23 June 2015 – The Filipino Dragons Singapore (FDS) completed on June 21 yet another successful run of its “Isang Bangkang Malaya” dragon boat race at the Kallang Riverside Park, Singapore.

The annual event, usually held to coincide with the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, was participated in by teams from Filipino community organizations all over Singapore. Team Balasador bested all other competitors to emerge as overall champion. DBS Asia Dragons and Team PICE A took second and third place, respectively.

Embassy personnel headed by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales joined members and friends of the Filipino community to lend their support and to cheer the participating teams. 

An affiliate of the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, FDS is a group of young women and men who are engaged in dragon boat racing that is duly registered and recognized by the Singapore Registry of Societies. Formally organized in 2008, FDS has won numerous podium ranks in both local and international races, including, among others, the Singapore River Regatta, DBS Marina Regatta, Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, Putrajaya Dragon Boat Festival, Boracay Dragon Boat Festival, SDBA-AustCham 10KM Dragon Boat Challenge, and Singapore National Games.

In his brief remarks after the awarding ceremony, Ambassador Morales congratulated the officers and members of FDS under the leadership of current President Michelle Balagot and former President Eugene Azucena for organizing an event that brings dragon boat enthusiasts and their fans together under the Isang Bangkang Malaya banner.

He extolled the value of sports in promoting good interpersonal relations and in instilling personal well-being and discipline. He also thanked the generous sponsors for contributing to the success of the annual dragon boat racing event. END