A total of 235 vibrantly colored vintas sailed across the shores of R.T. Lim Boulevard Sunday morning, October 5, as the city government unveils the annual Regatta de Zamboanga, highlighting day 9 of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2025.

Held for the first time under the administration of Mayor Khymer Olaso, the traditional sailboat race drew crowds of locals and tourists alike, all gathered to witness the iconic sails that have long symbolized the rich heritage of Zamboanga Peninsula.

Mayor Khymer Olaso, underscored the significance of the regatta stating that it is more than just a race of colorful vinta sails but also a testament to the city’s history, culture and resilience.

He thanked the over 200 participants, the organizers and all stakeholders for the very successful event.

The winners in the vinta race are the following:

First place – Boat No. 51 (Sinunuc) – P52K and P15K worth of gift

certificate from Mang Inasal

Second place – Boat No. 126 (Sta. Cruz Island) – P42K

Third place – Boat No. 205 (Kasanyangan) – P37K

Fourth place – Boat No. 231 (Mariki) – P32K

Fifth place – Boat No. 37 (Pangapuyan) – P27K

The cash prizes were combined resources from the city government, Mayor Olaso, Congresswomen Dadah Ismula of Akbayan Partylist and Kat Chua of District I, as well as Crown Investments Corporation.

Each winner also received one sack of rice and grocery items courtesy of Forest Lake.

Meanwhile, boat No. 230 got the special award of “Most Colorful Sail” receiving P10K cash prize. Non-winning entries received P3K each as a consolation prize.

Gracing the event were Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, District 1 Congresswoman Kat Chua, City Administrator Percival Ramos, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, Councilors, Department heads, sponsors, and various others. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)