Bedans, Bora and dragon boat racing

Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. – Anonymous

I find dragon boat racing as one of the most interesting sports. It is an alternative sport, and the fact that not everyone is aware of what it is adds to the uniqueness and excitement of the sport. But dragon boat racing has yet to win the hearts of many people, it being a military sport. Of course, given that the venue where people train for dragon boat racing is Manila Bay, it is no wonder. One can say it is one of the underdogs of sports.

Nevertheless dragon boat racing is challenging; it involves power, coordination, teamwork and a lot of heart. Although these traits apply to any kind of strenuous physical activity, the other sporting activities do not have to endure the stench of Manila Bay, which gives flare to dragon boat racing.

The beginning of the sport is filled with rich history and legend. More than 2,000 years ago there lived a poet named Ch’u Yuan. He was also a minister and adviser to the king of Ch’u – one of China’s states. When the king lost his confidence in him and seeing the ruin of his country, Ch’u Yuan in desperation threw himself into the Mi Lo River.

Upon hearing of Ch’u Yuan’s actions, the villagers rushed to their boats in an attempt to save him. Racing out onto the river, the fishermen slapped the water with their oars and banged the drums to scare the fish away. They say that dragon boat racing has also become a symbol of man’s struggle and determination against the challenges that face him.

And this line cannot be truer than for this group of individuals. The date was May 7, on the party island of Boracay. It was the last day of the Boracay International Dragon Boat Race. I was on vacation so I decided to check the event out since I have always been curious about dragon boat racing.

I got to the beach in time for the 500-meter heats for men. Luckily, my school’s team was to compete next. Since it was 500 meters, the starting line (or whatever they call it) was on the other side. I did not notice they were off. I was trying to squint guessing what boat they were riding in, the crucial part of the race was nearing. I saw their boat at the tail end of the race, they came in second, passing by two other teams.

I watched their boat gain momentum and finish second, beating the two foreign teams who were in the heats with them. "Not bad for a bunch of 19- to 21-year-old guys," I said to myself. There’s a funny story before the race started. The team captain wished one of the foreign teams good luck. The foreigners only laughed thinking that these boys were no match to them. But we all know how it turned out, and these boys sent some grownups home crying.

The only team which beat San Beda was a group of military men, old enough to be well, not as old as our dads but old enough to be considered dads. Being able to paddle side by side with grownups was a feat for these young guys. In fact, the San Beda Dragon Boat team was the youngest in that competition. It is actually the youngest Dragon Boat team in the country.

The competition also had other schools with young paddlers who certainly held their own against the seasoned ones. Their brave efforts and skills apparent even through the blinding glare of the Boracay sun. Another interesting thing was, there were other teams who were supposed to be composed of young and school age rowers but they didn’t look it; they looked like pros.

The downside of being an athlete is that one has to deal with the jock syndrome. Sometimes there are athletes who have egos bigger than their talent. Luckily, I didn’t find that in our dragon boat team. I was able to hang out with the San Beda rowers during my vacation in Boracay, a good respite from the high-profile parties and events the island has become known for. It was definitely a welcome change to be able to sit and just chill with unpretentious people.

Other teams ostracize outsiders, but not these guys. I definitely had a blast on this Bora trip, suddenly I felt like I was back in college again. These rowers were no different from my swim team, so goofy and always laughing. Also, the sport seemed to have nurtured good values in rowers. There is more to this sport than just paddling of oars. What makes dragon boat racing addicting is not just the adrenalin rush, it is that one is not alone while he races. Though basketball and football may be team sports, there is always a superstar player in them. Not so in dragon boat racing. The sport adds a new meaning to the word teamwork.

When these athletes are on the boat, they must act as a whole: one row, one stroke, one mind, one heartbeat, unity is definitely the key. A slip-up from this rhythmic unison can spell the difference between winning and losing. To achieve oneness, harmony towards each other on and off the boat is a crucial factor. They can carry over this goodwill towards other people, off the race. One cannot row properly if one holds a grudge against his fellow rowers. These team members do not see themselves as a team, rather, they treat each other like family.

Team captain Ariel Aganon says, "We exert full effort for our success and in this sport we’ve learned how to value people and their character. We’ve learned how to be humble in every victory and proud in every defeat.
We are sticking and loving that attitude." A profound mantra perhaps acquired from a centuries-old saying? No. They just learned it in Manila Bay.

Not only that. During the international competition in Boracay not only did they dedicate their rowing to our alma mater but also to the entire country. A rare sense of national pride one hardly sees in people today.

Actually they love being the underdog, especially in a sport that is considered a man’s sport. Other teams have underestimated them because they are just young boys. But this merely gives them the drive to prove what they can do. Rower Robbie Jose says, "Since the regatta or dragon boat racing is open to every one in the Philippines, there are no categories. College teams compete against the military, disciplinary and rowing clubs." The competition does not stop in the collegiate level. Now they have gained the respect of a lot of teams, even the military teams.

The San Beda Rowing Team has definitely come a long way. Since its humble beginnings as an underground org in 1998, it has joined numerous competitions abroad and has won many medals and trophies. Their latest achievement? They are the first student organization in San Beda to be included among the Top Five Most Accomplished Youth Organizations in the NCR organized by the National Youth Commission under the Office of the President. These five youth orgs from the NCR will be competing with 15 other youth organizations from all over the country for the Top 10 Most Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines. But only the San Beda Dragon Boat Team was included using sports as their entry.

What made them qualify was their outreach program in the Pangarap Shelter. "It was a livelihood program for the people there. They make our paddles in their carpentry and construction workshop. In return, the team teaches these young boys the basics of rowing. Eventually, they’ll have their own team which has the privilege to practice and participate in local races. They were very happy when we taught them rowing. We knew sports would be the easiest approach for these people," said Ariel. "We applied, for we want to integrate the value of athleticism and service. We want to show also how practical Bedans can be and how creative athletes are."

San Beda is definitely blessed for having dedicated students like them. They do not ask much but it is time the school gave them the support and recognition that they deserve. It’s about time we looked beyond basketball. Other schools give the sun, the moon and maybe a car or two for their athlete’s loyalty and even hire outsiders to represent them. We do not have to worry about the shortage of loyalty and school spirit of our students. And now that San Beda is still going through the transition from being an all-boys school to co-educational, much to the joy of the alumni, organizations such as the dragon boat team are among the remnants bearing the essence of the Old San Beda. The Bedan brotherhood is still very much alive in them and I felt it very strongly.

I asked them what keeps them going despite the lack of logistical support and other obstacles, team moderator Gilbert Chan says, "It’s the name San Beda that keeps us together."

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E-mail the author at ketsupluis@yahoo.com or ketsupluis@bedista.com.