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FEATI Dragon Boat “Race2Raise” Edition 2 Conquers Manila Bay
The tranquil waters of Manila Bay became the center of deliciously gripping action on March 2 as 16 Dragon Boat Teams including FEATI’s own Seahawks roared through the bay competing for gold, silver, and bronze in “Race2Raise” Edition 2, FEATI University’s awareness campaign for the benefit of the Pasig River with supporters Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation, Inc. (PCKF). Many of those of who saw action on March 2 had also participated in December 2011 when FEATI University held the maiden staging of “Race to Race” in the Pasig River even as rain and river traffic then failed to put a damper on the passionate and spirited rowing of the men and women of the professional and novice dragon boat racers.
This year, it was full speed ahead once more as dragon boat clubs from the Philippine Navy, FEATI University, San Beda College, De La Salle University, Pilipinas Dragon Boat Rowing Team, Alab Sagwan Pilipinas, Manila Wave, Pyros, 1925, Tanauan Dragon Boat Team, Team Taytay Rizal, Laguna Rapids Paddlers, Manila Dragons, Aqua Fortis, Crimson's Dragon Boat Team, and Philippine Marine Corps sliced through various heats from morning ‘til afternoon. Emcee Ryan Tercero kept the excitement alive while the BOB band with FEATI’s very own AeroEngg student Ron Coronado provided a “cool down” three-song set during a brief lull in competition heats. Welcome remarks were delivered by FEATI CEO and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Francisco A. Segovia and PRRC’s MNSA Executive Director Ronald A. Naguit.
Emerging champions were…Women's Category: Champion, Philippine Navy; 1st Runner-up, Philippine Marine Corps; 2nd Runner-up, Pilipinas Dragon Boat Rowing Team (PDRT)…Men's Category: Champion, Taytay Boys; 1st Runner-up, Laguna Rapids Paddlers; 2nd Runner-up, PDRT…Mixed Category: Champion, Philippine Marine Corps; 1st Runner-up, Laguna Rapids Paddlers; 2nd Runner-up, Philippine Navy…Novice Category: Champion, San Beda College; 1st Runner-up, FEATI University; 2nd Runner-up, Tanauan Dragon Boat Team. FEATI Events and Alumni Affairs Head Melanie P. Florentino, FEATI College of Maritime Education’s Engr. Edmon S. Aloc, and PCKF president Jonne Go were onstage to award the champions and runners-up.
The event’s success would not be possible without the support of the City Government of Manila, Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, PRRC, PSC, PNP Maritime Group, PNP NCRPO, DCCD Engineering Corporation, Galant Maritime Services Inc., Bibby Ship Management, Exact Training Center, Reinier Pacific, Trans-Star, Gatorade, Pepsi, Aristocrat, Sensitivity Sound & Lights, RhodJane Metal Arts Enterprise, Cross-Over 101.5, PTV Channel 4, and Pilipino Star Ngayon as Media Partners. Special thanks to Pilipino Star Ngayon’s Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Beth Repizo; Ms. Triciah Terada of the Solar News Channel; Inquirer Libre Sports Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Dennis Eroa and ABS-CBN TV Patrol Weekend.
The clubs have gone home. The oars have been hung to dry. “Race2Raise” Edition 2 is history but FEATI University, on its 68th year as an academic institution guarantees another spectacular edition of “Race to Raise”: The “3PEAT” in 2015! (AMD)
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