Miss Paraw Regatta 2020 Negros Screening is on Dec. 4

Once again, Miss Paraw Regatta 2020, Western Visayas’ grandest beauty pageant is searching for the next set of queens that will advocate cultural heritage and coastal ecology preservation in line with the vision and tradition of the 48th Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, considered as the oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia. Miss Paraw Regatta 2020 with a series of pre-pageant competitions and grand coronation night set to happen on February 2020 will be holding provincial screenings throughout the region to find the most beautiful ladies aspiring to become the  next cultural ambassadresses. The reigning Miss Paraw Regatta Cultural Queen 2019 is Gheneza Marie Mueller from Kabangkalan City, Negros Occidental. Her royal court include Miss Paraw Regatta Eco-Tourism 2019 Jenieva Basultin (Barotac Viejo, Iloilo), Miss Paraw Regatta Heritage 2019 Mariam Lara Ashraf Abl El Hamid (Province of Capiz), 1st Cultural Princess Elmarie Dewara (Altavas, Aklan) and 2nd Cultural Princess Jhoanna Marie Mullick (Badiagan, Iloilo).

On December 4, Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm, Miss Paraw Regatta 2020 will have its Negros Occidental pageant screening at Robinsons Place Bacolod. The applicants’ qualifications are the following: 18 – 25 years old, stands 5’5 tall and above, passionate and advocacy-driven. They are required to bring their casual wear, swimsuit, high heels, whole body and close-up photos. Negrense ladies are invited to come and join the screening as bigger prizes and international tour packages awaits the winners.

For reservations and other information, contact 09218006476 or 09285071198. Message or visit Miss Paraw Regatta – The Pageant official Facebook page for updates.

 

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 Embraces the Beauty of Nature’s Trail Camp & Resort

The Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 candidates together with the staff of Nature’s Trail Camp and Resort after their Advocacy Video Shoot

Clear blue sky, emerald blue waters, and lush green trees, it’s all about the beauty of nature and its blessings can be seen in this captivating destination. Nature’s Trail Camp and Resort located in Brgy. Sebaste, Municipality of Sibunag, Province of Guimaras is a relaxing place where people can commune with mother nature and experience pure tranquility. The resort is not just a place to unwind and enjoy but it gives visitors the reason to understand the true beauty of nature, to take care of our ecology, and understand the essence of taking care of our coastal areas. Since the town of Sibunag is known for its beautiful beaches, Nature’s Trail is the perfect place to appreciate the importance of eco-lifestyle.

There’s a fresh catch of fishes from the sea every day, green veggies in their menu, and all-natural culinary creations for food lovers. The restaurant inside the resort is the place for those who enjoy filling their tummies with good food. Looking around the resort, visitors can do group camping under the sun or enjoy the night sky in the evening. The resort offers horseback riding for special request to move around the resort. The resort offers gracious air-conditioned room accommodation good for two or more. They have a seawater swimming pool for those who wanted to dip their tired bodies and enjoy the moment with friends and loved ones. But the most important attraction in the resort is their Hobbit Town, where small and cozy air-conditioned Hobbit rooms are ready to welcome you.

The gorgeous candidates of Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 enjoying the stunning views and scenery of Nature’s Trail Camp and Resort

The candidates of Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 visited the resort for their advocacy video and photo shoot. Sharing their passion to campaign for coastal clean-up, marine biodiversity preservation and ecological mission connected to the concept of the Paraw Regatta Festival as a sailing sports event, the ladies were able to appreciate the resort for its stunning natural beauty. The resort staff and personnel welcomed the candidates that toured them around the place. The ladies learned to commune with nature. Truly, Nature’s Trail Camp and Resort is close to the heart of Miss Paraw Regatta candidates for they advocate the preservation and protection of our marine biodiversity. And staying in this beautiful resort gives them a reason to advocate and pursue the passion for mother nature.

Embrace a Queenly Luxurious Experience at The Mansion, Miss Paraw Regatta’s Official Hotel

Text by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao, Photos by Bernardo Doromal III – The Third Eye Photography

REVIVING the lifestyle grandeur of Iloilo as the former “Queen City of the South,” and now a thriving metropolitan epicenter of developments, the most-talked-about festival, and tourism destination with its modern moniker as the “City of Love,” one landmark destination that offers exceptional gracious experience stands out – The Mansion, a luxury hotel with captivating amenities and showcasing classy accommodation is now attracting visitors, guests, and tourists. Located along General Luna Street, The Mansion boasts of high-end hotel lifestyle experience and inspired by Iloilo City’s affluent cultural heritage. The Mansion is Iloilo’s iconic heritage hotel reborn to welcome everyone with warmth and world-class offering to make your visit truly memorable, and worth treasuring.

Princess No. 16 – Elmarie Dewara (Altavas, Aklan)

Princess No. 8 – Antonette Fajardo (Dao, Capiz)

Princess No. 7 – Cindy Abegail Monte (Jaro, Iloilo City) 

Princess No. 4 – Kate Bayogos (Pototan, Iloilo)

Princess No. 14 – Ma. Eloisa Murguia (Pototan, Iloilo)

Princess No. 18 – Marielle Mae Jagolino (Dumangas, Iloilo)

HOW to get to The Mansion? Its location is located in the very heart of Iloilo Metropolis, where shinning developments and changes takes place. The 1.5-hectare property is just 20 minutes away from such historical sites as The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, The Molo Mansion, and the Calle Real; and a short drive away from Ayala’s Atria Park District, Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, SM City Iloilo, and the Smallville Complex. Also accessible are ferry rides to Guimaras, Palawan, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu; and just 45 minutes away, the Iloilo International Airport offers regular domestic flights and direct international flights to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Festive celebrations and worth remembering occasions are offered at The Mansion. It is a luxury heritage hotel that envisioned your events into something spectacular and close to your heart. Hosting an intimate social event or a national corporate seminar can also be a seamless experience at The Mansion. Its convention center is equipped with 8 function halls including 2 boardrooms that can comfortably seat anywhere from 10 to 1,500 people. The Mansion’s team of dedicated professionals are determined to make your event as efficient and gracious as possible. To learn more about how The Mansion could be of service, you can message them online via Facebook or contact their staff directly for Room or Restaurant Reservations at reservations@themansion.ph 033-335-1021, 22, 25, 27, 32 | 0919.5295873 or 0977.7857524.

Visit their official website: https://www.themansion.ph

Princess No. 4 – Kate Bayogos (Pototan, Iloilo)

Princess No. 10 – Jhoanna Marie Mullick (Badiangan, Iloilo) 

Princess No. 20 – Dolly Jane Pimentel (SK Federation of Capiz) 

Princess No. 6 – Bavelyn Galanza (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo)

Princess No. 2 – Trizha May Esposo (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo)

Princess No. 12 – Jenieva Basultin (Barotac Viejo, Iloilo) 

Princess No. 13 – Ann Andrea Liboon (Oton, Iloilo) 

Princess No. 19 – Diana Einosas (Bago City, Negros Occidental)

Princess No. 5 – Janine Tarina Belita (San Dionisio, Iloilo)

Princess No. 15 – Ma. Janniel Banares (Guimbal, Iloilo)

BEAUTY & CULTURE unfolds at The Mansion as this year’s official hotel residence and event presenter of Miss Paraw Regatta, Iloilo and Western Visayas’ grandest beauty pageant that advocates cultural heritage appreciation and elevation through significant advocacy. This year’s 23 equally-beautiful honorary “cultural princesses” and official candidates visited The Mansion for their glamour photo and video shoot with The Third Eye photography, RSLPhoenix Creatives, and Prime Studio

Princess No. 22 – Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (Jaro, Iloilo City)

Princess No. 23 – Trisha Louise Sianson (La Paz, Iloilo City)

Princess No. 21 – Jhelyn Guion (Sta. Barbara, Iloilo)

Princess No. 9 – Mariam Lara Ashraf El Hamid (Province of Capiz) 

Princess No. 17 – Lovely Gail Aperocho (Roxas City, Capiz)

Princess No. 11 – Glydine Dumilag (Leganes, Iloilo)

Princess No. 3 – Gheneza Marie Mueller (Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental) 

Showcasing the vintage appeal and eye-catchy interior design of the hotel that brings back the glory of Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage legacy, the 23 charming ladies coming from different towns and cities in the region unveiled their elegant pose, personality, and charm during the official shoot. For the candidates of Miss Paraw Regatta, there’s no place like HOME close to their heart at The Mansion, where gracious experience awaits them during their stay leading to the Grand Coronation Night on February 15, 2019. They are passionately excited and looks forward to staying, enjoy pleasurable moments, dine in sumptuous dinner, and unwind in a landmark destination reflecting Iloilo’s beautiful past and heritage.

For the region’s most charming women of culture, colors and passion vying to win the prestigious crown for Miss Paraw Regatta 2019, spending your most memorable nights of pleasure and luxury at The Mansion are like living the comfort of a true queen.

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 Pre-pageant Competitions and Grand Coronation Night Official Dates:
1. Gown Competition & Preliminary Interview – February 2, 4PM, Robinsons Place Jaro
2. Swimsuit & Casual Wear Competition February 6, 4PM, Robinsons Place Pavia
3. Talent Competition – February 9, 4PM, Jordan Wharf, Jordan, Guimaras
4. Festival Attire Competition – February 10, 4PM, SM City Iloilo Southpoint
5. Grand Coronation Night – February 15, 4PM, Robinsons Place Iloilo

A Trail of Cultural Passion for Miss Paraw Regatta 2019

Text by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao; Videos and Photos by RSLPhoenix Creatives, Prime Studios, Ilonggo Tube, Edward Mallada, and RV Dequina

Trailblazing with captivating vision as the region’s grandest beauty pageant that advocates a strong elevation for culture and eco-tourism, the Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 anchored in the cultural concept of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, the country’s oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia recently that will celebrate its 47th year of existence unveiled and proclaimed 23 beautiful Ilongga beauties as the official candidates in their Grand Launching Spectacle at Robinsons Place Iloilo on December 18, 4 PM. Miss Paraw Regatta is considered as the oldest city-wide beauty pageant in Iloilo City way back in the late 1960s first held in Anhawan, Oton, Iloilo. Throughout the decades, the pageant was revived, transformed, and elevated as a regional competition that annually crowns the festival queen of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta but searches for the next cultural ambassadress of Iloilo City and the Western Visayas region. For many years, the Miss Paraw Regatta winners send its winners in the annual Reyna ng Aliwan beauty pageant, as well as Miss Earth Philippines, Miss Filipinas Heritage, Mutya ng Pilipinas, and produced the first Miss Paraw Regatta winner that competed for an international beauty pageant – the Miss Heritage Global 2017 in South Africa.

Creating a timeless legacy in the regional pageantry, advancement for cultural promotion, and advocating marine biodiversity preservation as a maritime-based celebration embodied by the most beautiful women in the region, Miss Paraw Regatta evolved as a beauty-for-a-cause competition and a powerhouse beauty pageant that takes pride in bridging the past, the present and the future in terms of heritage and culture. It is the first beauty pageant that introduced multiple official theme songs and regional participants in 2014. Shaping a new pathway of inspiration and creative vision, the Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 spearheaded by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. President Dr. Ronald Raymund Sebastian and the pageant’s new organizing team headed by MPR executive producer and creative director, Dr. Regil Palmares, pageant director Hector Totong Gellangarin and the Iloilo City Tourism Office, Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 will take the journey of the 23 newly-unveiled official candidates to a whole new level of inspiring experience towards winning the three most-coveted crowns such as Miss Paraw Regatta Queen, Miss Paraw Regatta Eco-Tourism, and Miss Paraw Regatta Heritage. The rest of the 23 chosen candidates out of 47 screening participants will be called honorary “cultural princesses” that will carry the heritage promotion of Iloilo City and Western Visayas.

The Miss Paraw Regatta grand launching event on December 18 showed a reality-TV-styled unveiling and visual journey of the 23 chosen candidates that tested their passion and commitment to be the next cultural queen. Then it was followed by their beautiful transformation that showcased the embracing of their calling as women of advocacies for passion, culture, nature, and inner beauty. The production number uncovered “Samba Latina” dance beat that paid homage to the Sinamba, the cultural dance competition of the Paraw Regatta Festival. The ladies introduced themselves during in the Cocktail Fashion Show and the multicolored Swimsuit Parade. The candidates received their official sash and Paraw Regatta Miniature Boat as a token of appreciation from Dr. Ronald Raymund Sebastian, Dr. Regil Palmares and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Divinagracia onstage.

The 23 passionate Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 princesses are Clea May Gumaquil (Pavia, Iloilo), Trizha May Esposo (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo), Gheneza Mueller (Kabangkalan City, Negros Occidental), Kate Bayogos (Pototan, Iloilo), Janine Belita (San Dionesio, Iloilo), Bavelyn Galanza (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo), Cindy Abegail Monte (Jaro, Iloilo City), Antonette Fajardo (Dao, Capiz), Mariam Lara Asraf Abd El Hamid (Province of Capiz), Glydine Dumilag (Leganes, Iloilo), Jhoanna Marie Mullick (Badiangan, Iloilo), Jenieva Basultin (Barotac Viejo, Iloilo), Anna Andrea Liboon (Oton, Iloilo), Ma. Eloisa Murquia (Pototan, Iloilo), Ma. Janniel Banares (Guimbal, Iloilo), Marielle Mae Jagolino (Dumangas, Iloilo), Lovely Gail Aperocho (Roxas City, Capiz), Diana Dawn Einosas (Bago City, Negros Occidental), Dolly Jane Pimentel (SK Capiz), Elmarie Dewara (Altavas, Aklan), Jhelyn Guion (Sta. Barbara, Iloilo), Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (Jaro, Iloilo City), and Trisha Louise Sianson (La Paz, Iloilo City). Moving forward with their beautiful journey to be crowned as the next cultural queens of the region, they will compete in various pre-pageant activities and grand coronation night set on February 2019.

Support your favorite candidate and follow more pageant updates in Miss Paraw Regatta official Facebook page.

Reigning Miss Paraw Regatta Keziah Bartolome talks about her Passion

CHARMING & PASSIONATE, Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 Keziah Bartolome captivates wearing a gorgeous red evening gown designed by Iloilo’s fashion Czar Hector “Totong” Gellangarin. Photography by PIXMODO Studio. HMUA by Jojo Mads. 

Being a cultural queen whose heart and advocacy are centered on fulfilling her calling as a woman of change and inspiration, 19-year-old Keziah Bartolome from La Paz, Iloilo City was crowned as Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 from among the 15 hopeful candidates early this year. It was an exceptional feat and achievement she shared with her parents who never failed to support her dream as an Ilongga aspiring to leave a significant mark. After being crowned as Iloilo’s cultural ambassadress, she represented the Paraw Regatta Festival in the Reyna ng Aliwan 2018, a national beauty pageant held in Roxas Boulevard in Metro Manila that gathered the country’s festival queens in one stage, proving their passion for culture and their respective festivity. Keziah had the opportunity to showcase her talent, wit, and charisma on national pageantry that brought her valuable experience in shaping herself into a better version of herself.

CROWNING MOMENT: Keziah Bartolome captured the heart of the Ilonggos when she was crowned as Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 

As her inspiring reign is about to end next year, Keziah is looking ahead to give more and contribute for the strong promotion of the Paraw Regatta Festival, hailed as Southeast Asia’s oldest sailing sports event, as well as the elevating the cultural heritage of Iloilo and the whole Western Visayas region. Having a crown and title as the region’s symbol of cultural heritage, Keziah is hopeful that her next successor and the new face that will carry the pride of Iloilo will be equally passionate like her.

We catch up with this gorgeous Miss Paraw Regatta Queen for a short heart-to-heart talk about her dreams and experiences in carrying the passion of the region’s cultural advocacy.

After winning the Miss Paraw Regatta crown, what relevant change did it brought to your life?

After winning as Miss Paraw Regatta early this year, I became more confident in my own skin. I think of ways on what can I do to help promote the Paraw Regatta Festival as one of Iloilo’s highly-anticipated festivals, as well as the oldest sailing sports event. Carrying the name of the festival and giving back the love given to me by my fellow Ilonggos is very important for me. I’ve never been more proud, confident and inspired to continue my commitment as a role model and an Ilongga who takes pride of her cultural identity by heart.  Also, it is very important for me to share my advocacy to my fellow youth focusing on the preservation of our marine biodiversity, pursue ecological care, and remind them that our environment is vitally important for us to create a better future.

As Reyna ng Aliwan 2018 finalist, Keziah showcased not just her charm and beauty, but the cultural pride of Iloilo and the Paraw Regatta Festival.

What’s your best experience as Miss Paraw Regatta Queen?

The best experience I had was when I represented Iloilo City in the national stage by representing the Paraw Regatta Festival in the Reyna ng Aliwan 2018. I felt proud and honored to showcase our culture to different people in the country. As a cultural ambassadress, it motivated me to showcase not just my talent and beauty, but I was able to share with them the unique culture we have in celebrating the Paraw Regatta Festival. Personally, the experience shaped me into someone who takes pride in where I came from and allowed me to appreciate my cultural past. The challenges I experienced in joining Reyna ng Aliwan motivated me to be strong and trust myself, a reason for me to truly see the beauty of who I really am – passionate and independent.

Keziah co-hosted the Grand Launching of Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 together with Ilonggo event host Allen Guillen. 

What advocacy would you continue to sustain as Miss Paraw Regatta?

My advocacy focuses on marine conservation. I hope the next Miss Paraw Regatta would continue this advocacy because the Paraw Regatta Festival is founded in the concept of preserving our seafaring culture and boat-making tradition, that create a livelihood for the people, as well as teaches us to take care of our seas and marine biodiversity. The Paraw Regatta Festival is not just a celebration of dances and boat-racing competitions, it is an eco-friendly activity that unites us together. Even after my reign as Miss Paraw Regatta, I will continue to share my time to pursue the advocacy of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation when it comes to the ecological effort to protect our seas and promote the festival.

How do you want to be remembered as an Ilongga beauty queen?

I want to be recognized as an Ilongga beauty queen who embodied the attributes of a real cultural ambassadress, someone who is compassionate, a dreamer and a catalyst of change.

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 2nd Screening is on Nov. 17

Envisioning beyond beauty, advocacy, cultural passion, and ecological care for our marine biodiversity, the highly-anticipated Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 is capturing the “heart and soul” of Western Visayas as the grandest beauty pageant in terms of significant mark and legacy throughout the years. Anchored in the cultural essence of the Paraw Regatta Festival, dubbed as Southeast Asia’s oldest seafaring sports event that originated in Iloilo City to pay tribute to the timeless maritime culture of Panay island, Miss Paraw Regatta is a heartfelt celebration of Ilongga beauties and Western Visayas women whose love for their cultural identity and pride can be felt and manifested in their advocacy to create a passionate bridge between their past, present and future, all for the love of preserving history, heritage, and spread environmental preservation campaign. Since the first Miss Paraw Regatta was crowned way back in the late 1960s in Oton, Iloilo, the pageant intertwined with the Paraw Regatta Festival to showcase not just the beauty of Iloilo and Western Visayan seas, but collectively shaped an enduring cultural festivity that continue inspire Ilonggos and visitors with the celebration falls on the third week of February.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. visionary president Dr. Ronald Raymund Sebastian shared an inspiring opening message. 

Miss Paraw Regatta Pageant Coordinator Jennifer Divinagracia introduced the organizing committee and the screening judges. 

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 screening judges Keziah Bartolome, Chester Larroder and Janeen Dale Geroso interact with the hopeful candidates during the one-on-one interview.

Miss Paraw Regatta beautifully established itself as a beauty pageant of cultural royalty in Iloilo and the Western Visayas region through its inspiring evolution that advocates beauty-with-a-purpose. The beauty pageant itself introduced exceptional yet meaningful innovations through the years which include the production of an original theme song with multiple versions, captivating social media online presence, and sending its reigning queens to national and international beauty pageants. Establishing a far more stronger and creative resonance of its visionary concept as a trailblazing celebration of women empowerment, Miss Paraw Regatta in its quest to elevate further intime for the 47th Foundation Anniversary of the Paraw Regatta Festival in 2019, a new creative and passionate pageant committee will be introduced through the dynamic visions of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. spearheaded by its president, Dr. Ronald Raymund Sebastian. Together with the passionate endeavor of the Iloilo City Tourism Office headed by Ms. Junel Divinagracia along with a strong support from the Department of Tourism Region VI, the Province of Iloilo, and other stakeholders that advocates tourism and cultural advancement, the pageant itself is expected to create a significant impact.

Faces of charm and passion, these are some of the hopeful Ilongga beauties vying to be chosen as Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 candidates trying to impress the screening committee

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 will be searching for the next set of cultural ambassadress by introducing three new titles and crowns such as Miss Paraw Regatta 2019, Miss Paraw Regatta Eco-Tourism 2019, and Miss Paraw Regatta Heritage 2019. Each of these winners will be sent to various national beauty pageants to represent Iloilo City and the Paraw Regatta Festival with the hope of bringing pride to the city and their community. The winners themselves will be advocates of eco-tourism, cultural preservation, socio-civic projects, and speaking engagements that will inspire Ilongga women and young people in the region.

The gorgeous Ilongga beauties in their swimwear during the final pose at the pageant screening 

The charming hopeful Ilongga beauties hoping to be chosen as Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 candidates together with the 2018 winners, screening judges and pageant organizing committee spearheaded by Dr. Regil Palmares and pageant director Hector Totong Gellangarin.

On November 11, Saturday from 8 am onwards,  Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 held its first official pageant screening at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City. 30 charming hopeful Ilonggas vying to be chosen as one of the official candidates for the prestigious pageant passionately showcased their unique personality, wit, poise, and confidence by wearing their casual attire and swimsuit in front of the screening committee. The screening committee this year include seasoned choreographer and NCCA-published folkdance book author Mr. Romulo Bugna, Municipality of Calinog tourism officer Chester Larroder, reigning Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 Keziah Bartolome, and Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 1st Runner-up/Miss Earth Iloilo City Janeen Dale Geroso.

But the quest to finally complete the official list of candidates for Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 will continue for a second screening on November 17, Saturday, 8 am at Ker and Company Building located near the Iloilo City Hall. Bring your casual wear, two-piece swimwear and 2X2 photos at the screening venue. The pageant committee promises to stir up the excitement of the Ilonggos and the whole region in choosing the official candidates of Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 with a unique twist.

So, are you ready to find out who will be the next faces of culture, beauty, and advocacy? Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 Queens? You still have the chance to be a part of the region’s grandest and most inspiring beauty pageant. See you at the second screening on November 17.

For pageant updates, check out Miss Paraw Regatta social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msparawregatta2018/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msparawregatta/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsParaw

Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 Screening is in Search for the Next Woman of Culture

Trailblazing beyond the concept of beauty, advocacy, ecological care, and cultural heritage elevation, Miss Paraw Regatta is hailed as one of Western Visayas’ highly-significant beauty pageants that creates a unique vision and passionate benchmark for years. Collectively coinciding on 47^th Year Foundation of the Paraw Regatta Festival considered as Southeast Asia’s oldest seafaring event, the beauty pageant through years of creative evolution has established itself as the “soulful heart” of the celebration by choosing the most beautiful and advocacy-driven Ilongga women who one way or another, brought honor, pride and mark for Iloilo City and the region when it comes to national pageants. Miss Paraw Regatta has evolved beyond the beauty pageantry standard that passionately stirred national and international beauty pageants by sending delegates for Miss Earth Philippines, Reyna ng Aliwan, Mutya ng Pilipinas, Miss Filipinas Heritage, Miss Heritage Global, and many others.

2019 promises to be a far more revitalizing and inspiring year of creative vision for Miss Paraw Regatta as it beautifully aspires to establish itself as the oldest maritime-inspired beauty pageant in the region way back in 1960s, where the first Miss Paraw Regatta was crowned in Oton, Iloilo.

In a search for the next cultural ambassadress of goodwill, Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 will hold an official screening on November 11, 2018, Sunday, 8am onwards at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant. The candidates are required to bring a casual attire, two-piece swimwear, 2×2 picture, and they need to fill up the application form. The pageant screening will be attended by the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. Officers, Iloilo City Tourism Office, a new set of pageant board of directors, and invited screening judges. The screening participants will be asked to showcase their versatility in runway walk and projection, as well as a one-on-one short interview with the judges. Only 12 final candidates will be chosen to compete for the pre-pageant and coronation night which will be announced a few weeks after the screening.

Miss Paraw Regatta final 12 candidates introduction to the press, social media promotion launch, as well as photo and advocacy video shoots,  will be held in December. The pre-pageant competitions and grand coronation night will take place on February 2019. There are three prestigious crowns and titles at stake such Miss Paraw Regatta 2019, Miss Paraw Regatta Eco-Tourism 2019, Miss Paraw Regatta Heritage 2019. Next in line will be the awarding of the 1st Princess and 2nd Princess, while the rest of the 7 non-winning candidates will be given the title as Miss Paraw Regatta Princesses.

Do you have what it takes to be the next face of cultural passion and the advocacy-driven Ilongga beauty behind the mission and vision of the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc.? It’s for you to join in the region’s most festive and colorful beauty pageant. Be there at Miss Paraw Regatta 2019 official screening this November 11!

For more pageant updates, you may visit the Miss Paraw Regatta social media accounts and webpage:    https://www.facebook.com/msparawregatta2018

 

PARAW REGATTA FESTIVAL 2018 WORLD-CLASS SPECTACLES: LIGHTED PARAW, SINAMBA SA REGATTA, MISS PARAW REGATTA AND MORE

Text by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao

The West Visayans are known throughout the archipelago as dominant and skilful seafarers. They ruled the seas, live with overflowing abundance of nature’s gifts, and were believed to be passionate people who appreciates the timeless value of preserving their cultural traditions inspired by coastal lifestyle. From the legendary myth of the “Barter of Panay,” where 10 Bornean Datus arrived in the coast of San Joaquin, Iloilo thousands of years ago, Datu Paiburong was trusted and destined to rule “Irong-irong” or Iloilo Province today. His majestic statue now stands in the Iloilo River Esplanade to remind every Ilonggo of their inspiring cultural heritage. But the very heart of the Ilonggos and the Panayanons (Panay Islanders) cultural essence rooted in their love of the sea, its overflowing abundance of marine resources, and their timeless skills for sailboat-making, as well as seafaring legacy lives on through the annual celebration of the Paraw Regatta Festival.

Paraw Regatta Festival celebrates its 46^th year and has been touted as the oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia. It is also a recognized as “Best Tourism Event” several times by the Department of Tourism and other prominent organizations related to culture and tourism locally and internationally. Taken from the word “Paraw” or local sailboat, the festival itself is a collective passion, a unified vision and enduring legacy that brings out the best of what Ilonggos and the region has to offer to the world celebrated every second week of February. The main venue for the festival is the Villa Beach in the Arevalo District of Iloilo City overlooking the Iloilo Strait, where the gorgeous island province of Guimaras can be seen from a distance. Here, the main sailboat race happen and other coastal or beach events takes place throughout the festival week.

“Unity amidst waves of Change,” is this year’s meaningful theme of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival spearheaded by its dynamic president, the philanthropist and culturati, Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian. The collective vision and effort of the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. together with one of the country’s premier seafaring academic institutions, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) in partnership with the City Government of Iloilo, Province of Iloilo, Department of Tourism Region VI and other prominent supporters and sponsors, this year’s festival is geared towards making a mark in the heart of Ilonggos. For the first time in many years, the Province of Guimaras joined this year’s Paraw Regatta Festival and had several anchored events including the Lighted Paraw, Paraw Sailboat Race, Miss Paraw Regatta Talent Competition, and many others was held in various locations in the island province known for its sweetest mangoes and beautiful beaches.

The festival showcases highly-anticipated events that combined old and new spectacles that are all expected to draw crowd, tourists and visitors wanting to experience the unique Ilonggo revelry. Aside from organizing eye-catchy events, the festival aims to unveil the passion for cultural heritage and ecological preservation and love for the sea.

Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 considered as one of the most colourful and significant beauty pageants in Western Visayas is advocating marine biodiversity and ecological preservation through the passion of their 15 equally-beautiful candidates. Aside from crowing the next festival queen, the pageant envisioned to choose the next Ilongga cultural ambassadress that will carry by heart the vision and mission to implement the Paraw Regatta Foundation’s thrust for change and cultural elevation. The pre-pageant competitions was spearheaded by JBLFMU and Pinanubli Organization, one of the region’s premier beauty pageant organizing teams pursued a successful and overwhelming run of pageant category competitions.

The schedule of pre-pageant events that recently concluded are the following: November 25, 2017 – Pageant Screening at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafodd Restaurant, December 9-10, 2017 – Pageant and Personality Development Workshop at JBLFMU – Villa Campus and Studio Pictorial at Pixmodo Studio, December 19 – Press Presentation at The Mansion Hotel, December 25, 2017 – Iloilo City Christmas Gift-giving Activity, January 19, 2018 – Advocacy Video Shoot at Magic Island Resort in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, February 9, 2018 – Talent Competition at Guimaras Provincial Capitol Gym, February 10, 2018 – Advocacy Video launch and Heritage Fashion Show (Hector Totong Gellangarin Collection) at Festive Walk Parade – Iloilo Business Park – Megaworld, February 11, 2018 – Festival Wear Competition and Preliminary Interview at SM City Iloilo Southpoint, and February 1, 2018 – Swimsuit Competition at Robinsons Place Iloilo. The Coronation Night is set on the evening of February 15, 2018, 7PM at the Diamond Jubilee Hall.

Side events of Paraw Regatta Festival such as Miniature Paraw Exhibit and Paraw-inspired Furniture Making Competitions happened in different venues in Iloilo City on February 11, 2018. On the same day, the two venues for the Paraw Regatta Photo Exhibit opened at SM City Iloilo and Robinsons Place Iloilo. The Paraw Regatta Slalom Race (Sailboat competition) and Pinta Layag (Sailboat Painting Competition) was held at Villa Beach in Arevalo District on the afternoon and evening of February 15, 2018.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III sharing his welcome message during the Paraw Regatta opening program at Festive Walk Parade on Feb. 10, 2018

Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. President, Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian welcoming guests and audience during the Paraw Regatta Festival opening program at Festive Walk Parade on Feb. 10, 2018

Snapshots during the Paraw Regatta Festival and Samba de Regatta opening at Festive Walk Parade. Photos by Dodoy Ignacio

The Sinamba sa Regatta, a spectacular dance competition showcasing Latin-Samba-inspired dances has been one of the biggest highlights of the festival few years ago returns this year with 6 competing groups. The launching of the competition together with the introduction of the Paraw Regatta Festival official mascot “Burong,” inspired by the legendary Bornean Datu Paiburong and the live performance of the festival’s theme song were all unveiled on February 10 at Festive Walk Parade in Iloilo Business Park – Megaworld. The finale of Samba sa Regatta competition, a collective presentation of the best performances from various schools and participating organizations will concludes on February 16, 2018 4PM at Shops at The Atria.

Lighted Paraw presentation at Puyo Wharf, Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras on Feb. 10, 2018

On February 17 starting 7AM, the much-awaited main highlights of the Paraw Regatta Festival takes place at Villa Beach in Arevalo District starting with the main Paraw Regatta Sailboat Race, Mayor Joe III Espinosa’s National Women’s Volleyball in Joe III Garden and Beach Football at Breakthrough Restaurant. In the evening, the most awaited and crowd-drawing colourful event, the Lighted Paraw presentation together with live band performance and closing program will mesmerize the crowd at Villa Beach. The Lighted Paraw is an exciting showcase of Ilonggos’ creative artistry in lighting up Villa Beach with a parade of bursting of lighted-sailboats, a breathtaking sight set tobecome the festival’s most anticipated highlight.

Come and celebrate timeless cultural heritage, vibrant and fun activities by the sea at Paraw Regatta Festival on the last 3 days of not-to-be-missed spectacles. Surely, it will give you pride and passion what it means to be an Ilonggo when you join the merriment of Paraw Regatta, a world-class festivity meant to create enduring legacy.

Paraw Regatta Festival 2018 is presented by the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in partnership with Pinanubli Organization. Co-presented by The Mansion, Bingawan Shoes, Vega Manila Crew Management, Triton Paints, Philippine Airlines, Buscowitz, Iloilo Business Park, Festive Walk Parade, SM City Iloilo, Emperador Iloilo Business Park, Robinsons Malls, Atria Park District – Shops at the Atria Ayala, Beautify Aesthetic Center, Totong Gellangarin House of Fashion, Pixmodo Studio, Monde Nissin, Magic Island Resort, AP Cargo, Aksyon Radyo, Papermints, Silka, Metro Supermart, PAGCOR, Lars Buko Batchoy, Farm to Table, Dova Brunch Café, and Sidlangan Dance Company. Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 official pageant tabulator – PWC and online voting website – Pageant Vote.

See you at Villa Beach, and make sure to take some snapshots for social media posting!

For festival updates, visit us online at http://www.parawregatta.com.ph

Sail to the Stars: Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 Swimsuit Competition and Coronation Night on Feb. 13, 15

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 1: Lorenz Jane Amatorio, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 2: Saith dela Cruz, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 3: Ma. Cristine Sabano, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 4: Janeen Dale Geroso, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 5: Katrina Louise Verga, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

One Crown, One Destiny, One Beauty, One Heart will be unveiled to be the next cultural ambassadress of goodwill who will be elevated to win the title as Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 this February 15, Thursday, 7PM at Diamond Jubilee Hall. But before the much-awaited evening of glamour and glory, the 15 equally stunning and charming official candidates will showcase a spectacular SWIMSUIT PARADE COMPETITION on February 13, Tuesday, 4PM at Robinsons Place Iloilo. Be there when the magic happens as 15 of the region’s most lovely Ilongga beauties vying for the most-coveted title destined to pursue the visions and advocacy of the Paraw Regatta Foundation who will carry the cultural grandeur of the Paraw Regatta Festival, considered as the oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia.

Miss Paraw Regatta throughout the years has evolved into a cultural-inspired pageantry and envisions to empower Ilongga beauty queens about the importance of influencing the region when it comes to marine biodiversity preservation, love for the sea and appreciate the Paraw sailboat-making tradition alive. She will be the someone who will pursue cultural elevation and will spearhead various socio-civic activities throughout her reign. Miss Paraw Regatta has evolved into a significant beauty pageant in Western Visayas and continuously strengthening its thrust as a flatform to bring forth cultural pride among the Ilonggos. Through the years, it has become a social media sensation in the region by introducing innovative presentations, as well as creative flair to present Ilongga women as rolemodel for change and moral empowerment. Miss Paraw Regatta was reintroduced in 2015 as the first beauty pageant in Western Visayas to have its own official theme song and music video entitled “Sail to the Stars” with multiple version produced by RSLPhoenix Music. The pageant has established local, national and international beauty queens that creates sense of passion and pride for their respective provinces in the region. A unique and meaningful pageant logo was introduced this year to represent the very heart of Paraw Regatta Festival and the essence of being an Ilongga with cultural advocacy.

This year, Miss Paraw Regatta was re-energized and elevated with new a visionary pageant approach through the collaborative effort of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) headed by its CEO and the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. president, Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian together with Pinanubli Organization, a premier beauty pageant organizing team in the Province of Iloilo.

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 6: Christy Moneva, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 7: Irynee Jo Vilches, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 8: Keshapornam Ramachandrran, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 9: Larice Matandac, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 10: Mary Elizabeth Parreno , photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 11: Tsina Jade Chu, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 12: Remia Analyn Alavaren, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 13: Shannie Grace Rio, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 14: Jascha Angela Arengo, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

Miss Paraw Regatta Beauty number 6: Keziah Bartolome, photo by Pixmodo Studio, location: Magic Island Resort, swimwear by Hector Totong Gellangarin

The journey for the most festive, colourful and culturally-passionate premier beauty pageant in the region, the Miss Paraw Regatta exuded refreshing concept and catchy social media presence this year. The pre-pageant activities started on November 25, 2017 for the screening, studio pictorial courtesy of Pixmodo Studio on December 9 and followed by online voting through Pageant Vote (www.pageantvote.com), Press Presentation on December 19 held The Mansion hotel as the pageant’s official luxury home, city-wide gift-giving activity together with the City Government of Iloilo on December 25, and advocacy video shoot on January 19 held at Magic Island Resort (Nueva Valencia, Guimaras). This year, the pre-pageant and coronation night scoresheets and result will be officially tabulated by PWC, a national pageant tabulation firm that has been connected with some of the biggest beauty pageants in the country.

The major pre-pageant competitions kicked-off on February 9 at Guimaras Provincial Capitol Gym for the Talent Competition, February 10 at Festive Walk Parade in Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park for the Advocacy Video Presentation and Heritage Fashion Show featuring the collection of Iloilo’s fashion Czar Hector Totong Gellangarin, February 11 at SM City Iloilo for the Festival Wear Competition and Preliminary Interview.

Tomorrow, February 13, 4PM, the 15 beautiful candidates will have their Swimsuit Parade Competition at Robinsons Place Iloilo and the journey concludes on February 15, 7PM at Diamond Jubilee Hall in General Luna St., Iloilo City.

Destined to embrace the passion to elevate the cultural grandeur of the Paraw Regatta Festival and love for mother nature with a golden heart as her true crowning glory, who will be this year’s Miss Paraw Regatta 2018? Come, join us and be a part of the grandest pageantry in Western Visayas as ONE QUEEN will SAIL TO THE STARS!

Support your favourite Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 candidate by visiting the official voting site: www.pageantvote.com  and check out pageant updates at www.parawregatta.com.ph. Online voting ends on the evening of February 14.

Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 is presented by the Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in partnership with Pinanubli Organization. Co-presented by The Mansion, Bingawan Shoes, Vega Manila Crew Management, Triton Paints, Philippine Airlines, Buscowitz, Iloilo Business Park, Festive Walk Parade, SM City Iloilo, Emperador Iloilo Business Park, Robinsons Malls, Atria Park District – Shops at the Atria Ayala, Beautify Aesthetic Center, Totong Gellangarin House of Fashion, Pixmodo Studio, Monde Nissin, Magic Island Resort, AP Cargo, Aksyon Radyo, Papermints, Silka, Metro Supermart, PAGCOR, Lars Buko Batchoy, Farm to Table, Dova Brunch Café, and Sidlangan Dance Company. Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 official pageant tabulator – PWC and online voting website – Pageant Vote.

 

 

Larice Matandac: An Inspiring Advocate for Cultural Heritage

Pursuing one of her dreams of becoming a beauty queen with a purpose to touch lives and make a difference, 18-year-old Larice Serrano Matandac, a gorgeous Ilongga representing the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo was chosen as an official candidate for Miss Paraw Regatta 2018. She’s presently studying at Gov. Julian Fullon Pacificador National School taking up Humanities and Social Science. An artist by heart, Larice expresses her passion as a songwriter and dancer at school. Her philosophy in life is: “Where there is love, there is life,” an inspiring quote from Mahatma Gandhi. She believes that her greatest strength as a person is to be able to adjust to any situation, a sociable and often fun-loving person. She takes pride of having a lot of friends as a source of her confidence. Let’s get to know more about this aspiring beauty queen.

As a rolemodel, what do you think is your mission in life?

We are children of God and we are born to serve the less fortunate. For me, being a rolemodel, I have the responsibility to touch lives and inspire the less fortunate, especially the youth who needs to value their studies so that they can fulfil their dream of having a good career and help other people someday. One of these days, I want to devote my time in joining an organization or spearheading a project related to career guidance that would benefit the youth in our community. I want to be a part of NGOs that supports scholarship for young people. I think God gave us a purpose and I will use his gifts to change lives.

What convinced you to join Miss Paraw Regatta?

I took the courage to join Miss Paraw Regatta because I know this will be my stepping stone to inspire myself, showcase my talents and not just prove that I have what it takes to be a beauty queen, but to fulfil my purpose of becoming a voice of change.

What makes Paraw Regatta Festival different from other festivals?

Paraw Regatta is a one of its kind and truly a unique cultural celebration because it is the only festival in the Philippines that promotes the seafaring tradition of Ilonggos and seeks to instil the importance of protecting our marine resources.  Paraw Regatta also brings back the importance of appreciating the skills of our ancestors in making Paraw sailboats. Being one of Miss Paraw Regatta candidates, I will have the privilege to work hand-in-hand to fulfil the mission and vision of the Paraw Regatta Foundation in promoting our cultural heritage.

In your perspective, what makes someone inspiring and beautiful?

Love is the greatest form of inspiration in everything that we do. Love for God and for our fellowmen should be our reason for living. Our gifts, our talents and skills came from God who created us in his image. Therefore, being an inspiring person needs to have love in his heart. As a beauty queen, I always keep in mind that I need to nurture love within me.

Show your support to this gorgeous candidate by voting her online every day to win the Social Media Ambassadress through this link: http://pageantvote.ph/pageants/717

Catch her in the Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 Pre-pageant competitions starting February 10 – 14 and the Grand Coronation Night on February 15 with venues to be announced soon.

Photo credit: Pixmodo Studio