NUSTAR Resort Cebu concluded its inaugural month-long wellness celebration, “Rhythms of Wellness” by hosting the first-ever NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 on 20 and 21 September at the NUSTAR Boardwalk.
The two-day regatta brought together athletes, communities and wellness enthusiasts from across the Philippines and abroad.
The event was highlighted by the Premier Open Standard Boat and Premier Mixed Standard Boat races, with the Philippine Navy dominating the Premier Open Standard Boat category to take the top prize ahead of Dumaguete Yellowfins, Siargao Dragons and Bohol Paddlers.
In the Premier Mixed Standard Boat division, Sugbu Mighty Dragons clinched first place followed by Bohol Paddlers, Black Manta Warriors and Siargao Dragons. Champions in these categories, along with winners across the other divisions, received trophies, medals and cash prizes of up to Php50,000 during an awarding and fellowship night held on 21 September at the NUSTAR Convention Center.
NUSTAR said the regatta showcased excellence across all six categories. In the Senior Open Small Boat race, DPC x UMAPADS came out on top ahead of Sugbu Mighty Dragons, Dumaguete Yellowfins and Mandaue DBT (PADS). Mandaue Paradragons led the PD1 Open Small Boat category with Cebu Paradragons, Mactan DB Squad and Dawata rounding out the top four. The 24U Open Small Boat race saw Mandaue DBT (PADS) finish first ahead of Siargao Dragons, Bohol Paddlers and Ark Dragon. Philippine Navy also prevailed in the Premier Women Small Boat division, with BFP St. Florian DBT, Siargao Dragons and Cebu Poseidon completing the field.
“The energy here is electric and for good reason,” said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort Cebu. “This regatta is not just a race; it’s the start of something meaningful. With the strong support of the Cebu City Government, we see this growing into an annual celebration of strength, teamwork, and sportsmanship – placing Cebu on the global dragon boat map.”
This inaugural event included cancer survivors, para-athletes and teams championing meaningful causes as part of NUSTAR’s wellness campaign. According to NUSTAR, this was made possible by collaboration with the Cebu City Government, the Department of Tourism, Philippines Accessible Disability Services (PADS) and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.
Wellness activities launched earlier in September included the NUSTAR Run Club, described as a series of guided runs open to all fitness levels designed to encourage regular exercise and camaraderie. There was also NUSTAR Serenity in Motion, a weekend program of yoga, stretching, meditation sessions and more, promoting mindfulness and mental wellness.
NUSTAR said it plans to make “Rhythms of Wellness” an annual highlight, expanding activities and partnerships to reach even more Cebuanos and visitors in the coming years.
RelatedPosts
