BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
WITH THE SAILS at the mercy of gusty winds and radiant sun, the 51st Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival marked another year of a successful maritime celebration, firmly establishing itself as the longest traditional sailing event in Asia.
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, enthusiasts and spectators alike gathered along the shores of Villa Beach in Arevalo, Iloilo City to witness the culmination of the weeklong festival that showcased the rich seafaring culture of the region.
Led by the Iloilo City Government through Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and 51st Paraw Regatta Festival chairperson John Lex Bayombong, together with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., Junior Chamber International-Iloilo, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event boasted a lineup of exhilarating activities that captivated attendees from near and far.
Following tradition, the Paraw Race took center stage as skilled sailors navigated their traditional outrigger sailboats through the pristine waters, displaying their agility and expertise in a thrilling display of maritime prowess.
The present-day paraw managed to maintain its original design from the sailboats of the first settlers from Borneo who were in search of a peaceful home in 2012 A.D. Over the centuries, the paraws have become a vital part of Filipino seafaring life.
First held in 1973, the regatta celebrates the double outrigger boats primarily to preserve the paraw as a significant link to the earliest period of Ilonggo history. The paraw is a small boat with two stabilizers and was widely used for travel and trade during ancient times. Up to this day, it is still being used as a means of transport as well as a source of livelihood.
About 40 boatmen from various provinces in Western Visayas displayed their skill and speed.
This year’s main race was divided into three categories based on the size and design of the paraws.
About 14 paraws were listed under Category A, while 15 and 11 participants joined in Category B and Category C, respectively.
Category A was intended for paraws with a length of 25 feet overall; Category B was for those with a waterline of 16.1 feet to 22 feet; and Category C catered to paraws over 22 feet in the waterline. The race course stretched 30 kilometers from Villa Beach in Arevalo district to Guimaras Island and back to Villa Beach.
Hailed as winners of this year’s Paraw Regatta Main Sailing Competition were:
Category A
* Champion – ARLYN of Leganes, Iloilo; owned and built by Orlando Demetillo Sr. with Rocky Demetillo as skipper
* 1st runner-up – LD of Leganes, Iloilo; owned and built by Wennie Demetillo Sr. who was also the skipper
* 2nd runner-up – NINIA & ISSIAH of Arevalo, Iloilo City; owned and built by Hector Espinosa with Raul Tanagras as skipper
Category B
* Champion – MASBOI-8 of Malay, Aklan; owned by Mike Sinel and built by Tony Prado with Frimar Solano as skipper
* 1st runner-up – JAGUAR RC of Arevalo, Iloilo City; owned by Reyman Balidiong and built by Gilbert De La Cruz with Rudy Tinasas Sr. as skipper
* 2nd runner-up – H.M. of Arevalo, Iloilo City; owned and built by Hector Espinosa with Wilmer Tamayo as skipper
Category C
* Champion – ASHLEY of Malay, Aklan; owned by Teody Belejerdo and built by Ebod Prado with Eddie Dela Torre as skipper
* 1st runner-up – VAUGHN of Malay, Aklan; owned by Nicanor Gad and built by Reden Tumaca with Jerick Fernando as skipper
* 2nd runner-up – KIM ARON of Malay, Aklan; owned by Efren Aguirre and built by Reden Tumaca with Hobert Samulde as skipper
Earlier on February 28, the seamanship of the 40 boatmen was also tested in a short preset course. Under the Paraw Regatta Slalom Competition, they had to handle and maneuver the paraw for approximately three kilometers. Emerging victorious were:
Category A
* Champion – KOKOY of Malay, Aklan; owned by Ariel Gad and built by Reden Tumaca with Manny Ascaño as skipper
* 1st runner-up – ARLYN of Leganes, Iloilo
* 2nd runner-up – NINIA & ISSIAH of Arevalo, Iloilo City
Category B
* Champion – JOFMAN V4-3 of Malay Aklan; owned by Nicanor Silvan Gad and built by Junnel Tumaca with Lares Villanueva as skipper
* 1st runner-up – DISCOVERY of Malay, Aklan; owned by Jeocellen Prado and built by Seriel Prado who was also the skipper
* 2nd runner-up – SHANIELLE of Leganes, Iloilo; owned by Leowin Demetillo and built by Wennie Demetillo who was also the skipper
Category C
* Champion – ASHLEY of Malay, Aklan
* 1st runner-up – KIM ARON of Malay, Aklan
* 2nd runner-up – VAUGHN of Malay, Aklan
On Sunday morning, festivities kicked off with the much-anticipated Pinta Layag Contest, where participants showcased their creativity by adorning sailcloths with vibrant and eye-catching paintings, adding a splash of color to the azure seascape. This unique contest highlighted the fusion of artistry and seafaring tradition, setting the stage for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie.
Sailing through realms of creativity, sailboat KOKOY as the Pinta Layag champion leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of the sea. Sailboats DISCOVERY and VAUGHN were named as 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Paraw Lechon Contest delighted the senses as contestants showcased their culinary skills by grilling succulent pigs to perfection, tantalizing taste buds, and igniting the spirit of gastronomic delight among festival-goers.
Adding to the festivities were the energetic and graceful performances of the winners of Sinamba sa Regatta. Grupo Del Oeste emerged as the champion, followed by Grupo Ilonggo De Saltatores as the 1st runner-up and Grupo Baile De Obreros as the 2nd runner-up, all leaving a lasting impression with their captivating routines.
As the afternoon sun blanketed the horizon with a golden hue, the Paraw Beach Bodies Competition brought an alluring ambiance to the festivities, with contestants exuding confidence and charisma in their swimwear and captivating the crowd with their beach-ready physiques.
As the day drew to a close, the festival culminated in a spectacle of lights and colors, with the illuminated Paraw Display casting a mesmerizing glow over the waters, accompanied by a breathtaking fireworks display that painted the night sky.
With smiles on their faces and memories to be cherished, participants and spectators alike bid farewell to yet another successful edition of the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival, a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime tradition and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.
As the night ended, anticipation builds for the next installment of this beloved event, promising even more excitement and camaraderie on the high seas of Iloilo-Guimaras./PN
