| 2008 BIDBF |
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 The recently concluded FILA BORACAY INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL organized by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, the Municipality of Malay and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation held last May 1-3, 2008 in Boracay was indeed the biggest annual international sporting event in the Philippines. Nearly 900 rowers from Australia, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States and the Philippines made their way to Boracay, in particular the Boracay Regency Hotel and Convention Center, to participate in this exciting event. More than 3,000 spectators watched the races daily as rowers fiercely paddled for the gold in a spectacular show of teamwork, camaraderie, strength, and power in 500-meter and 300-meter races.The event commenced at sunset on May 1 with cocktails and the traditional dotting of the eye of the dragons performed by Undersecretary of Tourism Cynthia Carrion together with Title Sponsor President, Maricris Albert, Airline partner Head of Operations, Patrick Tan and President of the Boracay Regency Hotel and Convention Center, Henry Chuseuy. The opening ceremony and party, hosted by Arnel Carrion, was great fun and memorable with the different teams dancing together like one big happy family. Rem Zamora did an emotional rendition of the song that touched the rowers’ hearts called “THIS IS THE MOMENT”. Department of Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion again showed her full support for the event. Then we had the FIRE DANCERS and the BOMBOM DRUMMERS that put everyone in their dancing mood. May 2, Friday, at 8 A.M. was the start of the race proper. The tents lined the beach, with colorful flags and banners! It was truly a beautiful sight. The 300 meter races were all done Friday in the perfect rowing weather. May 3, Saturday, was for the 500 meters races. The Wansee Team from Germany added drama to the event when they all came looking like Darth Vaders with their golden hooded robes! The Stormy Dragons who won the GOLD in the Women’s 300 meters by .10 seconds were celebrating in the pristine Boracay waters till the sun set. They knew how to relish their hard earned victory. The closing ceremony acknowledged all the winners with medals and trophies donated by the Department of Tourism as well as apparel, bags and caps from event title sponsor, FILA. The highlight of the whole event was the farewell midnight bash at Summer Place which according to some rowers was “…THE PARTY OF THEIR LIVES!!!” The rowers were drinking for the first time after their rigorous training and competition. Rowers were given buckets of fun drinks with about 20 straws in it! Drink, drink, drink! Dance, dance dance! That’s what everyone was doing but this time, it was one big happy dragon boat family. The competition was over and everyone let their hair down, relaxed and had an unforgettable night! The FILA BORACAY INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2008 was also made possible by FILA, the title sponsor and all other corporate sponsors, ie Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Sea Air, First Metro Securities, Smart, Rush Fitness Water, URC, Mentos Ice Blast, Coconut of the Body and Malayan Insurance and the entire Boracay community whose continuous support made the event possible. |
