Catching Courage: Racing as a Rookie

When and how did you start with Sigasig?

I joined Sigasig back in March 2026, and I’ve been running strong with the team for four months now! Thanks to MJ Clamar for introducing me to Sigasig Dragón Racing Team.

What is your first impression about dragon boat sports?

I seriously thought it was a sport that just used your arms, but, I was wrong! It completely activates your core. I was pretty intimidated by how strong everyone was at first, but my teammates are so friendly and always down to help correct my form.

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

If I had to pick a favorite moment so far, it’s definitely the LOVEBoracay International race last April. It was my first competition ever, which was pretty wild since it was an international event. We trained so hard for it. I’m talking 2:45 AM wake-up calls, land training at the Ermita Police Station by 3:45 AM, and being in the boat by 5:00 AM doing Coach Rhowie’s intense programs. It was exhausting, but totally worth it. It felt so surreal when I finally got my ID and saw myself labeled as an ‘athlete.’ For someone who has spent their whole life wanting a sport to commit to, that was such a massive moment for me.

If you had to describe the “vibe” of the Sigasig team to someone who has never watched a dragon boat race, what words would you use?

Two words: warm and welcoming. That’s this team in a nutshell. There’s no intimidation just a group of incredible people showing you how to paddle right, lifting you up instead of looking down on you. Their feedback is always constructive, built on wanting to see you succeed. At the end of the day, the friendly energy we share on land is exactly what gives us our power and synchronization when we’re out there on the water

As a relatively new paddler, how did you convince yourself to join the race? Were you scared or hesitant back then?

Before my first race, the imposter syndrome hit hard. I had never competed on a team before, and suddenly I was looking at an international stage. Am I ready? Can a one-month-old paddler keep up with the team’s standards? I almost let those questions talk me out of joining. But the magic happens right outside your comfort zone. Facing those fears on the boat taught me that you don’t build strength by waiting until you’re perfectly ready. You build it by putting your paddle in the water and deciding to row forward anyway.

Share with us what are your motivation after you’ve decided to join.

If you asked me who I paddle for, I’d tell you I paddle for my 7-year-old self. It took 26 years for the dream of becoming an athlete to become reality, and I want to make that younger version of me incredibly proud. That motivation is what pushes me to listen closely, learn constantly, and execute SDRT’s program to perfection. When I’m in that boat, I know exactly what’s at stake. I have a role to play, a team to support, and a childhood dream to keep alive with every single stroke.

What is your advice to someone who wants to join the dragon boat race but is afraid that they aren’t ‘experienced enough’ or ‘ready’ yet?

Just do it! You’ll never actually feel 100% prepared until you just get that first race under your belt. Experience takes time, and dragon boat is no exception. You just have to lock in and paddle forward. You need that maiden race to learn from your performance and grow. Stop hesitating. Just get out there and do it. Paddle forward.