MANILA, Philippines—Boracay once again hosted the biggest international water sports event in the country, the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival held April 28-30, presented by the Department of Tourism, organized by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA).

Now on its fifth year, the event is bigger and the competition is tougher. Rowers from around the world and all over the country made their way to the island of Boracay to participate in this event.

Competing teams were the Boracay All Stars, the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team, International Pink Sisters (USA), Dragons of North America, Filipino Dragons (Singapore), Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team, Boracay Bumshells, Guardians of Bumshells, and others. Hundreds of locals and tourists flocked to the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center beachfront to witness the races.

The Philippine Army paddlers bagged the first place again in the 500-m men’s division, with the Fleet Marines finishing second for the second straight year. Boracay Guardians came in third and Boracay All-Stars fourth. The women’s 500-m crown went to Sydney Fire Dragons followed by Triton-Army and BGC Story Dragons. The 500-m mixed division first place went to Triton-Army followed by Boracay All-Stars and Guardian Bumshells, who finished second and third respectively.

Title-sponsor of the festival is international brand American Tourister. Partner airlines are SEAir and Zestair with major sponsors Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Knot Just Weddings, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Realty, Nami, Hawaiian Tropic, Standard Insurance, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, BFI, One White Beach, San Miguel Beer, Fairways and Bluewater, Pioneer Marine Epoxy, The Windsurfing Shop, Golden Bamboo by Tesoros, Schick, Wet Ones, Pancake House, Starbucks, and Fit n’ Right.