Sumalinog brothers undisputed champs in 'Balik Baroto Regatta'

CEBU, Philippines - Brothers Lyndon and Ricardo Sumalinog once again paddled their way in perfect harmony with each other on the way to complete a grandslam feat in the 'Balik Baroto Regatta', a one-of-a-kind boat race staged in line with the 72nd anniversary of the historic Landing of the American Liberation Forces last Sunday in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City.

Under the sweltering heat of the summer sun, the Sumalinogs of Barangay Tangke gamely navigated the grueling race course covering over seven nautical miles with the fastest time of one hour and 50 minutes and 48 seconds.

Flashing the form that made them back-to-back champions, they sped off  and never looked back on the way to clinch their third consecutive title in the annual race spearheaded Balik Baroto Movement led by its founding chairman Dir. David 'Kuya Boy' S. Odilao, Jr.

The Sumalinogs, who are undefeated in all races they joined including in Tuburan, the Araw ng Kagitingan and Sinulog Regatta last year, will receive P50,000 for their efforts.

"Naanad na lang mi seguro ani kay magbugsay man gyud mi sa among paglawig sa kadagatan halos matag adlaw (Maybe we are get used to it already because we paddle our way when we sail at sea almost every day)," said the Sumalinogs when asked about the secret of their success.

It was actually a clean sweep by the Talisaynons in the top five list, with Gilberto Obrero and Frankie Gamboa coming out second with the time of 1:52:04, just two seconds ahead of Mario Canon and Arnold Cabalda. Virgilio Jumao-as and Marto Abines wound up fourth in 1:54:23, while Limdel and Jimmy Malinao placed fifth with a 1:58:40 clocking.

Esperidion and Benirando Ybañez of Cuaming Island in Bohol landed at sixth with a time of 2:00:12, while Tuburan bets Jerome Domecillo and Balaw Lape (2:01:46), Allan and Gaga Lopez (2:02:00), Charlie Abapo and Joefil Labuca (2:02:03) and Thom Jonas Cabando and Ruben Abapo (2:04:44 round up the top 10 performers.

Close to a hundred fishermen from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Lanao del Norte took part in the noble undertaking that gave importance to the marginalized sector of the society.

It was made possible through the all-out support of the city government of Talisay under the flagship of Mayor Eduardo 'Eddiegul' R. Gullas, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas through Sec. Michael Lloyd Dino, Tuburan LGU led by Mayor Democrito 'Aljun' Diamante, Jr. and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles). (FREEMAN)