"The sea breeze brought the vibrant colours and enduring spirit of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival to the shores of Arevalo in Iloilo City on Sunday, as sailors arrived for the race steeped in heritage. Under the theme ‘Sailing Forward, Guided by Tradition,’ the event drew approximately 6,350 spectators to Villa Beach to witness Asia’s oldest traditional craft sailing competition. “If you’re into sail racing, you will enjoy the adrenaline as I do,” participant Demitilio Sr shared. “It’s fun, and I always look forward to joining this event.” This year, the regatta featured dozens of paraws - native Visayan double-outrigger sailboats - defying the coastal winds. They are floating masterpieces, their large sails transformed through the Pinta Layag competition, where artists adorned the fabric with sweeping murals of traditional motifs and fantastical creatures, infused with bursts of modern creativity. As the flotilla caught the wind, the strait became a kaleidoscope of colour - a powerful spectacle of speed, skill, and artistry. The race, comprising both ‘painted’ and ‘unpainted’ categories, spanned a challenging 30-kilometre course that tested the seamanship of local sailors as they navigated from Villa Beach, up the coast of Panay, towards Guimaras, and back. Among the seasoned participants was Winnie Demitilio Sr., a name synonymous with the regatta’s history. Established in 1973 to preserve the historic value of the paraw - once the primary mode of transportation and fishing for Ilonggos - the Paraw Regatta has continued annually, pausing only during the global COVID pandemic. Today, it symbolises Ilonggo resilience and a vital connection to the region's seafaring roots. “This festival is celebrated yearly, and I enjoy it every time,” said Nihan, a resident of Iloilo. “Many tourists come to experience the culture of the Villa Arevalo festival. We all enjoyed it so much!” The energy on the shores of Arevalo pulsated with life during side events like the Sinamba sa Regatta, a street dance competition weaving the community's history, faith, and festive spirit through choreography."