Iloilo Strait dazzles for 53rd Paraw Regatta Festival

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Dozens of brightly painted paraws returned to the shores of Villa Arevalo, slicing through the Iloilo Strait in a 32-kilometer test of speed and strategy during the highlight race of the 53rd Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival on Sunday, March 1.

The competition featured three primary categories based on paraw length and construction materials.

Category A boats measured 25 feet, while Categories B and C included vessels measuring 30 feet and 40 feet, respectively.

From Villa Beach in Arevalo, the fleet sailed toward a series of markers — Marker 1 in Oton, Marker 2 in Arevalo, Marker 3 near the Iloilo Fish Port Complex, Marker 4 at Ortiz Wharf and Marker 5 at Morobuan in Jordan, Guimaras — before heading back to the finish line.

Festival chairman John Lex Espinosa Bayombong said the Paraw Regatta remains more than a sporting event.

“As the vibrant sails rise and the paraws prepare to glide across the waters of the Iloilo Strait, we witness more than just a race. We witness history in motion; we witness courage, skill, teamwork, and the living tradition of our people,” Bayombong said.

He paid tribute to generations of fisherfolk who first braved the waters, including Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, whose passion helped shape what is now regarded as Asia’s oldest traditional sailing event.

Espinosa, owner of Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant in Villa Beach, Arevalo, is considered a sailing icon and one of the key founders of the Paraw Regatta Festival.

He has been involved in the event for nearly 50 years, with races starting and ending at his restaurant since 1973.

“From humble beginnings, this festival has grown year after year, becoming bigger, stronger, and more meaningful. But no matter how much we grow, we remain anchored to our roots. The paraw is not just a boat — it is a symbol of resilience,” he added.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the regatta symbolizes more than five decades of Ilonggo pride.

“For more than five decades, the Paraw Regatta has symbolized the courage, skill, and unity of our people. The colorful sails that glide across our waters are not only breathtaking but powerful reminders of who we are as Ilonggos,” Treñas-Chu said.

The mayor underscored the importance of honoring maritime heritage — from fishermen and boat makers to traders and coastal communities whose lives have long been shaped by the sea.

“Just like the paraw, we are strongest when we work together — government, private sector, communities, and every Ilonggo — sailing toward greater progress while staying true to our roots,” she added.

Beyond the sails that crossed the Iloilo Strait, the festival also featured food and cultural competitions.

Under the midday sun on Sunday, long lines formed for the “Best Tasting Lechon” event, where 10 roasted pigs were paraded and served to festivalgoers.

The celebration also included the “Pinta Tawo” body art competition, where artists transformed human canvases into vivid depictions of maritime life and Ilonggo identity.

An estimated 6,350 spectators attended Sunday’s highlight events, according to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center.

On Feb. 28 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, rhythmic drumbeats and synchronized movements took center stage during Sinamba sa Regatta, a cultural dance competition showcasing the energy and artistry of local performers.

Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores of Jalandoni Memorial National High School emerged as champion in the Sinamba sa Regatta dance competition.

Meanwhile, Grupo na Sidlangan (Sidlangan Dance Company), Grupo Sentenilas Do Jaro (Jaro National High School), Bailarines del Manduryaw (Mandurriao National High School) and Grupo Danza Forteza (Fort San Pedro National High School) placed first to fourth runners-up, respectively.