TEAMS and players from different clubs and schools are among the early registrants to the coming 3rd Columbia-Samal Summer Kayakfest slated on May 18, Saturday, at 8 a.m. at the Sunset Beach Park Resort in Babak, Samal Island.
Adventure racers Alex Soguilon and Edzel Sumagaysay of Edge Outdoor will defend their title in the men’s open tandem against Archie Buca and Larry Acosta of Gusa Outdoor Wear, Mark Anthony Rance and Dennis Ararao of Team Escape Route Outdoor Essentials, and Christopher “Tope” Eyao and Jimmy Javier of Beefit Gym.
“More teams in the men’s open are expected next week,” said race director Danilo “Jhun” Bacus of Bugsay Dabaw.
Listed already for the Novice Men’s Singles are Marvin Aninon and Theo Espina Jr. of Tribung Mindanao Mountaineering Outdoor Club (Trimmoc), Kharlo Benigay of R-Gos Outdoor, RL Fuentes of MS-Black Tribe Trekkers, Ted Michael Javier, Angelo Magbanua and Calvin Balatero of Ateneo de Davao University, Milber Cantiberos of Gulf Cruise Tours, Brendon Rojas of Sue Graphics, Caloi Montero, Xin Anthony Bibay of General Santos City and L.A. delos Reyes of Maupiya.
Early birds in the distaff side are Ofelia “Angie” Maestrado and Jade Maestrado of Da Dolfins, Kharla Acosta of R-Gos Outdoor, Iris Melissa Dy of Hybrid Team, Natasha Carpina of University of San Carlos, Charito Par, Mary Elever Bacaron, Aunisa Balota of Fortune Surplus, Mary Jean Francisco of MJ Francisco Events Services and Kizia Marie delos Reyes of Maupiya.
TV newscaster Melanie Severino of ABS-CBN Mindanao TV Patrol and radio broadcaster Randy Canedo of DxAB are also joining together with Maria Estrella “Mae” Sanchez, Marketing and Communications Officer for Mindanao of the Primer Group of Companies.
“We are also inviting more friends from the media and outdoor clubs and government and private companies to join us. We’re targeting a total of 100 participants,” said organizer Neil Llapitan of Aqua Mate.
Department of Tourism regional director Art Boncato earlier declared to make the event as an official part already of its calendar for summer.
The one-day event is co-organized by the forePlay Promotions and Aqua Mate Sports and presented mainly by the Columbia Sportswear Company. It is co-presented by the Dabaw Tourism Operators Association and Sunset Beach Park Resort.
It is also held in celebration of the Bio-Diversity awareness and Ocean Month. It is supported also by the Bugsay Dabaw, Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines and Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao with the Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines Davao as the beneficiary.
It will feature a Basic Kayak Clinic followed by a competition for the Novice Men’s Singles, Novice Women’s Singles and Open Men’s Tandem categories.
Cash prizes, medals and trophies are up for grabs. Registration fee is only P300 inclusive of an event shirt, certificate, kayak clinic, resort entrance fee, giveaway and raffle stub. PNA