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[av_heading tag=’h3′ padding=’10’ heading=’46th Iloilo Paraw Regatta unveils novel ‘Bangkarera’’ color=” style=’blockquote modern-quote’ custom_font=” size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”]
BY IAN PAUL CORDERO
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February 10, 2018
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ILOILO City – This year’s 46th edition of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival has added a new attraction – a race of boats sans their sails.
Called “Bangkarera”, the competition was unveiled yesterday at Puyo Wharf in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.
“Bangkarera” is a portmanteau or blending of two Hiligaynon words – bangka (boat) and karera (race).
Yesterday’s pioneering race had several categories for motorized and paddled double outrigger wooden boats, and for those made of fiberglass. It attracted over a hundred participants from across Western Visayas.
While “Bangkarera” is a Paraw Regatta novelty, it is not in Nueva Valencia, according to Mayor Emmanuel Galila.
The local government of Nueva Valencia started holding this kind of boat race in 2014, he revealed.
“Ang Bangkarera namon is part sang amon foundation day every last week of January,” said Galila.
Paraw Regatta is considered the oldest sailing event in Asia.
The paraw is a small, double-outrigger boat widely used for travel and trade since ancient Western Visayan times. It is a strikingly fast boat, making 20 kph to 30 kph through the waves.
The wind propels the paraw which has wide sails.
The regatta was established more than four decades ago primarily to preserve the paraw as a significant link to the early period of Ilonggo history. Its conception also served as an addition to the booming tourism industry of the city.
The 46th Iloilo Paraw Regatta officially opened yesterday. A series of activities will be conducted until Feb. 17./PN
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