A good reason to be in Iloilo during the third week of February is to witness this very unique event, the Paraw Regatta Festival. It’s a race of sailboats starting from Villa beach passing the marked areas in Iloilo-Guimaras Strait then back to the starting point. The first one to arrive will be declared the champion. Estimated time to cover the route is 2 – 2.5 hours.
children play while unmindful of the paraw in front of them
Every year I try to be at Villa Beach just to see the sailboats sail to the open sea. There’s always a feeling of awe and excitement when you see 70+ colorful sailboats leave the beach all together at the signal of a loud boom from the fireworks. Last Sunday, I was there at 7:30 am, took a few pics and wandered around and see what’s going on. I’ve noticed that more and more amateur and professional photographers come to cover the event, carrying their shiny and expensive cameras with heavy zoom lenses. In times like this, I always feel conscious to show my Nikon Coolpix L5.
a young participant gamely pose for the camera
After the opening program, the performance area was cleared to give way for Sinamba performers. By that time, the boatmen were already maneuvering their tiny vessels in Iloilo-Guimaras Strait. The Sinamba, a shortcut for sina-ot (dancing) and amba (singing) was conceptualized to entertain visitors while waiting for the arrival of the paraw. Its origin can be traced back from the beginning where boatmen camped for the night to prepare their sailboats for competition. They drink sing and dance. A typical scenario when Ilonggo fishermen gather together.
boatmen wait for the signal of competition
I positioned myself at the side of the stand under a huge tent courtesy of San Miguel Beer to witness Sinamba Finals for the first time. If you want a little comfort while watching the Sinamba and Paraw Regatta, the organizers set up a covered stand with plastic chairs for P150. Five groups competed and each one wanted to outshine the others. Paraw Regatta became a venue to display their terpsichorean skills and talents in music. Also, local artists made their contribution by painting the layag or sail to promote their own craft.
I agree with the speakers during the opening program that this festival has become better and bigger as the years go on. Many activities were lined up throughout the week like Sinamba – a group dancing competition to the tune of Samba music, Pintawo – body painting competition, Fireworks Display, Beach Volleyball, Mini-Paraw Competition and Search for Miss Paraw Regatta. See www.exploreiloilo.com for complete list.
Iloilo holds the title as one of the only two places in Asia that hold a sailboat race. Paraw Regatta earned recognition last 2009 as the biggest and only long-running sports festival in the country. It is celebrating its 38th year in giving Ilonggos a truly unique sports entertainment inspired by the Ilonggo boatmen.
