Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Race 2013

1,2,3... ONE!

Barely more than a month of paddling with Onslaught Racing Dragons here comes the first race of the Year 2013, the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Race. It was held in Manila Bay last February 10, 2013. Everybody was excited for the first race of the year. It has been more than a month that these paddlers are in hiatus from their last race last December. 

1,2,3... TWO!

I was able to watch the last leg of the race last December 2012 and this time, I am officially member of the team. With barely more than one month of training, I am not ready enough to be part of the men's crew. I ended up as an Assistant Team Manager while my fellow newbie paddler, Jerumel, ended up as our Team Manager. 

With Je and Sev

I was able to recruit, Maam Mel (who happens to be my co-employee and also an active runner) to try dragon boat and happy enough she accepted my invitation. Also grateful that, Roxanne, my running mate, also accepted my invitation too! Both my lovely ladies were also part of the race officials.

Mel, Jesmar, Me, Mylovelle and Roxanne

ORD Women's Crew

Sharing some pictures during the race! And oh, our boat was capsized during the race. 

ORDs Capsized Boat, again!

Onslaught Racing Dragons in action!

Lane 1: Onslaught Racing Dragons

The event was getting more and more excited as the race heats up! So excited to see my team clinching up the eliminations, semis and up to the finals. Cheers here and there and it is a great way to start the year! Now looking forward for the coming races. Definitely our team will gain momentum on this great start. 

One of a crazy but cool team! That's ORDs!

Posing with our trophies!

Cobra Dragon Boat Regatta - 2012

Last December, I was able to attend the last leg of Cobra Energy Drink Dragon Boat Regatta 2012 in Manila Bay. (Pardon me that I have posted this after more than a month). I was invited by a friend, Michael, to watch the last leg of Regatta. I got so many invitations during the year but due to my busy schedules in running I was not able to accept any of his invitations. (Oh well, running is my first love). 

First time to hold a paddle!

Finally after my last run for the year 2012, I committed myself to watch the last leg of Regatta scheduled December 16, 2012. Alas! It was Sunday and I was so excited  to watch dragon boat race for the first time live! Great to greet and meet the members of Onslaught Racing Dragons. It was such a great day again to see Michael, The President-Paddler. I also had the chance to meet some members who I already knew online. Sev, The Frog Princess and Reygie, (my twin as they say). LOL

With my idol, Michael :)

With Sev Lubigan, The Frog Princess

With Kambal: Reygie, haha!

I enjoyed watching the race. I also enjoyed chatting with the members. It was just the first time I was with the team but it feels like I already belong to their team. Everybody is very friendly and accommodating. You can really feel how their team works. One team with one goal, that is to bring home the bacon. After all, Onslaught Racing Dragons already won medals and trophies from different dragon boat races here in the country and abroad.

The Onslaught Racing Dragons.

I, myself, is also an athlete but never been in a team. I do running alone, no team and no running buddy at all. All I do is to compete with myself. Beating old personal records for the same distances. I then realized, victory is somewhat sweeter when achieved and shared with someone else, like being in a team. I am touched how disciplined and focused each member in this team and made my heart melt. With different people gathered as one team with one goal, they inspired me. I also had the time to bond with the ladies on the team and such a blessing to meet this kind of great people.   

With ORD women's crew, isn't lovely?!

I was not able to attend the awarding ceremony because I had an appointment  with my high school mates.  (Dinner in MOA). Great to know that the team won 2nd place. They had Christmas-victory Party later that night. 

Holding one of their trophies! Champion!

After my first experience in watching the race, I got the desire to join their team. It maybe new to me but I guess I can learn and will be able to paddle with them soon. I know I will enjoy being part of the team. Most of all it is a great way to start 2013! See you soon Manila Bay!