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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Dragon Boat Federation) |
Filled with Filipino pride, two dragon boat teams racing under the Philippine flag showcased their skills and grit when it came to braving the waters of Hong Kong. The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) Elite team and the Alliance of Masters Dragon Boat Club competed in the 50th Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (IDBR) where more than 4,500 athletes from 16 countries gathered for one of Asia’s biggest dragon boat competitions last June 27-28, 2026.
Recognized by the International Dragon Boat Federation and the Asian Dragon Boat Federation, the PDBF team has achieved global success through world championship titles and record-breaking performances. The team has a long history of success when competing in the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, winning gold in the International Open Competition in 2024 and silver in the 500m International Women’s Championship in 2025. This year’s team of women paddlers won silver on the first day of races at the International Women’s Championships, continuing their podium streak for the third year in a row. They achieved 2nd place in the overall rankings among all International Women’s Championship competitors. When asked what it’s like to compete in Hong Kong all these years, team manager Marcia Cristobal said, “Hong Kong is one of the best places to conduct dragon boating. They’re equipped with the best IDBF International Race Officials and Hong Kong National Race Officials. Their food and shopping are also always on our list when we visit.” On the other hand, the Alliance of Masters Dragon Boat Club are newcomers on the Hong Kong shores. Despite this being their first competition in Hong Kong, the dragon boat club hailing from Parañaque has steadily been achieving honors and awards since its official membership in the Philippine Paddling Federation back in 2023. The new paddlers on the block participated in three events: the International Mixed Championship, the International Open Championship, and the Fancy Dress Competition where they proudly paraded the traditional Filipino barong on the water. They managed to clinch 2nd place in the International Mixed Silver Cup Final, a secondary championship or plate competition for the teams that do not progress to the top championship final, but who still performed strongly.
Team member Nicole said about their first time competing abroad, “Our first time participating in an out-of-the-country race, particularly the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, was both humbling and overwhelming in the best way. Racing alongside some of the top-tier teams and earning a place in the final races is an achievement our team is truly grateful for. Team captain Azaak Diancin added, “Representing the Alliance of Masters Dragon Boat Club at the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival was an unforgettable milestone. Stepping onto the world stage at Victoria Harbour against top-notch teams from China and Southeast Asia, I couldn’t be prouder of our performance across the Mixed and Open International categories. Yet, the most profound moment was paddling in our Barong Tagalog and Buri Hats during the Fancy Dress category. Waving the Philippine flag while competing in such an iconic harbor, I felt the heartbeat of our heritage in every stroke.” The Fancy Dress Competition proved to be a fun and amusing experience for the viewers and the paddlers, as teams rowed out one by one to show off their costumes. Dressed as characters from famous movie and game franchises, as well as other generally entertaining personalities, all the teams went all out during this part of the races, adding to the festive atmosphere. As IDBR marks its golden jubilee, organizers are introducing new race categories including the ‘50th Anniversary Fisherman Invitational Cup’ which will see traditional fishermen’s teams compete using wooden dragon boats and the ‘50th Anniversary Championship’ where champions from major race divisions compete for the title of the Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion.
Double The Summer Festival Fun
As part of the Hong Kong Summer Fun campaign, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has also rolled out a range of travel offers. From now until August 31, 2026, tourists who book hotels via Trip.com or Ctrip worth at least HK$1,500 for travel between July 1, 2026 and September 14, 2026 can enjoy attraction ticket offers and public transport discounts of up to 50%. Participating experiences include the Peak Tram, theme parks, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Noah’s Ark, as well as round-trip Airport Express tickets and bus day passes. Festivals and family attractions also await visitors as Hong Kong Disneyland’s Pixar Summer Fest and Ocean Park’s Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration are happening these summer months in Hong Kong. Fans of the arts, culture, and sports can look forward to the Bubble Planet Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the Design Ah! Exhibition at M+, and the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 at the Kai Tak Stadium. To help visitors plan their itineraries, HKTB has consolidated summer event information and promotional offers on the Discover Hong Kong website.
