NUSTAR Resort Cebu caps ‘Rhythms of Wellness’ with biggest dragon boat regatta

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NUSTAR Resort Cebu successfully concluded its inaugural “Rhythms of Wellness” event with the first-ever NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2025, held on September 20–21 at the NUSTAR Boardwalk. The two-day regatta marked the culmination of the month-long wellness celebration, bringing together athletes, communities, and wellness enthusiasts from across the Philippines and abroad.

This year’s highest-stakes divisions, the Premier Open Standard Boat and Premier Mixed Standard Boat races, saw fierce competition on the 200-metre course. Philippine Navy dominated the Premier Open Standard Boat category, taking 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 the awarding and fellowship night held on September 21 at the NUSTAR Convention Center.

Beyond the headline divisions, 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 proudly included cancer survivors, para-athletes, and teams championing meaningful causes as part of NUSTAR’s month-long wellness campaign. It was made possible in collaboration with the Cebu City Government, the Department of Tourism, Philippines Accessible Disability Services (PADS) and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, underscoring NUSTAR’s commitment to inclusivity and partnership.

The regatta capped off a series of wellness activities launched earlier in September. The month began with the NUSTAR Run Club, a series of guided runs open to all fitness levels designed to encourage regular exercise and camaraderie. This was followed by NUSTAR Serenity in Motion, a weekend program of yoga, stretching, meditation sessions, and more, promoting mindfulness and mental wellness. Both events created momentum and community engagement, paving the way for the marquee waterfront competition.

NUSTAR plans to make “Rhythms of Wellness” an annual highlight, expanding activities and partnerships to reach even more Cebuanos and visitors in the coming years.