Filipino Athletes Paddle to the Metal at the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

On the weekend of June 27-28, 2026, the weather constantly shifting from sunshine to downpour didn’t stop the world’s top dragon boat athletes from paddling to the beat of the drums, racing their way to Victoria Harbour’s finish line.

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade—from the VIP viewing zones to the general public spectator zones—was packed with locals and tourists cheering on their favorite dragon boat teams. Every summer, Hong Kong tourism gets a boost from the festivities surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival and its internationally renowned dragon boat races, attracting both competitors and spectators from around the world. Some fans have described dragon boat racing, which originated in ancient China, as “Formula 1 on water,” comparing the heart-pounding rush and tight finishes of the two sports.

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the highlight of the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, a 13-day event that ran from June 19 to July 1. It was organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organized by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA).

This year’s event featured 21 races on Victoria Harbour, drawing more than 220 teams and over 4,500 paddlers from 16 countries and regions.

To mark the golden jubilee, two special races paid tribute to Hong Kong’s dragon boat culture. The 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup featured six teams of local fishermen as they competed in traditional wooden dragon boats, while the new Huatai International IDBR 50th Anniversary Championship brought together winners from nine major race categories to vie for the title of Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion.

Two dragon boat teams represented the Philippines in the main races this year—the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Elite and Alliance of Masters Dragon Boat Club.

The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) was founded in 2003 by the late Benjamin Ramos, the “Father of Philippine Dragon Boat,” who introduced the sport to our country in the 1980s. Despite their controversial disenfranchisement from the National Sports Association (NSA) in 2011, the PDBF has continued to bring home medals and world records for the Philippines, with no government funding. They regularly compete in various regional and world championships and continue to be recognized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), the Asian Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF), and the Southeast Asia Traditional Boat Association as the national governing body for dragon boat racing.

“Actually, our team was completed just two days ago,” Ella Fe Niuda, team captain of the PDBF Women’s Elite, told the media on June 27, day 1 of the races. Still on a high from a different race in Macau, her team joined forces with other Philippine paddlers to complete the PDBF Elite crew for the Hong Kong races.

“Last year po kasi, ang difference is singles stroke, pero ngayon po, we had disciplined training… So preparation-wise, ready po kami talaga na i-represent ang Philippines,” she said. The PDBF is a regular invitee in the annual Hong Kong races.

“[One of the challenges] is the support and the budget,” Quinn Tifanny Barcarse, one of the athletes of PDBF Elite, told Esquire Philippines. “Of course we’re working with whatever the supporters and the federation can give us… But somehow, some way, we made it. We’re here [and] we’re happy!”

PDBF Elite finished second in the first and second rounds on day 1, clinching the silver medal in the International Women’s Championship and marking their third-straight podium finish.

Marking its international debut is Alliance of Masters (AOM), a non-profit sports organization that was founded in 2023.

“Whatever competition we could join in the Philippines, we would join,” said Coach Hermie Macaranas when asked about training his team, a mix of students and working individuals of different backgrounds. “This is our biggest preparation,” he said, referring to AOM’s first time racing in Hong Kong.

For the dragon boat community in the Philippines, the Hong Kong races are highly revered. “Ever since I was 10 years old, palagi ko pong natatanaw yung Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festivals,” said Azaak Diancin, now 19, team captain of AOM. “I saw the powerhouse teams from different countries all over the world. I’m amazed, now at the 50th anniversary, that my team was able to join.”

When asked about the difference between Philippine and Hong Kong waters, Coach Hermie had this to share: “The waves are challenging. Compared to the waters we trained in that are usually flat, the water here is in an open area of the ocean. Para kang nasa batya na sobrang ‘di mo alam kung saan nanggagaling yung alon.”

But the unpredictable waves didn’t stop them from powering through. Alliance of Masters wound up third in the semifinals. And though they finished ninth in the finals, they competed in the International Mixed Silver Cup, a plate competition where they placed second.

Esquire Philippines met other Filipino paddlers who represented international teams in the race. One is Onslaught, a dragon boat team of expats living in Doha, Qatar.

“Half of the crew is Filipino,” said Qatar-based triathlete and dragon boater Jeffrey Tacuban, describing his team’s mix of nationalities. “We also have Onslaught Philippines, our mother team in the Philippines. One of the founders, Coach Alex Tubar, built the dragon boat community in Qatar.”

Onslaught Qatar made it to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong race.

Day 2 of the races felt like early Halloween in Tsim Sha Tsui as 18 teams paraded and raced in playful costumes and colorful attire for the Fancy Dress Competition.

Most teams opted for the funny and quirky take—from Minions to rice dumplings, mahjong tiles, Egyptians, Super Mario characters, and even Baywatch Babes.

Going against the current was Alliance of Masters, who unanimously decided to pay tribute to Filipino culture by donning Barong Tagalog tops for the men and baro’t saya for the women. Their fellow Southeast Asian paddlers, Indonesia and Malaysia, also went the traditional route with their attires.

“We wanted to embody the Bayanihan spirit and the resilient spirit of the Filipinos,” Azaak told Esquire Philippines. One of their junior paddlers back home hand-painted each native hat that accessorized the team’s look.

Though they did not win “Best in Costume” through the online voting system, the team was proud to display their traditional wear on the shores of Victoria Harbour. “Part of the Filipino spirit is also knowing how to have fun,” Azaak said.

The occasional downpours did not dampen the spirit of the summer festivities. On top of the races, the Avenue of Stars was transformed into an entertainment spot. Guests were treated to a dragon boat food lane, a beer garden, a live concert stage, and fun photo spots, including a Minion-themed dragon boat installation, a Coca-Cola-themed dragon boat, and a traditional wooden dragon boat.

Tourists dropped by the Chill Zone in Salisbury Garden to immerse themselves in Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops, such as sugar blowing, rice dumpling making, and fishing net weaving. A VR dragon boat paddling experience gave spectators a taste of the sport.

Both athletes and tourists also looked forward to exploring Hong Kong’s top tourist spots. “Kahit nakakahilo yung waves dito, walang tatagal sa hilo sa mga rides ng Disneyland,” Quinn joked when asked what PDBF planned to do after the races wrapped up.

Through the years, the renowned international dragon boat races in Hong Kong have evolved to be not just a spectator sport, but a gateway to explore the many tourist spots that the special administrative region has to offer, from classic itineraries such as HK Disneyland and shopping in Nathan Road to something more coastal, such as a cruise down Victoria Harbour on the Aqua Luna, a traditional red-sail Chinese boat, and exploring Ma Wan 1868, a vibrant, historical art island unveiled just last year. Summer isn’t over in Hong Kong, and there’s a plethora of activities to do by the water.

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