Ilonggos prepare for ‘Paraw Regatta Festival’

As early as now, the province of Iloilo is mapping out plans to hold the “Paraw Regatta Festival” in February, 20l0 so Ilonggos from abroad can plan to come home. Vicki Jardiolin-Villa, a native of Jaro, says that the other major activity in Jaro at that time is the fiesta of Our Lady of Candelaria on February 2.

The Iloilo Paraw (sailboat) Regatta, launched in 1973, is a race among native outriggers in the strait between the island province of Guimaras and Iloilo City. Called “paraw” in the local dialect, these native outriggers faithfully copy the materials and design of sailboats that carried the first settlers from Borneo who were in search of a peaceful home in Panay in 1212 A. D. The sailboats survived the centuries and became a vital part of the Ilonggo seafaring life.

The Paraw Regatta now in its 37th year was envisioned to preserve the heritage and culture of the early Filipinos, so inextricably entwined with the sea. The boat race has grown into an event of international stature and considered one of the country’s important yearly tourism happenings. It was founded by a group of concerned Ilonggos in 1972; among them Manuel Villa, Jr., the present chairman of the Paraw Regatta Foundation which has organized and celebrated the festival for the past 37 years. The primary objective of the regatta is to help develop local tourism industry and preserve the” paraw” as the legacy from the earliest period of Ilonggo history; to celebrate the skills of “paraw” sailors-marginal fishermen who take the week off to train and compete in the regatta, and to bring a fiesta spirit into their lives.

[ Iloilo City Wiki ]