Paraw Regatta returns to Arevalo for kickoff

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The shores of Arevalo came alive on Feb. 22 as the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival opened its 53rd year with a renewed tribute to the fisherfolk who shaped Iloilo City’s maritime identity.

Festival chairman John Lex Espinosa-Bayombong said the theme, “Sailing Forward, Guided by Tradition,” underscores the balance between innovation and heritage.

“While the winds may change and the tides shift, our direction is always anchored in the heritage that shaped us,” he said.

Espinosa-Bayombong said the festival was born from the lives of fisherfolk who once sailed the waters not for sport but for survival.

He cited figures such as his grandfather, Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, whose courage, resilience and deep connection to the sea continue to inspire generations of Ilonggos.

“For every year, we innovate, we grow, we bring new colors, new rhythms, and new stories into the celebration while holding to the traditions that define who we are as Ilonggos,” he said.

Espinosa-Bayombong said the Paraw Regatta has evolved into more than a competition, serving as a symbol of Ilonggos’ unity, solidarity and patriotism.

Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. President Angel De Leon Jr. said the festival highlights the ingenuity of fisherfolk who rely on wind power and artistic craftsmanship, evident in vividly painted sails despite the absence of advanced machinery.

He said the festival serves as a reminder of the community’s roots and identity.

“This is where we came from. This is where we grew. This is where we built relationships. I hope we do not forget where we came from, because it is when we look back that we are able to reach our destination,” De Leon said.

Fulbert Woo, governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Visayas, said this year’s festivities emphasize both progress and the importance of heritage.

With the opening ceremony returning to Arevalo, the festival’s traditional starting point along Villa Beach, Woo said the move affirms that the Paraw Regatta is more than a competition.

“It is a powerful reflection of our history and our deep connection to the waters that continues to sustain our community,” he said.

On Sunday, five groups competing in Sinamba sa Regatta offered a preview of their performances ahead of the finals night at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on Feb. 28.

The competing groups are Grupo Danza Forteza of Fort San Pedro National High School, Sentenilas Do Jaro of Jaro National High School, Grupo Ilonggo De Saltatores of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, Grupo Bailarines Del Manduryaw of Mandurriao National High School and Grupo na Sidlangan of Sidlangan Dance Company.

On Monday, the festival launched the Paraw Sailing Training Workshop, gathering secondary school students in a shared effort to ensure the intergenerational continuity of paraw sailing.

Participating schools include Parara National High School, Barroc National High School, Oton National High School, Ramon Avanceña National High School, Iloilo National High School and the Molo and Arevalo campuses of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival is one of the longest-running sailing events in Asia, first held in 1973 to celebrate the traditional double-outrigger sailboats, or paraws, used by Ilonggo fisherfolk in the Iloilo Strait.

The festival was recognized by the Department of Tourism as one of the country’s premier cultural events and has been instrumental in promoting Iloilo’s maritime heritage and tourism industry.