BPA: Newest Dragon Boat Heroes

The stunning & electrifying debut performance of the Bohol Paddlers Association (BPA) better known as the pioneers in Bohol Dragon Boating  in last summer's biggest sporting spectacle, the 2nd Cobra Energy Drink Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Intl Club Crew Challenge held in Dauis, Bohol made dragon boating the hottest and the best trending topic among Boholanos just this summer. 

Days leading to the national level dragon boat race to be staged in Bohol, many skeptics predicted that BPA wouldn't stand a chance in the event that was organized by Ret. Maj. Gen. Charly Holganza. 

Here are some snippets about the group

THE BIRTH OF BOHOL PADDLERS ASSOCIATION

It was on December 2012 that Bohol Paddlers Association was born. 

A group of sports- oriented Boholanos like Dr. Doyet Dumaluan, Rey Tirol, Clark Pumares, Glen Ocenia, Rey Cimine and others responded to the call for making Bohol the paddling capital of the Philippines. 

At that time, it was just one of those casual get- togethers where everyone shared their visions and their aspirations for the fledgling group.

Who would have thought that from what seemed to be just a dream has become a reality.

From a motley crew, the group has attracted a growing number in the membership roll which as of the latest count has approximately 70 members

The paddlers that comprised the Bohol Paddlers Ass. (BPA TEAM 1 & 2) were selected from the teams who joined the Inato Dragon Boat Competition last March 22-23, 2013.

Twelve Bohol- based teams joined in the two- day event. Rey Tirol, as the team manager sourced out financial support sponsors to bankroll the team registration, uniform meals and paddles.

BPA TRIUMPHS IN 2ND COBRA PHIL DRAGON BOAT REGATTA

Despite the participation of world- class teams and international dragon boat veterans and perceived lack of race exposure, BPA was able to make the winners’ circle.

In fact three of the four Bohol teams made the Top Four in their respective brackets

 200 M Open Standard Boat Sprints

Rank	Team	Time
1st	Philippine Army	00:41.27
2nd	Lake Buhi	00:43..32
3rd	Philippine Navy	00:44.37
4th	Bohol Paddlers Assn 1 (All- Male)	00:54.06

 200 M Women’s Small Boat Sprints

Rank	Team	Time
1st	Philippine Coast Guard	00:58.50
2nd	Philippine Navy	00:58.76
3rd	Triton	00:59.19
4th	Bohol Paddlers Assn 2 (All- Female)	01:05.60

500 M Open Standard Boat Middle Distance Event

Rank	Team	Time
1st	Lake Buhi	01:56.42
2nd	Philippine Army	01:57.26
3rd	Philippine Navy	01:57.90
4th	Bohol Crabhouse	02:05.86

Even the Distaff Side of BPA placed in the Winner's Circle

It is also noteworthy to mention that Bohol Paddlers Association manufactured their very own 10 paddler dragon boat to be used for the Inato Race. They started the dragon boat building on February 3 and finished five boats for the March 22 event. 

Can you imagine? Five boats in 45 days under very challenging circumstances and they themselves had to finance and source out the expenses in making those dragon boats. Credit to Kainget Kayaks with talented artist Brydon Lungay as production head. 

A MILLION THANKS TO THE SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

IMMEDIATE PLANS

Mr. Tirol’s group is making sure BPA will be making its presence felt and to imbue among its members a sense of meaning, purpose and relevance that's why a coastal cleanup and team checkup race has been organized and scheduled on Saturday, June 8, 20133 at the K of C Promenade Area.

A quarterly regatta is also in the planning stage where other national dragon boat teams are also invited.

The first one which is dubbed as the Sandugo Regatta 2013 is already being scheduled this coming July.

Everyone is invited to BPA's Coastal Clean Up this Saturday, June 8, 2013

With the perseverance, determination and never- say- die attitude & spirit of Bohol Paddlers Association, I don't see any reason why they can't conquer and overcome bigger challenges 

Good luck and paddle away!

Special thanks to Mr. Rey Tirol for granting me this interview