From January 13-20, the scenic Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte will serve as the backdrop of the 71st Amateur Rowing Association of the East (ARAE) - Far East Amateur Rowing Association (FEARA) Regatta.
Officially dubbed as the First International Paoay Regatta, this is the first time that the International sporting event will be held in Ilocos Norte. Over 20 rowing clubs and hundreds of athletes, participants and guests from countries such as India, Singapore, Dubai, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and from all over the globe are expected to join.
ARAE-FEARA is an organization that encourages competitive rowing amongst rowing clubs in different parts of the world. They aim to promote rowing as a competitive sport that upholds discipline and teamwork among the participants.
The Paoay Lake is an ideal spot for this kind of sporting event. Its calm and vast waters are ideal for rowing, and so does its scenic view. Rowing is a sport not only for the athletic, but most especially for nature lovers.
The organizers are positive that this event will welcome more opportunities and will eventually make Paoay a sports and tourism hub for tourists. The lake has the potential to become a water sports center that features natural water sporting events like kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing.
With the Philippines’ perfect climate for this kind of sports all year round, the Paoay lake is an ideal training center for international rowing clubs who experience winter which becomes a hindrance to training routines.
The lake is located just 10 minutes away from Laoag International Airport and likewise near to other tourist destinations such as the Paoay Sand Dunes, San Agustin Church, Laoag City, and Currimao Beaches, making Paoay Lake an ideal destination that’s highly accessible to all.
The event was made possible by the initiatives of the Manila Boat Club, the Philippines’ oldest and premier sports club, and of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through the tourism campaign Paoay Kumakaway.
For more information, check the following sites:
Official website: http://www.paoayregatta.com/
or Like the Paoay Kumakaway official page on Facebook
To get there:
There are hourly bus trips from Pasay, Cubao and Sampaloc terminals to Laoag.
Bus operators: Partas, GV Florida, Farinas all have trips to Laoag. 10pm is usually the last trip for the day.
Fare: 8oophp ($19) and up from Manila to Laoag
From Laoag Terminal, take the tricycle or jeepney to Paoay Lake.
There are also regular scheduled flights to Laoag from Manila. Check on your favorite airlines for listings.
Photos from: Paoay Kumakaway Facebook Page
