Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival 2010

Ilonggos were all set for February’s IloIlo Paraw Regatta Festival, now on its 37th year since its launching 1973.

The Iloilo Paraw (sailboat) Regatta was a race among the natives where they cross the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City. This race historically represents the first settlers of Borneo who used sailboats to reach Panay in 1212 A.D. These sailboats are now what are replicated and become part of the Ilonggo’s culture.

This festival celebrates the tradition of Ilonggo’s cultural heritage. Also part of the festival was the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Week on the third week of February.

Among the major events of the festival were the “Samba de Regatta,” a dance contest that features the dance troupes and bands of universities in Iloilo, a beauty pageant titled Miss Paraw Regatta, and the “Luces by the Sea,” a fireworks display at night.

Aside from the competitions, there were also exhibits, sports fests, and other activities that were held. Parades and performances were among the showcase of the festival, while shows and parties were also organized by the Philippines’s huge television networks.

The sailboat race was one of the event’s main highlight which happened on the 21st  at the Villa Beach Seascape.

For more details, visit www.iloiloparawregatta.com. Or contact Manuel E. Villa Jr, the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Chair at +63 917 740 7643.