Iloilo City hoists sail for 52nd Paraw Regatta

“Paraws” will once again drift through the waters between Iloilo and Guimaras, gathering skilled traditional boat makers and sailors and “layag” artists for the 52nd Paraw Regatta Festival.

“We are 70% ready for the Paraw Regatta Festival. There are some side events we are still polishing, but so far, our planning has been smooth sailing,” John Lex Bayombong, festival chairperson, said in a press conference on Thursday, February 6.

Paraw Regatta is an annual celebration of the rich Hiligaynon sailing heritage highlighting the “paraw,” a traditional wind-propelled double-outrigger sailboat with a slim main hull used for fishing and water mobility purposes.

Dr. Roberto Somosa, chairperson for the sailing events, said they have met with the concerned safety authorities, especially the Philippine Coast Guard, that was entrusted with releasing marine notices to coastal communities along the race route.

During the festival’s main sailing event, sailors show their proficiency in boat maneuvering, stabilization, and sail trim while traversing the estimated 30-kilometer stretch from Villa Beach, Arevalo, to Guimaras and back.

The “layag,” with all its painted colors and imagery, basks under the striking sunlight showcasing the Ilonggo’s artistry. Described by Somosa as mga “alibangbang sa tunga dagat” (butterflies in the middle of the sea), their abundance then boosted their significance in local maritime history.

To keep the oldest traditional sailing event in Asia afloat, festival organizers hinted at the increased prizes, adopted a “go green” approach, and the “Eat-and-Sail” promotional experience for tourists. Somosa also revealed the introduction of a new category for Slalom Race, which will become a competition once a sufficient number of participants is achieved.

The Slalom Race Juniors is open to all males aged 12 to 16 to encourage the learning of the maneuvering of the watercraft in hopes of passing it to the younger generation.

“Paraw Regatta, or any other festival, is a community effort. The responsibility does not solely lie on IFFI (Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.) or the private sector to push for this festival to be sustained,” said Bayombong, in addition to the new initiatives introduced on how to boost the event and achieve intergenerational sustainability.

This year’s festival, themed “Sailing Blue Waters on this Green Earth,” will officially open on February 23 after a Holy Mass at Arevalo Parish.

Main events are set for March 1 with Aquathlon Paraw High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sinamba sa Regatta; and March 2 with Paraw Main Race, Pinta Layag, Pinta Tawo, Sinamba Street Dancing, Lighted Paraw, and Lechon Parade and Contest. (Pearl Socias/Iloilo City PIO)