ANN/CHINA DAILY – Upon completing the preliminary race at the 2024 China-ASEAN Dragon Boat Open, Ronen Estoque, an 18-year-old paddler hailing from the Philippines, expressed profound admiration for the prowess displayed by the Chinese dragon boat teams.
“Impressive strength and speed,” remarked Estoque. “Recognising China’s status as the birthplace of dragon boat racing, competing here offers invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange.”
Commencing in Wuzhou, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the 2024 China-ASEAN Dragon Boat Open featured 28 participating dragon boat teams, including four representing ASEAN nations, engaging in the two-day event.
As a member of the Brgy Carmen Dragon team from Cagayan de Oro City in the Philippines, Estoque has dedicated two years to rigorous training, marking his inaugural venture into international competition.
Estoque attributes his passion for dragon boating to his familial roots, describing himself as part of a “dragon boat family”. With his mother having previously paddled for a women’s dragon boat team and his siblings also embracing the sport in the Philippines, Estoque’s connection to the tradition runs deep.
“China is the origin of dragon boat racing, so coming to China to participate in the dragon boat race is undoubtedly a dream come true for our young team members,” said Sunny Raed Cahayag, leader of Brgy Carmen Dragon.
The team was only established in 2022 and the paddlers are all students, Cahayag added.
“This is the first time for this young team to go out of the Philippines to compete abroad. Today’s race allows us to see the high-level dragon boat teams and gain experience,” Cahayag said.
Cagayan de Oro is a port city in the Philippines. The integration of Chinese and Philippine cultures has influenced and shaped the unique Chinese community there, and dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular among locals.
Although it is a niche sport, dragon boat racing has developed rapidly in the area, and there are several dragon boat teams in Cagayan de Oro City, according to Cahayag.
Suhod Hakim, coach of Brgy Carmen Dragon, was once a player and coach of the Philippines national dragon boat team.
“My family is in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. I came to Cagayan de Oro City to coach because these children really love the sport of dragon boating. They have to get up at 4:30 every morning and train for more than two hours before going to school,” Hakim said.
“There are elements of Chinese culture in many Philippine cities. Chinese restaurants and the Spring Festival are becoming more and more influential in the Philippines,” Hakim added.
“I have been to Nanning twice to participate in dragon boat races. I have also been to Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang and other places. Such competitions will not only help everyone improve their competitive level through exchanges, but also enable the people of the two countries to increase interaction and enhance people to people exchange,” Hakim noted.