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

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

D Farm and Park: Masinloc, Zambales

If I remember it right, it was two or three years ago when I last visited Zambales. That was when I had my Anawangin Cove trip with my friends. Last April, I had the chance to visit the province once again not for any vacation trip but because of dragon boat race. But I guess, it's a race plus a trip! New adventures for me and for my team then. 


Due to fully-booked resorts near the race venue, our team got worried on where to stay for the 2-day race. Eventually, someone from our team recommended to check D Farm and Park which is few minutes drive from the race venue. There the board decided us to stay at the resort.


D Farm and Park is located in Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales. It is well surrounded with tropical fruit trees and flowering plants. It is a great place for nature lovers  to unwind, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a look at the following pictures and you'll definitely believe what I just uttered.  










There is a place wherein the topmost part of the hill has a panoramic view of the Oyon Bay and West Philippine Sea. It is breath taking!



There are also amenities for sports-minded person like me. You'll definitely enjoy the park if you're looking also for ball games like volleyball and table tennis and even billiards! Such a great play to relax, right?!



Great to share my two days and one night here at the farm. With these crazy team mates, you'll definitely cherish every moments you're with them.