Journeys
The journey that is the Iloilo Paraw Regatta
(2nd of 2 parts)
The Iloilo Paraw Regatta has grown from a half-day sailboat race into a multi-event festival that it is now. This year's edition has Samba de Regatta Parade which starts from the Department of Tourism Region 6 office and culminates at the Freedom Grandstand where a competition among the parade participants takes place ( Feb 10, 5 p.m.).
A paraw regatta photo exhibit is mounted Feb 12-16 at SM City Iloilo where the presentation of Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta takes place Feb 13 5pm. Pageant and coronation night is on Feb 15 7pm at the Freedom Grandstand. Feb 16 is occupied with Baroto Race and Rowing Competition that starts at 1pm at Gaisano Bridge to Jalandoni Bridge.
Feb 17 is a busy day with the Paraw Slalom Sailing Championship 9 a.m., Pinta Paraw (Sail Painting Competition) and Beach Football 1 p.m. at Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods. The Governor's Cup Fishing Competition takes off at Fort San Pedro 11 a.m. and Beach Volley is set to exciting action at Villa Regatta 1 p.m. of the same day.
Feb 18 is the big day. Pinta Paraw judging takes place 7 a.m. at Villa Beach shoreline. After the opening ceremony at Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods 8 a.m., Class A Distance Race Sail starts 9 a.m. as Class B takes off 15 minutes later, Samba de Regatta follows at 9:20 a.m., Mini Paraw Sailing Championship 10 a.m., Beach Football Competition 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Anglers' Association Judging 11:30 a.m. and Grand Raffle and Awarding of Prizes 1 p.m. Beach Volleyball takes place 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Villa Regatta while Bongga sa Paraw Regatta happens at Breakthrough Restaurant 10:45 a.m.
This is the 3rd year that Iloilo Paraw Regatta is organized and managed by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation supported by the Department of Tourism Region VI, City of Iloilo, Province of Iloilo and Province of Guimaras. Major sponsors include Petron Corporation, Congressman Raul Gonzalez Jr., and SM City Iloilo.
The Iloilo Paraw Regatta is primarily aimed at helping develop the local tourism industry and preserve the paraw as a legacy from the earliest period of Ilonggo history. It also aims to dramatize the need for energy conservation particularly in these times of energy crisis while at the same time develop the spirit of sportsmanship among hosts and participants.
This year's theme is "Nurture Our Marine Heritage".