Tacloban stages Sangyaw Jet Ski challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Tacloban plays host to the second Sangyaw International Jet Ski Challenge-National Jet Ski Series third leg set June 22-24 at the Cancabato Bay in Tacloban.

Dubbed “Philippines vs Asia”, the event pits Filipino bets against Asian champion riders for the various titles at stake in this event organized by the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the city government of Tacloban under the auspices of Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Riders from Cebu, Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Maguindanao, Davao and General Santos are joining the event sponsored by the Tacloban Tourism Authority, Globe, Coca-Cola, Robinsons Malls, www.taclobanwatersports.com.

The event is part of the month-long Sangyaw Festival, the fiesta anniversary of Tacloban.

Highlighting the event is the Sangyaw Parade of Lights featuring 20 symbolic floats depicting the city’s rich history, flora and fauna and abundant marine life.

Tacloban’s homegrown rider Raymund Romualdez, last year’s Rookie of the Year, will banner the city’s campaign for honors. He will be joined by Phl Team members Paul del Rosario, BJ Ang, Jam Mangio, Abby Reyes, Mike Mangio, Darrell Garbes, Butch Cassido, Pong Lee and Fritz Ortiz.

Among the foreign riders who have confirmed their participation are Dubai champion Omar Abdullah and Japanese riders Toshi Ohara, Jun Ikuma and Takehiro Ohara. Three other world-ranked jet ski riders are also expected to compete.

Cebu is sending a big competitive delegation led by Butoy Gamallo, Ira Keiner, Ryan Villamor Velayo, Dodong Cortez and youngest rider 10-year-old Julian Paul Neri.

Iloilo will be spearheaded by Iloilo Watercraft Association president Vincent Tajanlangit, Noy Mercado of Megaworld and young discoveries Joey Gimenez, Melissa Lucero, Laurence Lucero and Benedict Lucero and Bryan Sabadisto.