Paddle Power by the Iloilo River Queens

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By Emily D. Singbenco

ILOILO RIVER has been and continues to be a river of life for the Ilonggos. Through the decades of its ebb and flow, it has silently witnessed countless historical events, cultural evolutions, economic developments, human experiences, and environmental battles – this especially as the 15-km estuary is home to important fish and mangrove species.

With the development of the Esplanade, rehabilitation efforts of the riverine body were strengthened by community involvement and effective implementation of river management policies. Since then, both waterway and man-made structure have been making significant contributions to the city’s economic and tourism industry.

To further highlight the protection and preservation of Iloilo River, Team I-PAD (Iloilo Paddlers Club, Inc) was established last June 27, 2019. On the more athletic side of things, the team aimed to put dragon boat racing on the local spotlight, and in doing so, level up sports through inclusivity. To this day, the team welcomes everyone who are inclined, available, and committed to attend the trainings and exercises.

While strict demarcation between the sexes is insisted by some sports activities, paddling does not discriminate its participants. Hence, it is not unusual to see sporty women bent hard on their paddles, side by side their male counterparts, as they race their vessels through the cool morning breeze.

One of these outstanding Ilongga paddlers is Charlane ‘Cham Cham’ Ledesma. With her strong, solid, and balanced physique, Cham Cham has competed in open categories which were mostly participated by men from other competing teams. Some of these competitions include the Mandani Cebu Regatta, the Oartoberfest Race in Boracay, and Araw ng Dabaw Dragon Boat Race 2023.

As one of the female paddlers of Team IPAD, Cham Cham emphasized that just like any other team sport, paddling is about team spirit: movements should be in sync and the individual paddler must feel the rhythm of the team and the glide of the boat.

No stranger to muscle strain and body pain, this former volleyball player believes that anything can be excellently achieved with proper and consistent practice and training. “Skilled technique in paddling is proper coordination of body movements and timing; correct execution means better paddling experience,” she remarked.

Lucy Lynette Ponce Uygongco is another one of these lady paddlers who exemplifies dedication and grit in the sport. Rain or shine, alone or with a group, she dabbles in the exercise, which already earned her the endearing moniker of ‘Lady of Iloilo River’.

This businesswoman-turned-hardcore paddler accomplished the inter-island SUP (Standup Paddle) crossing last May 26 and June 10, 2022, making her the first woman to cross Iloilo to Guimaras alone. Navigating tricky tides, currents, waves, and the spells of loneliness through the passage, she managed to finish 7.38 kilometers in roughly an hour and a half on the first attempt; the second attempt took her around two hours.

With inspiring determination and resilience in these challenging situations, she persisted – and continues to do so beyond this feat. “One should not underestimate the power of nature. It’s just so powerful… it can re-energize your mind and heal you mentally and spiritually. Being on the paddle board is like [a] moving meditation,” she shared.

After this monumental achievement, Lynette dreams of becoming the first woman to traverse Iloilo to Negros and become a certified professional SUP athlete. When asked about this ambitious plan, she responded, “It’s never too late to chase your dreams at 53… Once you take the mindset, you are naturally empowered.”

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These extraordinary women paddlers of Iloilo River who traded the couch for a life of adventure are proof that one can put together a concoction of life-work balance, environmental conservation, and outdoor education. Cham and Lynette are certified trailblazers who continue to shape the future of paddling and to inspire others to immerse themselves in the transformative power of water sports. Challenging as it may seem, the quest of finding simplicity, peace amidst chaos, and contentment in the simple pleasures of life continues in them.

Women’s Month hardly just left yet it seems that Iloilo’s river queens are here to stay. Like them, may women recognize their full potential and contribute their talents to the collective journey of leveling up the city in the field of sports and recreation. After all, what is more rewarding than facing challenges on your own terms, overcoming your fears, mastering body pain, and building your character?

(The author is a sports enthusiast and an advocate of healthy living and research. Photos are from the author and Gene Cabrera.)