Philippine Dragon Boat Team

Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team paddled home two gold medals in the 9^th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crews World Championships. The first gold medal was won Sept 5 for the 200 meters premier open event. Sept 7, paddlers took another gold medal for the 500 meters small boat event.

The competition was held in Ravenna Italy, Sept 3 to Sept7.The prestigious event was participated by several countries. To name a few, they were Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and United States. 

Before the competition in Ravenna Italy, Philippine Dragon Boat Team was an overall champion winning five gold medals in the IFC World Championship held in Poznan Poland, August 28 to 31. Added to the five gold medals were three silver medals and three bronze medals on different categories. Filipino paddlers outshone the much bigger challengers from countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, United States and many more. 

I do hope Philippine Dragon Boat Team will be noticed by some who would be willing to sponsor them on their next competition. Compared to Gilas Pilipinas and Philippine Azkals, Philippine Dragon Boat Team managed to bag the prestigious medals despite their limited resources.

Kudos for a job well done!

The Gilas Pilipinas Fever

The last but not the least win over Senegal is not bad for our FIBA National Team Gilas Pilipinas. I am not an avid fan of basketball compared to my late mother, but I was touched by these players who fought hard on the court. It is my pride and joy to watch them play hard over their mighty basketball nemesis. Filipinos buoyed by the team resilience over the four times court mishaps supported Gilas until the conclusion of the game. Winning over Senegal was the game that elevated the morale of Gilas team and millions of Filipino basketball fans.

The most talked about hard court battle was that of the match between Gilas Pilipinas and Argentina. Argentina coach Julio Lamas twitted as I quote “The most uncomfortable game I had to coach in my life.” Sports writer Andy Bailey  says “Gilas Pilipinas refuses to die.” Filipino fans within the Philippines and abroad were glued to their televisions cheering relentlessly for their basketball icons. We lost in the score board, Philippines 81, Argentina 85. But, take note as of 2013, Argentina ranked third worldwide, Philippines is on the thirty fourth slot.

Recap of Gilas Filipinas Games FIBA World Cup 2014 – Seville Spain

August 30 Gilas Pilipinas scored 78, Croatia scored 81

August 31 Gilas Pilipinas scored 70, Greece scored 82
September 1 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Argentina scored 85
September 3 Gilas Pilipinas scored 73, Puerto Rico scored 77
September 4 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Senegal scored 79

I would say, if Manny Paquiao gained popularity worldwide as boxing icon. Heart strong Gilas Pilipinas gained great respect in basketball game worldwide. It was not an easy win for the much taller opponents. Gilas Pilipinas fought mightily like a Filipino warrior with agility and passion. Truly inspiring!

HATS OFF FOR YOU GILAS PILIPINAS!