A Warrior on the Water, A Wonder of a Mother

When and how did you start with Sigasig?

I started with Sigasig when I was invited by Emman, a team lead from another LOB in our company. He would constantly see us at the gym, and eventually encouraged us to try dragon boating — and that invitation turned into a meaningful journey for me.

What is your first impression about dragon boat sports?

My first impression of dragon boat was that it was difficult and very challenging, especially considering my age, but it also pushed me to discover strength and resilience I didn’t realize I had.

What has been your most memorable moment with the team so far?

One of my most memorable moments with the team was joining the LoveBoracay Dragon Boat Race 2026 last April 25–26. We not only experienced the energy and beauty of racing in Boracay, but we also beat our time in the Senior Masters category—from 1 minute and 6 seconds down to 57 seconds—which made the achievement even more meaningful for the whole team.

Looking back at your first few months with Sigasig, what was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now?

Looking back at my first few months with Sigasig, the biggest challenge was balancing training with work, family responsibilities, and the physical demands of starting a new sport in my 50s. There were moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, but staying consistent and having the support of the team helped me grow stronger, more confident, and more disciplined both on and off the water.

How do you manage to balance the physical demands of training with the responsibilities of motherhood?

As a proud mother in her 50s, balancing dragon boat training with family life takes planning, flexibility, and self-care. Having my 25-year-old son on the autism spectrum train with the dragon boat team has made the experience even more meaningful, giving us both a shared sense of community, strength, and connection.

You have your son to join the team with you. How does it feel to share your love for being out on the water and paddle?

Having my son join the team with me has been incredibly meaningful. Being out on the water and paddling together has helped him build confidence, routine, focus, and social connection, which have all had a very positive impact on his autism journey while also strengthening our bond as mother and son.

What advice would you give to other mothers who might be interested about starting a sport like dragon boat?

My advice to other mothers is not to let age, career, or life responsibilities stop you from trying something new. As a mother in my 50s balancing work, family, and caregiving, dragon boating has shown me that it’s never too late to prioritize your health, find your community, and do something that brings you joy and strength.