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Despite all the odds, we made it to Davao City for the first ever dragon boat competition that was scheduled from May 2-3, 2014.
We were excited to see action and showcase our team as the undisputed king of the Men's events of this rapidly growing sport.
To attain our goal of capturing all three gold medals that are at stake in the Men's events, the team spent several weeks harnessing its paddling skills, improving both speed and synchronization.
Learning that the strong teams from Camsur wouldn't make it to Davao, we were saddened. The Bicolano fishermen-paddlers had given us a stiff competition last year. They had proven that they can beat us when we relax too much. Hmmm. We sometimes ignore the teachings Suntzu.
Anyway, the newly formed Philippine Air Force Dragon Boat Team has gradually risen to challenge our team.
Their morale is high after outracing the Philippine Coast Guard team during the most recent competition. However, our morale and our level of competitiveness is a notch higher due to our extensive preparation and 'combat experience'.
Perhaps almost everyone agree that the Army is the team to beat in all events that it participated. During a gathering, a Team Manager asked, "Who wants to overtake the Army?", not one raised a hand.
Despite of that, I always required the team to do its best and beat their own records. Our performance was at its peak during that time. We knew that only a miracle or an accident would lead to our defeat, and, if they will cease to paddle in the middle of the race.
Our team's 'secret' formula
A lot of people including our foreign friends had been asking why Filipinos had emerged as among the strongest paddlers in the world. Due to our country's past accomplishments (including the world record in 200m Men's Open, Standard Boat), we have gained the respect and admiration of our fellow sportsmen in the international sports arena.
As Mike Haslam, the IDBF President said in August 2011: "The World Dragon Boat Championships is like the World Cup in Football without Team Brazil".
Having eight veterans of international competitions in our crew, we have the edge over all other teams. Of course, our main asset is the high level of military discipline that we strongly adhere in our daily lives.
Using the same discipline that we learned during pre-entry training, we always build the team based on the fundamentals of team integrity, unity of command and positive mental attitude.
To reach this level of performance, our athletes paddle for 2-3 hours each day, spend another 2-3 hours running and working out in the gym. Their positive attitude towards the sport is exemplary. With our without extra provisions, they diligently participate in the training in order to earn the slot during competitions. Ayaw nilang maging pasahero lamang.
Also, everyone knows each other including their respective family members, making them the best of friends. Some are neighbors, relatives and kumpares. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses and even some of their personal problems.
It is therefore common sense that when our soldiers are mixed with their civilian counterparts to form a 'Philippine Team', there will always be problems that would lead to failures. Does it make sense? Ewan na lang sayo. Even the coach of our barangay's basketball team understands that.