For the 40th Paraw Regatta Festival, sailboats Ninia & Issiah & Maxx and Cherlyn, dominated the main events yesterday.
Ninia & Issiah & Maxx owned by Hector Espinosa of Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo dominated among the 50 entries in the category A and received P50,000. Meanwhile, Cherylyn owned by Federico Tantiado of Parara Sur, Tigbauan bested other 23 entries in Category B received P75,000.
Other winners for Category A, for Paraw’s having a waterline length ranging from 16 feet and below, were Piranha 3 of Benito Gordoncillo of Camangay, Leganes, second; and Arlyn of Orlando Demetillo also of Camangay, Leganes, third.
For Category B, for Paraw’s having a waterline length ranging from 17.5 to 22 feet, second place went to last year’s champion “Marjohnec“ of Hector Espinosa.
Other winners were “Kristine” of Oscar Espinosa of Arevalo, third; “2 Angels” of Jayde Pauchano of Leganes, fourth; “Princess Jolina 2” of Rolando Tajanlangit Sr. of Tigbauan, fifth; “Blue Angel” of Alejandro Elemento of Guimaras, sixth; “Two Sister R” of Roger Genite of Leganes, seventh; “Jonel” of Nelson Guzman of Tigbauan, eighth; “Jasmine Shane” of Jay Ryan Maming of Aklan and “Nezar” of Honorato Espino, the owner of Tatoy’s in Villa, Arevalo.
Builders of the paraws, Henry Tañagas for Category A and Rico Tantiado of Category B also received P4,000.
The race course for Categories A and B cover approximately a distance of 23.8 kilometers, which has its starting point at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods in Sto. Niño Sur Arevalo to Fort San Pedro to Sto Rosario, Buenavista Guimaras to Nagaba Point Jordan to Bundolan Point and return to Tatoy’s as the finish line.
The Paraw Regatta is a race among native outriggers in the straits between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island. It is called Paraw in the llongo vernacular.
Ilonggos still use paraw as a means of transportation as well a source of livelihood. With a fresh breeze, the paraw is a strikingly fast boat, making 20 to 30 kph through the waves.
A total of 74 all painted paraws were recorded this year -- 50 in Category A and 24 in Category B.
The organizers allotted P438,000 for the prizes; P171,000 for Category A; P217,000 for Category B and consolation prizes of P1,000 each for the 50 other finishers.
The theme, “Sailing the Best Wind,” was manifested by the crew's skills to navigate the unique geophysical coastline of Iloilo-Guimaras Strait, according to Manny Villa, Paraw Regatta chairman.
Meanwhile, to attract more tourists and to gain more sponsors for the event, the foundation will open the international competition next year.
source: Karen V. Bermejo, The News Today
photos by: Rosslin John Robles
