The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) is back on the international stage, gearing up for a fierce showdown at the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬, one of Asia’s biggest and most festive paddling events. With over 190 teams and 4,500 athletes from around the world expected to compete, the Pinoy paddlers are ready to battle for glory and represent the Philippines with pride.

The races, scheduled for June 7-8 at Victoria Harbour, are the highlight of a week-long cultural celebration under the Hong Kong Cultural Beat campaign. The event will turn the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade into a high-energy, day-and-night carnival featuring everything from a Dragon Boat Food Lane, themed photo zones, Cirque du Soleil street performances, to a Beer Garden and live race broadcasts.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: 𝐏𝐃𝐁𝐅 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦
Returning to Hong Kong after a podium finish last year— second runner-up in the Women’s Grand Championship — the PDBF is more determined than ever to claim victory.

“It’s a fact we’ve struggled against stronger teams in the past, but our women’s team has shown tremendous resilience,” said Marcia Cristobal of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation. “Coming straight from the Macau competition, we’ve had a challenging training schedule, but we’re focused. We’re here to give our best and bring honor to the country.”

𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫
This year’s races promise to be the most competitive yet, with elite teams from **12 countries and regions including Japan, Thailand, UAE, Canada, and first-time participants Egypt and Qatar, all converging in Hong Kong for a thrilling weekend of sport and cultural celebration.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is going all out to make this year’s event a true spectacle. Starting May 31, the Dragon Boat Festival Day kicks off nine days of festivities including:

• Dragon Boat Food Lane at the Avenue of Stars
• Ocean Park’s Panda Friends photo zones
• Cirque du Soleil pop-up acrobatic shows
• Beer Garden by San Miguel in Urban Council Centenary Garden
• Live broadcasts of race finals via RTHK TV 32 and online platforms
• Dining & shopping promos at over 20 establishments in the area

“This year, we’ve elevated the dragon boat experience into a cultural celebration that blends East and West,” said HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng. “It’s a must-see event for locals and tourists alike, and a perfect opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit.”

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐫
With grit, passion, and national pride, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation is set to paddle head-to-head with the best of the best. As they return to the waters of Victoria Harbour, all eyes will be on Team Philippines as they chase victory—one synchronized stroke at a time.

Catch the races live or follow updates on the official Hong Kong Cultural Beat page.