Boracay paddlers submerge other teams in Dragon Boat Competition

                                      BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE

With a blistering 43.45 seconds finish in men’s division of the recently concluded DoubleDragon Boat Competition in Iloilo River Wharf, the Boracay Sea Dragons out paddled 12 other competitors as they proved supremacy grabbing this year’s crown.

Men's champ Boracay Sea Dragons.

Closing the gap with just 43.97 seconds, the Boracay All-Star failed to defend their back-to-back title aspirations as the Dragons battered a late surge in the finals, while the Bohol Paddlers finished third in 44.96 seconds.

On the other hand, the Boracay All Stars made up for its huge loss in the men’s event after ruling the mixed category for the second straight year after clocking 44.57 seconds leaving Philippine Marines to second in 45.59 seconds and Bohol Paddlers to third with 46.54second finish.

JBLFMU-ILOILO paddlers.

In the women’s category, the Philippine Marines dominated the race from start to finish capturing the championship in 58.2 seconds while Manila Wave (1:03.1) and Philippine Titans (1:06.19) placed second and third, respectively after a weedy finish.

          Moreover, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that he is looking forward to have more water sports events in the Iloilo River given that it is now a good place for water sports activities.

After finishing the race, the Sea Dragons paddled their way as they brought home the crown.

“ Kung sang una wala sang may gapalapit sa Iloilo river kay mahigko kag mabaho, subong sa bulig man sang advocacy nga ginapatigayon sang city council damu na nga mga tawo ang gusto magpalapit diri,” added Mabilog.

Present also in the event were Senate President Franklin Drilon and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

The event was organized by the Office of the Senate President, the DoubleDragon Properties Corp., the Philippine Sports Commission and the Iloilo City government who are also planning to invite international teams for next year’s dragon boat race edition.