ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- The two-day highlights of the 41st Iloilo Paraw Festival kicked off Saturday with more than 50 sailboats parading at the stretch of Villa Beach in Arevalo this city for the Slalom Race.   Slalom served as an added attraction to the main highlight on Sunday that would showcase sailboats racing in the more than 28-kilometer stretch of the Iloilo to Guimaras Strait. It was aimed at enhancing the seamanship of the crew in handling and maneuvering the ‘Paraw’ under all wind conditions in a preset race course. Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) chairman Manny Villa Jr. are expecting that this year’s sailing event would be more successful. Paraw Regatta has become a symbol of Iloilo City even as the P450-million Iloilo Convention Center project architecture will incorporate in its design the sails of native outrigger boat showcasing the oldest sailing event in Asia, stressed Mabilog. He also...

ILOILO City – The city government is getting ready for the Paraw Regatta slated from February 13 to 20. The sailing event should be fully supported to sustain the economic and tourism activity in the region, said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) chairman Manuel Villa Jr. said the 39th edition of the regatta will have the theme "Philippine Seafaring Tradition Goes Worldwide." Paraw Regatta is the largest and oldest sailing event in Asia with sailing enthusiasts from Europe, Australia and United States visiting Iloilo to witness the sailing skills of Ilonggo sailors, Villa added. Native fishermen join the 30-kilometer race using the traditional paraw or native outriggers. They race through the Iloilo Strait between the islands of Guimaras and Panay. Other side events of the regatta are rowing and paddling competition, Governor's Cup fishing competition, beach football and volleyball. News article courtesy of Panay News | Photos Cour...