ILOILO City, Philippines — Team Cebu outduelled Team Aranicole of Hagonoy, Bulacan in a thrilling finish to cop the 16 Horsepower Open title in the third Pioneer National Bangkarera yesterday at Villa Baybay in Arevalo town here.
The Cebu boat took the lead after the first turn of the 5K, Figure 8 course and though Aranicole managed to catch up and wrested control going to the final push, the former couldn’t be denied, making one last kick to reach the finish line first and beat the Bulacan racer and Alaska of Zamboanga Sibugay in an exciting Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao finale.
Team Cebu netted P110,000 for topping the centerpiece 16HP category of the P1-million event which drew a record 155 boats from 58 teams natiowide.
Also victorious were G-Brosis Overtime of Estancia Iloilo, which beat Blaze of Pontevedra, Negros and JRS of Liloan Cebu for the 7 HP category; Los Niños of Capiz, which ruled the Angat sa Dagat division over Hayaan Mo Sila of Antique and Ghost Rider of Guimaras; and Adrian 149, which topped the Paddleboat race at the expense of townmates Nathanielo and Faith.
Alben Manuel, group product manager of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc., said the Bangkarera, aims to “foster friendship and camaraderie among the seafaring community.”
“Ever since, Pioneer Epoxy has been supporting local since boat racing has become a pastime of fishermen and an event during town fiestas,” said Manuel.
“And we thought why not make these small races national, bring everyone to one event, where they can showcase their boats and the skills of the jockeys — that's how they call the racers. At the same time, this is our way of giving back to the fishing community who have been patronizing our products for the past 60 years," he added.
The Pioneer Bangkarera has enjoyed a spike in turnout and interest since its maiden staging in 2016 in Palawan. From 27 teams and 60 boats, the participation soared to 40 teams and 96 boats in 2017 in Dumaguete before exceeding 50 teams and 150 boats this year.