1st Bay Festival slated

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday invited the general public to spend the weekend at the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk and participate in the first Manila Bay Festival.

"We are inviting everyone, especially families, to spend this coming weekend at the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk as we showcase fun, exciting, and colorful boat races Mayor Atienza said.

A weekend of games and entertainment await competitors, as well as spectators, as the city government, together with the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), lined up several events to make Manila a "prime summer destination" this season.

At 7 a.m. on the first day, the festival officially begins with the opening ceremonies to be led by Mayor Atienza.

Competition immediately follows with the Dragonboat Races. It would be participated in by 16 teams from the Philippine Dragonboat Federation and its affiliate team clubs. It also features the Men’s National Team who won gold and silver in the last Vietnam Sea Games and silver in the World Dragonboat Championship. Categories of the race include the Men’s and Women’s Open. In the men’s category, each boat consisting of 22 paddlers, one drummer and one steersman should run 500 meters. In the women’s category, however, each boat consisting of 16 paddlers, one drummer, and one steersman should run 300 meters.

Awarding for the Dragonboat Races would be held at noon, and Motorboat (Banca) Races or Bancathon eliminations start at 2 p.m. until sunset. It would be participated in by a total of 48 motorboats from across Luzon. Each banca should only be 20 inches high, 20 feet long and have a standard 16 hp single piston motor engine.

The day would be capped by an open concert featuring the hottest bands and performers in the country, highlighted by a captivating fireworks display.