PHILIPPINES – AUGUST 1, 2011 – Sports aficionados in the Philippines are once again set for another adrenaline rush as leading energy drink Cobra and the Philippine Airlines throw their support to the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF). Dubbed as the Pinoy Dragon Warriors, the two-time world champs aim to set new world records in this year’s International Dragon Boat Federation’s (IDBF) World Championships in Florida, USA.
“It’s about shared values. We believe the team embodies the essence of Cobra, as well as its commitment to strength and determination,” shares Asia Brewery Inc Brand Manager Jef Mendoza. As the official partner of the PDBF, Cobra will take care of board and lodging for the team while the Philippine Airlines will fly the rowers to the U.S come August.
Aside from the material and financial support, the sponsors are also bent on giving the little known sport a boost among Filipinos. “There’s an element of support. We believe that this is a sporting event that Filipinos can excel in. Moreover, we’re doing this to honor these unsung heroes who have brought the country glory for two years now,” adds Mendoza. Eight local billboards are also well underway, courtesy of Cobra and creative agency Euro RSCG. “We were just set back by the back-to-back typhoons but we’re really looking forward to promoting the team through out-of-door,” he says.
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In line with this, PAL together with Cobra manufacturer Asia Brewery Inc, held a send-off press luncheon at Capone’s A Venue to rally support for the back-to-back world champs. Inspired by the gesture, PDBF President Marcia Cristobal thanked the crowd at the send-off, and promised to take home not just another championship, but a world record as well.
While not yet as popular in the Philippines, the team has actually made quite an impression overseas. “The PDBF team are winning and setting world records with athletes of the finest character and well-respected by their competitors from across the globe. They have represented the Philippine nation in an outstanding fashion, in my opinion,” said Bob McNamara, US Dragon Boat Team’s Head Coach.
The PDBF Pinoy Dragon Warriors are slated to compete in the 10th IDBF World Championships from August 3-7 at Tampa, Florida, USA. Headed by Team Captain Usman Anterola, the 25 champion paddlers are a mix of Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guards personnel, and reinforced by the best civilian women paddlers.
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