Iloilo City preps for 52nd Paraw Regatta Festival

Philippines paraw racing, Ilo Ilo © Ilo Ilo Paraw Festival

ILOILO CITY — Preparations are in full swing for the 52nd Paraw Regatta Festival, Asia’s oldest traditional craft event in Asia and the largest in the Philippines, celebrating the rich seafaring heritage of the Ilonggos.

Sailing events chair Dr. Roberto Somosa said Friday that a new addition will be introduced in this year’s event – Junior Slalom Race category catering to 12 to 16-year-old participants. "Slalom is a short-course race of approximately 2.5 km. compared with the main sailing event, which has a distance of about 32 km. Our purpose is to encourage the younger generation to learn the maneuvering skills to sustain Paraw Regatta. I am finding time to encourage participation for our junior’s category,” Somosa said in an interview.

Initially, organizers aimed for at least five participants in the junior race. If the quota is not met, it will proceed as a demonstration event, with participants receiving consolation prizes, he said. So far, two teams from Boracay Island have already confirmed their participation in the race set for Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, for the main sailing event on March 2, the competition will retain its traditional three categories. Based on their rules, all boats joining Category A will have no modifications. They have to make use of traditional materials, with a combination of wood and bamboo. Those joining Categories B and C are allowed to use aluminium outriggers.

The official also underscored the importance of the event in the conservation of the country’s traditional boats. “The purpose of Paraw Regatta is to promote the conservation of our traditional boat,” he said.

Colorful paraws line the shores of Arevalo district during the 51st Iloilo Paraw Regatta in 2024 - photo © P G Lena

‘Eat and Sail'

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, which manages all festivals in the city, has agreed to purchase three paraw boats. John Lex Bayombong, Chair of the 2025 Paraw Regatta Festival, said the three paraws can be a good start to promote the events and open it to those who would like to learn the maneuvering skills. The boats that will be initially introduced during the duration of the festival will be open for tourists who would like to “Eat-and-Sail” for a minimal fee.

The festival will kick off on Feb. 23 and will culminate on March 2. “We are almost 70 percent ready for Paraw Regatta Festivals. We are just trying to polish some side events,” Bayombong added.