The Philippines, represented by the Philippine Army dragon boat team, dominated the Premier Open 2x250m event of the 2012 Penang International Dragon Boat Festival held at the Teluk Bahang Dam in Penang, Malaysia.

The Filipino paddlers submitted the fastest time of two minutes and 6.46 seconds to outclass teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and powerhouse Australia.

Singapore PLK Paddlers settled for silver by registering two minutes and 11.40 second, while Singapore Institute Management took the bronze in two minutes and 11.57 seconds.

Rounding out the Top 5 are Malaysia Pacific West Dragon Boat Club (2:16.58) and Malaysia Navy Paddlers Club (2:16.77).

Last July, the Philippine Army paddlers won a gold medal in the 10th Padang International Dragon Boat Festival held at the Banda Bakali River Haji Agus–Salim Complex Stadium in West Sumatra, Indonesia. They ruled the men’s 800-meter Inter-Union event.

Team captain, Sgt. Usman Anterola led the squad along with Elpidio Lucero, Franco Tinoco, Reynaldo Baylon, Rodrigo Tanuan Jr., Salvador Sumagansay, Ronald Tan, Romy Dionio, Joemar Ocqui-ana, Elwin Juan, Jomon Oc-quiana, Sonny Bendebel, Pajere Sahibad, Rey Rizada, Jose Ijalo, Romel Donesa, Isagani Bayson, Alvin Sabijon, Gerald dela Cruz, Ramie Llano, Jayson dela Cruz, Hardy Pabulayan, Joseph Cabar-les Jr., Reynel Parañaque and Leomar Mirasol.

Some of the Philippine Army paddlers were members of the national squad that won five gold and two silver medals in the prestigious 2011 International Dragon Boat Federation World Championship held in Tampa, Florida.