LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato - Host Municipality of Lake Sebu soared to a roaring start by capturing two titles at the start of the 2nd Indigenous People’s Games (IPG) held at the Municipal Plaza here Friday, June 15.

Lake Sebu-T’boli tribe topped the hanaw or kadang race over Lake Sebu Ubo and T’boli teams that placed second and third, respectively.

Lake Sebu-Ubo team, for its part, emerged champion in setanggung or lechon race over next two finishers Tupi and Tampakan teams.

Richard Antonio, 24 years old, who formed part of the setanggung race champion team, said he was among the frontliners of their team. The event was played by three males with the two players carrying their other teammate through a bamboo pole. Antonio served as one of the “carriers”.

“Karon rako nakadula sa lechon race pero ginadula ko na ang kadang (This is my first time to play the lechon race although I’ve been playing the kadang),” he told Sun.Star Davao in an interview.

He said that carriers like him should be fast.

“Enjoy man diay basta grupo ang dula og dunay unity (I had fun especially when the game is played with a group and there is unity),” he said, thanking the organizers for staging the IP Games in their town and reviving their interest on their own traditional games.

In hemanak, also known as archery, T’boli’s Michael Samling and Johnvert Celestino combined for 65 points to clinch the boys doubles crown while runner-up Ronnie Dasan and Jerry Dasa of Lake Sebu T’boli made 50 points. The tandem of Reynan Tang and Jenor Lizal totalled 45 points to grab the third place.

The hemanak adult title went to Fredie Layo (40 points) who bested Irini Masalo (35) and Benito Katuron (20).

Other events of the Philippine Sports Commission-organized IPG were still being played as of yesterday presstime.

Awarding of winners is slated Saturday, June 16.