By Mariela Angella Oladive
Under the theme ‘In the Waves of Change,’ the 51st Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Festival was officially launched on February 25 at Tatoy’s Manokan and Restaurant in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City.
The festival’s chairperson, John Lex Espinosa-Bayombong, proclaimed the start of Asia’s oldest sailing event and one of the city’s largest festivals during a ceremony following a Mass.
In his address, Bayombong extended a warm welcome to all and shared his excitement for the upcoming maritime activities, with main events scheduled for March 1 to 3.
Paying tribute to the local fishing community, Bayombong underscored the festival’s importance.
“Now, on our 51st voyage, we are setting the sails even higher, all for the Ilonggo people to honor the fisherfolk who set the celebration in motion. At the heart of this event is a story that began with our fisherfolk. My own grandfather is among those who cast the first nets of this tradition, and today, we honor their legacy and their vital role in the community,” he remarked.
“This year’s theme resonates with evolving waves of time and we navigate these waves of change showing strength and bracing the future with open arms,” he added.
The opening ceremony featured a sequence of lively dance performances for the attendees’ enjoyment.
Dignitaries gracing the event included Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, City Councilor Alan Zaldivar, the event’s Co-chair Engineer Fulbert Woo, PCCI Iloilo and JCI Iloilo officers and members, Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Shaima Al Yansuri, among other prominent guests.
For the latest schedule of events, please visit the Iloilo Paraw Regatta’s official Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/parawregattafestival.
Traditionally, the main sailing competition and the bulk of the festivities take place at Tatoy’s Beach Front.
