Phl Dragon Boat rowers bag gold, 2 silvers

MANILA, Philippines - The Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team brought home a gold and two silver medals from the recent 11th Asian Dragon Boat Championship held in Macau last May 29 to June 1.

The Cobra Philippine paddlers bested 10 countries in the 500 m men’s category, earning its gold medal with 2 minutes and 4.486 seconds. China and Thailand came in second and third places, respectively.

The team also bagged silver medals in the Standard Mixed 500 m and 200 m races.

The recent medal haul was a morale booster for the Philippine team, which has been undergoing rigorous training in preparation for the upcoming Dragon Boat World Cup in Fuzhou, China this week.

The Dragon Boat World Cup happens once every four years, and about 450 athletes across the globe representing the 16 leading countries have qualified to compete for the World Cup. According to Dragon Boat International magazine, the Philippines currently ranks 5th in the world, giving high hopes for another gold by the team.

“This is exactly what the Cobra PDBF team needs for a morale boost. Hard work pays off, as long as there is commitment, perseverance and the heart of a warrior. We couldn’t be happier with the overwhelming support of Cobra energy drink, and of course, of our countrymen,” shares Marcia Cristobal, president of the Cobra PDBF.

“Our support for the Cobra PDBF team is part of our brand DNA, highlighting what it truly means to symbolize ‘Lakas ng Pinas’,” says Dan Ong, senior brand manager, Cobra energy drink. “The rowers embody the strength, the will and the power Filipinos need to overcome any challenge, be it in a global competition like the Dragon Boat Championship, or the tasks we accomplish every day. Cobra is honored to be a partner not only of the PDBF team, but also of all Filipinos in their daily lives.”