Organizers are now busy preparing for the staging of 41st Iloilo Paraw Festival which will highlight on Feb. 10-17, 2013.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) chairman Manny Villa Jr. signed Wednesday the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the smooth preparation and successful hosting of the sailing event next year.

Paraw Regatta has become a symbol of Iloilo City even as the P450-million Iloilo Convention Center project architecture will incorporate in its design the sails of native outrigger boat showcasing the oldest sailing event in Asia, stressed Mabilog.

He also credited Villa for being instrumental in tourism and cultural promotions through the Paraw Regatta festival as well as in restoration of heritage buildings in Calle Real.

The City Hall committed P1.6-million budget while the Office of Cong. Jerry P. Treñas pledged P300,000 cash assistance.  

Paraw Regatta is touted as largest and longest-running traditional sailing event in Asia where colorful native outrigger boats navigate the close to 30-kilometer race route in Iloilo Strait between the city and Guimaras Island.  

Themed “Ilonggo Sailing Heritage: Vibrant & Strong!” the 2013 edition lines up close to 30 special events including mini-paraw beach race, Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta pageant, variety show, miniature paraw sail-painting contest, photo exhibit, miniature paraw-making contest, seafood cooking competition, rowing and paddling, dragon boat race, Esplanade concert, Iloilo River seafood festival at Customs House riverbank, photo contest, torch parade, Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta mardi gras competition, deep-sea fishing competition, skimboarding competition, jet ski competition, Paraw Slalom short distance race, rapid chess tournament, national Frisbee exhibition games, national invitational womens volleyball, beach concert and party, fireworks display, paraw sail-painting contest, body painting contest, and sand sculpture contest.*JVF/ICPIO