MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) -- Hundreds of spectators gathered at Lake Lanao in Ganassi town to witness the first-ever Sarimanok Boat Racing in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), hosted by the municipality of Ganassi last weekend.
The event, anchored on the theme “One Paddle for Peace, One Race for Ranao” , featured a clinic on dragon boat racing, followed by an exhibition from the members of Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), who got seven world records and three world champions.
The audience were also thrilled to see some race action from the 12 participating teams as they competed for the title of being the first Sarimanok boat racing champion.
According to Ganassi Mayor Al-Rashid Macapodi, the Sarimanok boat race is an historic event not just for the municipality but also for the province, signifying the birth of the sport in the ARMM.
"We conceptualized the Sarimanok boat race to encourage the sport among the Maranaos, advocate for cultural tourism, and develop Lake Lanao as one of the sports destination in Muslim Mindanao," he said.
Instead of the dragon head and scales, the boats used in the race have the “Sarimanok” head, a legendary bird that has become a symbol of Maranao art. They were also decorated with an ornamental artwork of Maranaos called “Okir.” This design is usually found in woven or printed textiles, carved into wooden boxes, etched into knife or sword blades and handles, or into various brasswares.
For their part, members of the PDBF expressed appreciation to the Ganassi municipal government for inviting them to be a partner in the holding of the Sarimanok boat racing.
“Rest assured the world champ paddlers will always be here to support your advocacy in promoting the sport in Mindanao, as well as, in redefining the image of province through sports and tourism,” expressed PDBF President Marcia Cristobal.
Meanwhile, the team from the 51st Infantry Battalion was awarded as the first Sarimanok Boat Race champion finishing the race at the time of one minute and 22 seconds. Aside from receiving medals for being the best time holder, the team was also rewarded with a trophy and P20,000 cash prize.
On the other hand, the 64th Infantry Battalion team won 1st place and received a trophy and P10,000 while the 2nd place went to the Black Renegade team who won a trophy and P5,000. The other nine teams were given P2,000 each as consolation prizes.
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