The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) continues to showcase Filipino strength and unity in international sports. At the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, held at the iconic Victoria Harbour, the Philippine team paddled their way to a hard-earned silver medal in the 500m Women’s International Championship, marking their third consecutive podium finish since the event returned after the pandemic.

A Legacy of Grit and Unity

This year’s triumph added another chapter to the Philippines’ rich dragon boat history. The sport, which the Philippines now embraces as its own, was first introduced by Hong Kong back in the 1980s when the country’s Olympic rowers were invited to compete in the Hong Kong races. Atty. Jay Pee Villanueva, the current PDBF President, reflects on the early days, “We didn’t even have dragon boat athletes back then — just Olympic rowers. But we fell in love with the sport. Hong Kong even donated our very first boats. That’s how far our friendship goes.”

Since 2006, the Philippines has been a regular presence in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, and for the PDBF, each race serves as a homecoming of sorts, a reminder of the country’s deep-rooted connection with the sport.

Competing in the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

The 2025 regatta brought together more than 4,500 athletes from 12 countries, making it one of the most prestigious races in the sport. PDBF’s paddlers didn’t just compete for medals—they raced to represent their country with heart, discipline, and unity.

In addition to their silver in the Women’s International Championship, the Philippine team earned several other top finishes:

• 3rd runner-up in the Women’s Grand Championship

• 3rd runner-up in the Mixed International Championship

• 3rd runner-up in the Open International Silver Cup

With their open and mixed crews close behind, these results showcased the team’s strength and versatility across multiple categories.

A Tribute to Filipino Resilience

“This wasn’t an easy win,” said Villanueva. “We trained for months, pushed through injuries, and sacrificed time away from our families. But when we were out there, all we thought about was making the country proud.”

The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association ensured the waterfront came alive with energy, from fast-paced races to vibrant cultural performances. The event drew cheering crowds from both local and international visitors, making it a truly global celebration of dragon boat racing.

While powerhouse crews from China, Thailand, and Taiwan dominated the final Open Grand Championship, the Philippine team was widely praised for its discipline and determination. These qualities, consistently showcased by the PDBF, have become synonymous with their success in international campaigns.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Villanueva pointed out, “We want to keep showing the world what Filipino paddlers can do. We hope this win inspires more Filipinos to pick up a paddle, join a crew, and see where the water takes them.”

In an exciting twist to the event, the athletes enjoyed a well-earned break courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland, marking the conclusion of a memorable and victorious trip.