At the 2024 China-ASEAN Dragon Boat Open in Wuzhou, Guangxi, 18-year-old Ronen Estoque from the Philippines was impressed by the skill level of Chinese dragon boat teams.
The event featured 28 teams, including four from ASEAN countries. Estoque, part of the Barangay Carmen Dragon team, was participating in his first international competition after two years of training.
The team, established in 2022 and composed of student paddlers, saw the event as an invaluable opportunity for experience and cultural exchange.
Coach Suhod Hakim, formerly of the Philippines national team, emphasized the dedication of the young paddlers, who train early each morning before school, reflecting the deep integration of dragon boat racing and Chinese culture in Cagayan de Oro City.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 4, 2024
