After 10 Years, Ibalong Festival race paddles back tomorrow.
LEGAZPI CITY – After a decade-long pause, the Ibalong Festival Dragon Boat Invitational Race is set to make its anticipated return tomorrow, August 31, at Legazpi City Boulevard.
The two-day event kicked off today with a vibrant dragon dance, setting the stage for high-energy competition.
Councilor Alan Rañola, the race’s chief organizer, joined Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail in welcoming over 400 paddlers from 18 teams representing rowing communities across the country.
Rañola shared with BicoldotPH that reviving the race had long been a personal mission. The last event was held in 2015, following its inaugural run in 2013.
“It has always been my dream to bring the dragon boat competition back to Legazpi,” Rañola said. “Thanks to Mayor Hisham Ismail and the 17 members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, that dream came true.”
Looking ahead, Rañola revealed the city’s ambition to host larger-scale international dragon boat events.
“We’re now planning something bigger—an ASEAN-level or even world-level competition. That’s our newly renewed dream,” he added.
Beyond the sport, Rañola emphasized the cultural significance of the race, tying it to the spirit of the Ibalong Festival.
“The Ibalong Festival celebrates our roots. Our ancestors used boats to travel, trade, and defend their land. For me, reviving dragon boat racing is a way to reconnect with that story,” he said.
This year’s race features three categories: men’s and women’s divisions using small boats with 10 paddlers, a drummer, and a helmsman; and a mixed division on standard boats with 20 paddlers. Prizes include P100,000 for the champion team, P50,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third. | Kian Kirby Florano