Tsunami of complaints sink Cebu’s 1st dragon boat race

Dragon boat paddlers compete in the recent Cebu Dragon Boat Fiesta which was rained with negative feedback from competitors for alleged inept marshals, poor organization to countless delays resulting in the cancellation of some final races.
(CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)

They want Cebu to be the country’s next dragon boat mecca.

But after a tsunami of complaints hit the just-ended Cebu Dragon Boat Fiesta 2017 at the Cebu Yacht Club in Lapu-Lapu City, the dream-for the moment- may need some serious rethinking.

One of the April 28-30 event’s biggest disappointments was the cancellation of the final races on Sunday because it was already dark as a result of the backlogs in earlier races.

“We sacrificed to practice. We left our families for the sake of the competition. It’s very painful, because the championship race didn’t push through,” said 47-year-old Romulo Cosicol, team manager of Pundok Amila, a Tubigon, Bohol-based squad.

“We understood because it was already night time. But they could’ve rescheduled it for another day,” Cosicol said.

Jude Galvadores of Manila-based Maharlika Drakon Race Team posted a review on Dragon Boat Cebu Central’s Facebook page, expressing on the “things that really went south” like the “lanes and buoys were even not setup satisfactorily.”

“Understandably, this is the first time for this race to be done, but the fees along with the sponsors should have ensured better quality,” said Galvadores.

His teammate Zy Mendoza added: “Did not start on time. Paddlers have to wake up early to follow their ‘strict 5:30am call time’ but they started the event past 8am.” He also ranted about the inconsistent rules and biased umpires.

Raymund Flores of the Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team said in another review, “Everything is very unprofessional from the organizers to the race officials up to race marshalls until the race set up. All paddlers share the same sentiments.”

Meanwhile, tournament organizer Charly Holganza said it would be impossible to extend the tournament to another day as suggested by Cosicol.

“There is no way we can extend the competition to tomorrow (May 1) or even tonight because it was already very risky. So we did what’s best for the situation. I know its difficult for some. But in general, it’s the best decision we could make,” said Holganza.

Holganza said they were aware of the negative feedback but said these were part of the birth pains.

“We acknowledge that there were some errors, some setbacks. Medyo nahuli tayo sa time. There were so many unforeseen circumstances beyond our control,” said Holganza. “We hope the players understand this.”

Holganza also reasoned out that because of the delays, they had to cancel the second round races.

On the group’s plan to make the Cebu Dragon Boat Fiesta an annual tourism event despite the negative feedback, Holganza said they remain upbeat especially with the encouragement given by some foreign teams.

“So far, the foreign teams have been very understanding saying ‘Hey don’t mind the birth pangs. We can see that. But one thing we can tell you is that the hospitality of Cebu is really awesome. We’re coming back for that.’”