Paddles, Power, and Teamwork Take Center Stage as More Than 1,000 Paddlers Join NUSTAR’s Second Dragon Boat Regatta

NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the first and only integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao, recently hosted the second edition of its Dragon Boat Regatta, with the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Local Government Unit of Cebu City, in partnership with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) and Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS).

Held on September 19 and 20, 2026, at the NUSTAR Boardwalk, the second NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta brought together about 1,500 paddlers, more than double the 621 participants who joined the inaugural regatta last year, representing over 40 teams from across the Philippines and abroad. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the event provided a platform for athletes to compete and connect through their shared passion for dragon boat racing, further strengthening Cebu as a premier destination for sports tourism.

International participation included BALBAHUTOG x Dwnwnd.pro from the USA; EMIRATES AIRLINES EK DRAGONS from Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Haggan Dragon from Guam; Kadena Shoguns Dragon Boat Team from Okinawa, Japan; and Qatar Airways Aero Dragons from Qatar.

“The NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta reflects our commitment to creating experiences that bring people together through sport while showcasing Cebu as a destination for world-class events. Beyond the competition, we are equally proud of the camaraderie, community participation, and environmental initiatives that are integral to this event. We remain committed to making it an event that participants and the wider community can look forward to each year,” said NUSTAR Chief Operating Officer Sean Knights.

WINNERS AND HIGHLIGHTS

The two-day competition culminated in the recognition of top-performing teams across seven categories. Teams that placed first, second, and third received trophies, medals, and cash prizes, while fourth-place finishers received trophies. The winners were recognized during the Fellowship Night on September 20, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of NUSTAR Resort Cebu.

“The growth of the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta shows what can be achieved when the private sector, government agencies, sports organizations, and the community come together. This year’s turnout reflects the strong interest in bringing more sporting events to Cebu, and we are pleased to provide a platform where local and international teams can compete, connect, and experience what Cebu has to offer,” said Katrina Mae de Jesus, NUSTAR Vice President for Business Development.

OMEGA ACTIVE Premier Open Standard
1st – Bakunawa
2nd – Siargao Dragons
3rd – Philippine Coast Guard
4th – BXU x CGY Dragons

IMMUNI PLUS Premier Mixed Standard
1st – Philippine National Police (PNP)
2nd – Philippine Coast Guard
3rd – Aklan Dagyab Dragons
4th – Hamlet Dragons

MILO 24 & Under Open Small Boat
1st – Bakunawa
2nd – Hamlet Dragons
3rd – BXU x CGY Dragons
4th – Siargao Dragons

Premier Women Small Boat
1st – Philippine National Police (PNP)
2nd – Philippine Coast Guard
3rd – Bakunawa
4th – Gunda

Premier Open Small Boat Corporate
1st – NUSTAR Dragon Boat Team
2nd – Qatar Aero Dragons
3rd – Shangri-La Mactan
4th – Emirates Airlines

Senior-A Open Small Boat
1st – Balbahutog x Dwnwnd.pro
2nd – Dumaguete Yellowfins
3rd – Aklan Dagyab Dragons
4th – Iloilo Paddlers Club

Para Dragon 1 Open Small Boat
1st – Mandaue Paradragons
2nd – Cebu City Paradragons
3rd – Mactan Dragon Boat Team
4th – Bugsay San Carlos

“This partnership shows how sports like dragon boat racing can break barriers and create opportunities for everyone. By bringing adaptive athletes alongside other competitors, the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta demonstrates that inclusion and excellence can move forward together,” said JP Maunes, Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS).

FROM THE COURSE TO THE COAST

Prior to the race, Universal Cultural Foundation, Inc. (UCFI), the community development arm of NUSTAR, conducted a coastal clean-up drive to promote environmental stewardship and keep property grounds and its surrounding waters clean. Attended by employee volunteers and stakeholders, the initiative brought together 250 volunteers, including NUSTAR team members, stakeholders, and volunteers from participating teams, underscoring the shared commitment to sustainability and community action beyond the competition.

With participation growing from more than 600 paddlers in its first year to about 1,500 in 2026, and with teams traveling from across the Philippines and overseas, the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta continues to strengthen Cebu’s profile as a destination for major sporting events. The event further puts Cebu on the map for sports tourism, bringing together competition, community engagement, and destination experiences on an international stage.

The event was supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Local Government Unit of Cebu City, Omega, Robinsons Land Corporation, MILO, Decathlon, Cobra Energy Drink, Immuniplus, GoTyme Bank, Red Bull, Poxtravel, and Poxel.