The slalom race is one of the highlight events of the 53^rd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival.

At least 40 groups participated in three categories of the competition.

Ereneo Abacain brought a telescope to get a good vista of the racing paraws on February 26, 2026.

“Maganda at masaya, at excited ang mga tao na makita kung sino ang mauna,” Abacain, a spectator, said.

At least 40 groups from Iloilo and Boracay Island in Aklan participated in three categories of the competition.

“Ang ipinagkakaiba nito sa main race, iikot sila sa ating mga bouya (bouys), which will serve as their obstacle course. This will really test their navigation and seamanship skills on how to maneuver the boat against the wind,” said Dr. Roberto Samosa, chair of the Sailing Events of the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival.

A total of 17 participants competed in Category A for paraws with lengths of 25 feet.

For Category B, 17 groups also competed. Category B is for paraws with lengths of 30 feet.

Six groups of racers with paraws that reached 40 feet long competed in Category C.

“These are participants who really have their passion for sailing. Sila itong gumagawa ng paraw at sumasali for the purpose of paraw,” Samosa added.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. has thanked the support of residents in Arevalo where the festival begun.

“Moving forward, guided by traditions, we are reminded of the humble beginnings of this festival, our Ilonggo fisherfolk whose love for the sea and passion for now the oldest sailing event in Asia,” according to John Lex Bayombong, chairperson of the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival.  

A paraw is a traditional Filipino double-outrigger sailboat that traces origin in the Visayas.