Taytay Boys prove best in dragonboat

MANILA, Philippines - The results of the dragonboat competitions in the Philippine National Games puts to rest the issue of which team should represent the country in forthcoming international competitions.

Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Jonne Go yesterday said the victory of the Taytay Boys in the men’s 500m standard (20-seater) is proof that they’re the best in the country today.

Younger and stronger than their counterparts, the Taytay Boys clocked 1:45.12 against Philippine Army (1:49.08), Philippine Marines (1:49.98) and Philippine Navy (1:52.02).

The Taytay Boys also include paddlers from Mindoro, Cebu, Masbate, Batangas, Laguna and Cavite. They have their training quarters located in Taytay.

Go said the team, still seeking full support of the Philippine Sports Commission, is already looking forward to the World Senior Championships in August and the 2015 Singapore SEA Games.

“This team is 80 percent made up of paddlers under 20 years old. It’s their time now,” said Go.

“It’s about time this team gets the support. They haven’t been receiving anything and for them to win convincingly should put this dragonboat issue to rest,” said Philippine Olympic Committee vice president Jose Romasanta.

Leading the team are Alex and Alvin Generalo, Danny Funelas, Diomedes Manalo, Hermie Macaranas and Norwell Cajes.

The Army team was composed of veterans of the 2011 World Championships in Tampa, Florida while the Navy team had close to a dozen ex-members of the national team.

The Taytay Boys also ruled the 24-under 10-seater with a time of 2:21.95, beating Sagwan Tananuan (2:25.78), Iloilo Team-A (2:27.83) and Adamson U (2:31.51).

The Taytay Girls also won the gold in the 500m small boat (10-seater) in 2:34.05, edging Philippine Marine Corps (2:34.89), Pyros (2:45.74) and University of the Philippines (2:46.62).

Philippine Navy ruled the 500m mixed in 1:57.07 over Philippine Marines (1:58.03), Laguna Rapids (1:58.46) and Sgawan Tanauan (2:07.43).

Philippine Air Force was unbeatable in volleyball, winning the men’s gold with a 25-19, 26-28, 25-20, 25-11 victory over National U and the women’s gold with a 25-22, 26-28, 20-25, 26-24, 15-7 win over La Salle.

In shooting, Emerito Concepcion topped the men’s 50m rifle prone with 584 points while Amparo Teresa Acuna had 584 points to rule the women’s 50m rifle prone at the expense of Andrea Michelle Faustmann and Esmeralda Alegria Cruz.