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[av_heading heading=’Regatta at beach, good business and ‘minor’ trouble elsewhere’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” 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=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY GABRIELLE MARIE PEREZ, Intern
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February 17, 2018
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ILOILO Paraw Regatta has been attracting tourists for four decades already, with its colorful sailboats mirroring the traditions of a seafaring community.
Considered as Asia’s oldest craft event and the Philippines’ largest sailing event, the annual Regatta – now on its 46th year – has been recognized by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines as the Best Sports Tourism Event of 2009.
The event covers the entire third week of February. The main paraw race at the Villa beach in Arevalo, Iloilo City is a visual feast and an adrenaline driver. But what happens elsewhere?
Business owners along the Villa beach see Paraw Regatta as an opportunity to earn more than during normal days.
“The event is a big help,” says restaurant owner Rosalina Casiano. “It increases the sales of many businesses here up to 80 percent.”
For new establishments, “this is our chance to be known,” says a new restaurant owner who asked to be identified only as Ian.“We have a chance to make a name to remember and leave a good impression to attract patrons.”
Small-time talaba vendor Imelda Almero, on the other hand, considers Paraw Regatta as a “peak season,” when customers abound.“This is our only time to earn big,” saysAlmero, who also owns a sari-sari store.
Students, however, do not care much about it – they do not watch Paraw Regatta. We interviewed several senior high school students at the Villa beach and they say they do not see the race. We asked some college students passing by and they could not care less either.
But for students at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Paraw Regatta provides them an opportunity to help protect the environment. After the race, they say, they conduct a cleanup drive at the Villa beach.
A 31-year-old laborer who asked to be identified only as Mark says Paraw Regatta gives them “a chance to catch-up and get together with friends from other places.” Others, like the 29-year-old Anthony and the 54-year-old housewife Inday, say the event does not have any impact on them.
Paraw Regatta attracts petty trouble, too, according to the Arevalo district police. An officer who refused to be identified for being unauthorized to speak with the press says “it is a time when blotter reports rack up but they are mostly about minor problems, like alarm and scandal.”
Philippine Coast Guard officer Charlie Adorable, on the other hand, says they do their best to ensure the safety of locals and tourists, and are aiming for a zero accident rate. (Photos by Grazeel Indap, Intern/PN)
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