Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Leganes holds 2nd Biray Paraw By Bombette G. Marin
PARAW or a double-outrigger dugout, is a popular recreational vehicle present in almost all coastal towns throughout the Philippines. In Iloilo, it has achieved unprecedented heights of popularity with Ilonggos.
Factors contributing to the unique upsurge may be attributed to the 36.5-kilometer route boat race called Paraw Regatta, instituted in 1973 and is the only event of its kind in the country; and, the general rise in personal income and the mass production of these serviceable, low-cost boats, relatively inexpensive to build and maintain compared to other boats.
Because of these, paraw race has continuously attracted thousands of sailing enthusiasts not only here in Iloilo but also from different parts of the region, where sailboat racing, popularly promoted in the area, was gradually transformed as hundreds of people began participating in various local recreational sailing events and activities.
In Leganes , one of the 19 coastal towns of the province of lIoilo, paraws are used not only as a symbol for the town, but also for recreational purposes with their newly organized tourism program called Biray Paraw.
The activity is seen to be an important vehicle in strengthening friendly ties between the locals and Leganesnons. It is an important vehicle for the preservation of Leganes culture and traditions and the promotion of tourism to area.
This is also to call attention to the town’s active involvement in the tourism promotional programs of Iloilo and as an achievement for consistently producing perennial race champions during the annual regatta race. Considered as its center of sailing activity are the waters off JAEN Beach Resort in Barangay MV Hechanova, Leganes , one of the tourism destinations of the town.
Biray Paraw opens with Biray-biray sa Bay-bay, a whole day sailing activity and ends with Binayle sa Hunasan in the evening of June 23, 2007. Palumba Paraw kicks off along the beaches of Leganes : Jaen Beach-Inayan Beach-Napnud area-Jaen Beach , followed with the awarding ceremony at 6 p.m. on June 24, 2007.
This tourism event that made its debut last year is well-maintained and managed by the locals with the help of the local government headed by their tourism-oriented and very supportive Municipal Mayor Adolf Jaen.
Visitors are assured of a great time especially when cruising along the serene seascape of the town, a fun way to relax and enjoy the vast images of both land and sea environment one can see. Local boatmen act as tour guides and are very well versed with information regarding the area and are really accommodating.
There’s more to this Biray Paraw is more than just the thrill of the race itself. The event is as much a colorful spectacle to experience.
