MIss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Official Theme Song and Music Video

"Sail to the Stars" is the official theme song of the Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta, an advocacy-inspired, Western Visayas-wide beauty pageant as part of the annual celebration of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival held every third week of February, the oldest sailing sports event in Asia with culture-based series of events and Samba group competition. This is the first of its kind theme song for beauty pageant in Region VI. The song is written by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao and music by Billy Basinilio, co-produced by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. and RSLPhoenix Music. The music video is co-produced by Kuris Animation, Kuris Multimedia Productions with ABS-CBN Iloilo. The song is performed by Ahriana Lovely Huyaban (Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2014 1st Princess) and Janica Ella Hondrade (Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Queen 2014).

Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Coronation Night set on Feb. 18 at WVSU Cultural Cente

The now region-wide Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015 Grand Coronation Night is set on Feb. 18, 7PM at West Visayas State University Cultural Center. This year, the beauty pageant will have 19 candidates chosen from the 3 series of auditions between October to December 2014. Some of the candidates represented their respective provinces in Western Visayas. The pageant is more than just a competition of gorgeous and charming ladies, it is also a venue to showcase the relevance of women in preserving the cultural heritage through the celebration of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival on its 43^rd year as Asia’s oldest sailing sports event. The candidates were also trained and inspired to pursue significant advocacy that could help elevate social change with an important vision: embracing the past, the present and the future. They are also being taught to become ambassadress of goodwill that will treasure our cultural heritage, preserve the environment and take part in the promotion of the region as the next future investment and tourism destination. These three advocacy were manifested in the inclusion of new competition categories in the pageant such as the “Trash to Class” gown competition where trash materials are transformed into elegant wardrobes; submission of video advocacy from the candidates stating their chosen passion or goals that inspires social change; and a written examination about the Paraw Regatta Festival facts and Iloilo City’s cultural heritage. This year, the pageant launced its own original theme song with  music video performed by reigning Miss Iloilo Regatta 2014 Queen, Janica Ella Hondrade and 1^stRunner-up Ahriana Lovely Huyaban. The Talent Competition and Swimsuit competition with “Trash to Class” Gown Parade was held at SM City Iloilo Events Center on Feb. 12-13, 4PM. The Evening Gown Competition and Festival Costume Competition were simultaneously held at Robinsons Place Iloilo on Feb. 14-15, 4PM. On Feb. 17, 7AM, the candidates will have a live TV guest appearance at ABS-CBN Iloilo’s morning show “Sikat Ka Iloilo!” Two of Iloilo’s most in-demand fashion designers, Hector “Totong” Gellagrain and Carlo Simoy will showcase their colorful evening gown creations in the pageant. The pageant’s stage choreography will be directed by Romy Bugna. Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. chairman Manuel Villa and chairman for Special Events, Tres Solis are the pageant’s executive producers.  

This year’s Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta pageant is co-organized by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. and the City Government of Iloilo in cooperation with the Province of Iloilo and Department of Tourism Region VI. The pageant’s co-presenters and major sponsors are Panay News, Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park, ABS-CBN Iloilo, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Emperador de Luxe, Panay Energy Development Corp., Natasha,  Robinsons Place Iloilo, La Filipina Uygongco, SM City Iloilo, Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods, Virginia Foods, Casino Femme Alcohol, Coca-cola, Totong Gellagarin House of Fashion, Carlo Simoy – Fashion Designs, Bennch Transport, Breakthrough Restaurant, Global Power, Team Sales Unilever, 2Go Travel, West Visayas State University, Villa Igang Resort, Puerto del Mar Resort, Red Cross of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter, Lynnie Denila Floral Designs, Dominic Manderico House of Fashion, Tita Navarette – City Salon & Facial Care Center, The Cocktail Cruiser, Felipe Uygongco and friends.  

Panay News Featured Miss Paraw Theme Song

Thank you Panay News, the pageant's official media partner for promoting the official theme song of Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta beauty pageant featuring our 2 singers - Janica Ella Hondrade (Ms. Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2014) & Ahriana Lovely Huyaban (2014 First Runner-up).

Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Official Presentation

The 19 lovely and charming candidates of the Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015 was officially presented and introduced at Iloilo City Hall on February 9, 7 a.m. Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog together with the Iloilo City officials and city hall employees welcomed the candidates with warm applause. The presentation also include the unveiling of the official original theme song of Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta performed by Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2014 Queen and the event's host - Janica Ella Hondrade and last year's first runner-up Ahriana Lovely Huyaban. The candidates had an official courtesy call to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor. In the afternoon, the candidates has a courtesy call with the pageant's major sponsors including Natasha, Panay News, Emperador and Megaworld - Iloilo Business Park.

Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Launches Original Theme Song

Forty three years ago, the first Iloilo Paraw Regatta, considered as the oldest sailing sports event in the Southeast Asia and in the Philippines was held in Villa Beach, one of Iloilo City’s iconic leisure and entertainment destinations. This significant event that highlighted the Ilonggos’ unique sailing skills transformed into a grandiose festival and started to establish its very own beauty pageant competition. After 43 years, the Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta has metamorphosed and evolved not just a usual beauty pageant, its past queens and winners embodied its social and cultural advocacy for Iloilo City. The three advocacy of the pageant reflect its newfound vision this year: embracing the past, the present and the future. It is also interpreted as a way to pay tribute to Iloilo City’s glorious cultural past – recognizing its title as the “original Queen’s City of the South”; the present advocacy of protecting the majestic Iloilo River and Villa Beach as the city’s ecological treasures; and looking ahead to the steadfast developments and relentless progress of Iloilo as a future premier city in the Philippines. 

These valuable visions, a tri-advocacy concept put a heart to the newly-evolved Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015. Aside from its goal to make it into a world-class beauty pageant of beauty, character and heartfelt legacy by launching it as a region-wide competition and presenting 20 candidates this year, Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta will also launch its official theme song and music video. 

“Since winning the crown of Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta in 2014, I committed myself in becoming a medium of cultural, ecological and social elevation for Ilonggos. And recording an original song for this prestigious pageant that gave me an important purpose as a role model is truly inspiring and heartwarming, ” says Janica Ella Hondrade, Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015 and a full-pledge teacher. She represented Iloilo City in the Miss Philippines-Earth 2014. 

“I never thought my responsibility as one of the winners in last year’s Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta would make me an Ilongga who could elevate me more as an ambassadress of goodwill and an artist as well,” says Ahriana Lovely Huyadan. She won First Runner-up in last year’s pageant and was sent to Manila to compete for the annual Aliwan Festival Queen 2014. 

Hondrade and Huyaban were chosen by the pageant committee to record and perform the original song for the Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta. The lyric of the song was written by Ronelo Ladiao and brilliant music composition by Billy Basinillo. The song is both a poetic and cultural tribute to the prestigious beauty pageant carrying the timeless legacy of the festival and heartfelt values of a true Ilongga. The main musical theme of the song is an infectious sound of Samba with an upcoming music video, a co-production of Kuris Animation and ABS-CBN Iloilo. The 2 other versions of the song are Bossa Nova and Jazz. The Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta theme song will be performed live onstage together with the 20 official candidates during the pageant’s grand coronation night on February 18 at West Visayas State University Cultural Center. The Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta is organized and managed by The Paraw Regatta Foundation and the City Government of Iloilo.

Candidate number - 19 Ivy Rose Magbanua

The charming lass from Pototan, Iloilo is determined to make a mark in this year's Miss Iloilo Paraw Regata 2015. 16-year-old Ivy Rose Magbanua taking up Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education will be sharing her multi-facetted talents in dancing and singing in the competition. She stands 5'4 with a vital statistics of 31-25-34. She previously won 1st runner-up in the Ms. Hinampang 2014 of West Visayas State University- Pototan Campus. Her personal ambitions include joining local fashion shows, taking part in musical choir and becoming a responsible teacher who will inspire her students to believe in their dreams. Ivy Rose is candidate number 19 in this year's Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015. The coronation night will be held at West Visayas State University Cultural Center on February 18, 7PM.

Candidate Number 18 - April Ann Cenit

Multi-talented lass with big dreams in life, 20-year-old April Ann Cenit decided to venture her luck in beauty pageants. This year, she’s candidate number 18 in the 2015 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta. April who hails from Sta. Rosa Subdivision, Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City is the loving daughter of Alejandro Cenit and Nemia Cenit. She stands 5 feet and 7 inches tall with a vital statistics of 34-28-36. Presently, she’s taking up BSED Major in Biological Science at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. Her college life is hectic as she juggles between student leadership, maintains a good academic ratings and joining other extra-curricular activities. Some of her campus achievements are First Runner-up in the Miss Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, champion in the statistics competition and being able to receive student leadership award. Aside from dreaming to become a teacher someday, April is also aspiring to become a flight stewardess if given a chance. The Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015 will held its grand coronation night on February 18, 7PM at West Visayas State University Cultural Center.

Candidate Number 17 - RM Lizada

Another Ilongga of pure beauty and charm is competing in this year's Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta. 19-year-old RM Lizada is candidate number 17, a resident of Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo, stands 5'5 with a vital statistics of 33-26-37. Presently, she's taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Central Philippine University. Her hobbies include dancing ballet, playing badminton, cooking and reading books. RM is both a beauty pageant contestant and writer who excelled in everything she does. She graduated with honorable mention in high school, Best Regional Writer by PIA in 2010, Red Cross Merit awardee, Young Ecologist awardee, Miss ICES 2007, Runner-up winner in Red Cross Youth Summer Camp 2011 and Ms. Carabao Carroza 2013. Her ambition in life is to succeed with her chosen field and provide a better life for her family.

Candidate number 16 - Melanie Garingan

Poised to become the next Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2015 is 22-year-old Melanie Garingan, a resident of Tagbak Jaro, Iloilo City. Melanie is the gorgeous daughter of Sonnie Garingan and Belinda Garingan. She stands 5 feet 4 inches tall with a vital statistics of 32-24-32. Melanie spends her free time reading novels in the form of E-books online, she loves painting, bake cakes and listening to classic music. Right now, she's a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management student at Central Philippine University. She describes herself as cheerful, optimistic and open-minded. Although this is the first time she joins a beauty pageant, she believes that she's emotionally ready to face the challenge. For her, real beauty lies in someone's heart. Additionally, she mentions that a beautiful lady must create a sense of balance between physical and inner beauty. Someday, she hopes to become successful in her chosen career related to tourism and culinary.