MANILA, Philippines – What would you do if given the chance to represent your country on an international stage? For Peter Arreglado, an EastWest employee from Cebu, the answer was simple: paddle with all his might and bring honor to the Philippines.
At the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa, Peter joined the Philippine team in clinching an incredible 11 gold medals, topping the standings and proving the country’s dominance in dragon boat racing.
Peter’s contribution was equally impressive, earning a silver medal in the 200-meter small boat and two bronze medals in the 500-meter small boat and 2000-meter standard boat events. These achievements reflect years of dedication to his craft as a paddler, a journey that began in 2019.
EastWest’s support fuels success
Balancing work and sports can be daunting, but EastWest made sure Peter had the resources and flexibility to excel. The company offered him financial support, access to training facilities, and a flexible schedule to prepare for the rigorous demands of the competition.
“Without EastWest’s backing, this dream would have been impossible,” Peter shared. “Their support allowed me to focus on performing my best for the Philippines.”
More than just medals
Peter isn’t just proud of his medals; he sees his success as a way to inspire his colleagues and community to pursue their passions.
“I hope this achievement shows everyone at EastWest that pursuing interests outside work is possible with the right support,” he said.
EastWest’s Human Resources Head, Alfie Suarez, echoed this sentiment. “Peter’s resilience and teamwork mirror the core values we uphold at EastWest. His journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets support.”
Looking ahead
Peter’s dragon boat journey doesn’t end here. He has his sights set on future races, including the next World Championships in Canada.
As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to empowering employees in every aspect of their lives. From dragon boat paddlers to dance groups and running clubs, the company fosters a culture where personal passions are celebrated alongside professional milestones.
For Peter Arreglado, the journey is far from over—but his story reminds us that with the right support, even the boldest dreams can come true.
FAQ
Q: Who is Peter Arreglado?
A: Peter is a member of EastWest’s Cebu office ROPA team and a dragon boat athlete.
Q: What did he achieve at the 2024 Dragon Boat World Championships?
A: He won a silver medal in the 200-meter small boat event and two bronze medals in the 500-meter small boat and 2000-meter standard boat events.
Q: How did EastWest support Peter’s journey?
A: The company provided a flexible work schedule, financial assistance, and access to training resources.
Q: What values does this achievement highlight?
A: Teamwork, resilience, and the importance of balancing professional and personal passions.
Q: What’s next for Peter?
A: He plans to compete in future dragon boat races, including the next World Championships in Canada.