Iloilo Paraw Regatta sets sails again
Posted by on February 5, 2008
ILOILO City is all set for another annual tradition and tourism booster—the annual Paraw Regatta at Villa Beach. This year’s regatta is at the shore of Tatoy’s Manokan Seafood Restaurant Feb 16-17.
Now on its 36th year, the main event which is a sailboat race in the Iloilo and Guimaras Straits will be joined by many featured side events.
There will be a pinta layag (sail painting contest), pintawo, miniature paraw race, angling competition, rowing and paddling competition, sports events, Samba de Regatta and Miss Paraw Regatta beauty pageant.
The sailboat race itself will have two parts – the slalom and the regatta proper.
The regatta is a race among native wind-powered outriggers locally known as paraw. Now more than three decades old, it has become a well-liked attraction, drawing tourists and boat racing enthusiasts from all parts of the Philippines and abroad. It has recently been named the third best annual tourism event for 2007 by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas created the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation two years ago, to spearhead the activity. The foundation is chaired by businessman Manuel Villa, Jr. and is composed of individuals coming from the public and private sector.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the foundation, the media and the other partner agencies that have unceasingly supported this annual event.
Registration is still open and application forms are available at the DOT in Bonifacio Drive, city tourism office at the old COA Bldg. and city public information office at Robinsons Place. (PIO)
Hope I could visit Iloilo and ride on the Paraw!