different teams and competing each other, we were still able to create friendship? That's the spirit of sportsmanship. 

Chilling with Jay, Gio, Jerumel, Jamang, Jordan and Louis

With James Santos of Triton

Waiting for Final Race of the Day!

Our Opens Crew was able to survive until the final race of the day. Having reached the finals is another new achievement again for my team, Onslaught Racing Dragons. I am as well equally proud to our Women's and Mixed Crew, who also able to land their spots on the Semis.

Official Results for Women's 300M Small Boat Semi-final

1st: Philippine Coast Guard 1:35:95

2nd: RCP 1:40:25

3rd: Blue Phoenix 1:41:45

4th: Onslaught Racing Dragons 1:46:41

Official Results for Mixed 300M Standard Semi-final 2

1st: Philippine National Police 1:23:18

2nd: RCP 1:23:83

3rd: Onslaught Racing Dragons 1:24:15

4th: Rogue A 1:24:40

Free shower from a Fire Truck :)

Having placed as 2nd Runner-up is such an achievement. Hard work and discipline of each member of our team paid off. Thanks to undying dedication of all members, supporters and off-course to our sponsors. 

Maritime Police Dragon Boat Team

Philippine Air Force Dragon Boat Team

Official Results for Open 300M Standard Final

1st: Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team 1:12:11

2nd: Philippine Coast Guard Dragon Boat Team 1:15:97

3rd: Onslaught Racing Dragons 1:16:82

4th: One Piece Drakon Sangres 1:19:36

3rd Runner-up: One Piece Drakon Sangres

2nd Runner-up: Onslaught Racing Dragons

The Champion: Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team

After the awarding, we decided to have dinner somewhere along Roxas Boulevard. We parted ways from the other members of the group, some went home, some got their own events as well. It was great to spend quality time with co-members after the race. It seems like we were not tired over the whole day race. It was carbo-loading session again, after all,  we need to recharge ourselves from the intense physical activity during the day. I am so proud to be Onslaught! 

Thanks Jerumel!

Dinner with Yvette, Reygie, Jerumel, and Nicca

Cobra Dragon Boat Regatta 2013 - Leg 4

Late post: It has been more than a month when we had the Final Leg for Cobra Dragon Boat Regatta 2013 and now finally I was able to post about the event. It was held last December 8, 2013 in Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard.  

Cobra Dragon Boat Regatta Finals is the most anticipated event for the year wherein all total scores from Leg 1, Leg 2, Leg 3 and Leg 4 will be sum up to determine the overall winners. I am so proud to say that my team, Onslaught Racing Dragons, was victorious for the year 2013. Our men's crew was able to capture  4th on overall rankings with Buhi Cam Sur, Philippine Army, and Philippine Coastguard. It was a great year for us again to be upstage and receive our award. It was such a great feeling wherein all the hard works and strong determination of our team was paid off.  

The proud ORDs Men's Paddler

The Fierce ORDs Women's Paddler

TV5 News Reporter, Renzie Ongkiko, got to cover the event and interviewed our team. Luckily, my sub-group was chosen to represent our team: Mel, Chzar, Paula, Edz, Jordan and me. Great to know that Renzie was also a paddler during his college days. Go check out our pictures with him.     

With TV5 News Reporter: Renzie Ongkiko :)

Photo crazy team with Renzie :)

Looking great and excited after the interview before the race starts. Loading area was busy and all teams are all excited as the race heats up. Heat 1, Heat 2, Heat 3 and so forth. Then Repechage 1, Repechage 2 and so forth. Semis and the most awaited race, Finals. We all had the chance to be at the semis this last leg. 

The loading area!

ORDs Men's Crew

ORDs Women's Crew

ORDs Mixed Crew

We were eliminated that early, after the semis, we were just waiting for the overall results to know if what is our stand for the year. While waiting off course, taking pictures is what keeps us busy when not on the boat competing. Well my team loves to take as many pictures as we can. Pose here and there. Also, we always remember God's guidance before and after the race.  

Dimples, Tess, Ai and friends with co-paddlers Rai, Glenn and Aggy!

Solemnly Praying as ONE!

So proud that I was one of the men's crew who were able to receive a medal. I completed the 4 Legs and that made me eligible to have one. It was such a great achievement for me that I need to sacrifice my love for running just to train hard and paddle hard for the team. It was all worth it. Still looking forward for more races to come. I am so proud, I Am Onslaught. 

My first ever medal for dragon boat :)

Onslaught Racing Dragons Men's Crew Rock!!!

With my batchmate: Jerumel