The first China-Philippines Friendship Dragon Boat Race was held at the White Beach in Manila
Supported by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Manila Municipal Government, the Philippine National Parks Development Board and the Philippine Coast Guard, the first China-Philippines Friendship Dragon Boat Race hosted by the Philippine Dragon Boat Association was held at the White Beach in Manila.
On the day of the event, more than 5,000 Chinese and Philippine dragon boat lovers and guests from relevant departments of the Philippines participated in the event. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Director of the Manila Bay Administration of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Jacob Manban, Vice President of the Philippine Dragon Boat Association Marcia Chrisboo and other officials attended the race and delivered speeches.
Huang Xiilian introduced the historical origin and cultural background of dragon boat racing in his speech, saying that as a cultural and sports activity with a long history, dragon boat racing, like eating zongzi and hanging wormwood, is an important folk custom of the Dragon Boat Festival, which runs in the spirit and blood of every Chinese people. As one of China's national intangible cultural heritage, dragon boat racing contains the historical connotation of avoiding diseases and health care, remembering the sages of the past, and embodies the sporting spirit of unity and mutual assistance and striving for the first place.