When you read this, I shall probably be on my way to Boracay to watch the Dragon Boat Festival, which, over the years, has become the islands biggest international sporting event.
It's my first time to see a dragon boat race, so I'm excited. It's also going to be my first time on the island (yes, I'm one of the four people who have never ever been to Boracay in their entire lives).
Dragon Boat racing is a 2,500-year-old sport. Started in China, the sport relies on strength, discipline and above all, teamwork. Dragon boat racing is based on an ancient Chinese legend, where the beloved poet Qu Yuan protested against his government's corruption by jumping into the river. The townspeople tried to save him by jumping into boats, paddling furiously while beating drums to keep the evil spirits from getting to the poet. They weren't able to save Qu Yuan but the poet's memory survives to this day via the races.
I've always admired people in dragon boat teams. There's a lot of training involved, a lot of sweat, blood and tears. One of my good friends used to train regularly for the Taiwanese dragon boat team. If I remember correctly, she had to get up at the crack of dawn to practice. She was the drummer, you know the person at the head of the boat who made sure everyone rowed in sync. I used to think that being the drummer was the easiest job of all but according to my friend, it's probably one of the hardest posts to have. For one thing, continuously pounding a giant drum can get tiring. Also, the team puts their fate in the drummer's hands, since they follow the drum's rhythm.
Last year, there were over 1,000 rowers on the island as teams from the US, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong and Singapore participated in the event, with Germany's Wann Sea Dragons winning the final race.
Just in case you're in Boracay this Labor Day weekend, don't forget to check out the dragon boat race. The 500 meter men's women’s and mixed open races happen on Saturday with the 300 meter men's women’s and mixed open races the next day.
My friend doesn't drum for the Taiwanese team now, though she did gain a lot of fame when she was still on it. They had a competition in Taipei, in the equivalent of the Pasig Rover here and she fell head first into the dark, icky water. She got to be on the headlines of every Taiwanese newspaper but thankfully, no one got her name. And no, I'm not going to tell it to you either.
Next week: The results of the Boracay Dragon Boat Race.