⌛ The Paraw Race Of Guimaras

Guimaras is a small island that has recently been added to the list of favorite tourist destinations in the country. It became famous for its mangoes, which are large and sweet. Located off the coast of Iloilo, this small island is close to Panay. Despite its small size, Guimaras is the location of breathtaking natural sites, unique historical landmarks, and extraordinary religious traditions. For example, there are hiking trails for trekkers who wanted to circumnavigate the hills.

Also like any other island in the Philippines, it has great beaches. The waters are clear and you can clearly see your feet even at three feet. The island is abundant in coconut groves and coconut is the agricultural product second to mangoes. It has fields of dark and imposing boulders which bore witness to long ago geographical upheavals. With such favorable land formations, the people started holding the Guimaras International Mountain Bike Festival since 1994.

As for historical landmarks, this island has the Trappist Monastery, the only monastery in the Philippines which is managed by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. It also has the McArthur’s Wharf, a port buily by Lt. Douglas McArthur in 1903.

The religious people of Guimaras celebrate the “Pagtaltal sa Guiamas”. It is a Lenten presentation in which stage actors reenact the suffering of Jesus Christ. This show is actually patterned after the Oberammergau of South Bavaria in Germany.

The best-attended event in Guimaras is the “Paraw Regatta”, a race of native outriggers The “Paraw” is an old native term which refers to the intricately designed sailboats of Malays. These boats with outriggers were brought by the first settlers of Panay in 1212 A.D. This was about three centuries before Magellan reportedly discovered the Philippine islands. The early Malay settlers hailed from the islands of Borneo. Since they like the island of Panay, they devised ways to purchase the island from the native Aetas.

Today, the people of Guimaras honor such a historical event by holding the Paraw regatta or the Paraw race. The local makers of boats faithfully copy and imitate both the materials and design of such sailboats. After several months of construction and preparation, the Paraws are ready for the race. The race is through the narrow strait between the island province of Guimaras and Iloilo City.

The colorful boats are rowed by brown-skinned locals who also prepared and practiced for many months. As they swiftly cut through the sea waters, they reenact the strength, determination, and unity of the Malay settlers. The winners of the Paraw regatta do not get land titles but they are given monetary awards and material goods.