Army paddlers top Cobra Energy Regatta

The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team displayed its famous world-class form in humbling 17 other squads to capture the Cobra Energy Drink Dragon Boat Regatta 2012 overall championship in Manila Bay recently.

Boasting several members of the national squad that won five gold medals last year in the World Dragon Boat Championships in Tampa Bay, Florida, the Army paddlers ruled the 300-meter Open class race with a time of one minute and 10 seconds to cap their triumphant year.

Lake Buhi, a team from Camarines Sur, was second in 1:11.44 followed by  Philippine Coast Guard (1:13.61) and Onslaught Racing Dragons (1:15.14).

The Army paddlers prevailed in the men’s premier Open events in all four legs of the National Dragon Boat Regatta this year en route to the overall title.

In addition, Army also seized two titles in their first two international races as an all-Army boat crew this year.

“Last July, we dominated the all-military Dragon Boat Championships in Padang, Indonesia, followed by our latest victory in the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival in Malaysia early this month,” said Maj. Harold Cabunoc, the Army spokesperson and president of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team.

Counting the results of the past legs, Onslaught Racing wound up second overall while One Piece Dragon Sangres placed third.

Col. Gene Ponio, commanding officer of the Special Services Unit, praised the team during a recent reception.

The Army paddlers formed the core of the Cobra-Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team which consistently won gold medals in the Worlds since 2009.

In a statement,  Army Chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said: “I would like to commend you for your exemplary discipline and excellent attitude as athletes. You have shown to all that you are shining examples of world-class athletes.”