The 47th Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta is scheduled to open on Saturday, February 9, and Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III is encouraging the public to join the festivities.

“I am inviting everyone to witness the events for the celebration of the Paraw Regatta, which is considered the oldest sailing event in Asia,” he said.

The festival opens at the Jordan Wharf in Guimaras.

The main sailing competition takes place on February 17, the last day of the festival.

Among the other activities set to take place include a seafarers job fair at SM City Iloilo on Wednesday, February 13, where various shipping companies are expected to participate; Miss Paraw Regatta coronation night is scheduled for next Friday, February 15; and the Sinamba sa Regatta Street Parade, which stretches from the Iloilo City Center to the Esplanade, will take place on the afternoon of February 16.

In addition, the miniature paraw-making contest, which takes place on February 10 at SM City Iloilo, is currently accepting entries.

The competition is open to everyone.

Entries must be constructed of indigenous and recyclable material with dimensions of two feet in width, four feet in length, and four feet in height.

Contestants are also advised their submissions must not emit foul odors nor should it be a commercial miniature paraw product.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 8, by 5:00 p.m.

Judging will take place between February 10 and 16.

In addition, judging for the photo contest will take place on February 25, with the awarding scheduled for February 28./WDJ