Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2013

History of Ati-Atihan Festival

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. The name "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Aetas" or "make believe Ati's." Aetas were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the earliest settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is situated.

The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

A 13th century (c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island. Datu Puti, Makatunaw's chief minister made a trade with the natives and bought the plains for a golden salakot, brass basins and bales of cloth. For the wife of the Ati chieftain, they gave a very long necklace. Feasting and festivities followed soon after.

Some time later, the Ati people were struggling with famine as the result of a bad harvest. They were forced to descend from their mountain village into the settlement below, to seek the generosity of the people who now lived there. The Datus obliged and gave them food. In return, the Ati danced and sang for them, grateful for the gifts they had been given.

The misoln was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

 Kalibo’s way of celebrating Ati-Atihan

The Ati-Atihan Festival is an annual feast celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño, concluding on the third Sunday of January, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. Known as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”, it is considered to be one of the liveliest festivals in the country.

The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions.

A 13th century (c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island.

The Ati-Atihan was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito  god. Spanish  missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

The people attend masses for the Santo Niño, and benefit dances sponsored by government organizations. The formal opening mass emphasizes the festival’s religious event. The procession begins with a rhythmic drumbeats, and dances parading along the street. The second day begins at dawn with a rosary procession, which ends with a community mass, and procession.

On the last day, different “tribes” played by townsfolk in black face and elaborate costumes take to the streets, competing for prize money and year-long glory. The festival ends with a masquerade ball.

The highlight of the festival occurs on the last day, the third Sunday of January, when groups representing different tribes compete for tourists’ attention and prizes. The festival ends with a procession of thousands of people carrying torches and different kinds of images of the Santo Niño.

Activities Before and After Ati-Atihan

9-DAY NOVENA 

4 PM Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist

Faithful pay homage to the Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo for a nine-day devotional novena in the Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist, marking the start of the religious celebration of the glorious Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival.

PAEAPAK

In front of Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist

A unique age-old Christian tradition where a Catholic priest or a lay minister rubs all parts of a devotee’s body with the image of the miraculous Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo. It attracts devotees from all faiths worldwide for it is believed to heal both body and soul.

MUTYA AG LAKAN IT KALIBO ATI-ATIHAN 2013 GRAND PAGEANT FINALE AND CORONATION NIGHT

 
7 PM  ABL Sports and Cultural Center

Eagerly awaited grand finale where equally young and talented finalists in the running to be crowned the Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013. A mix of beauty and brains, twenty-four aspirants will fulfill their dreams in an evening of glamour and star-studded coronation night.

AKLAN FESTIVALS PARADE

1 PM   Major Streets of Kalibo

A celebration of the diverse, fascinating and captivating Aklan’s ‘One Town, One Festival’ in a street parade of contingent, making this event exciting, where it showcases the different colors and cultures of the 17 towns of Aklan.

GMA KAPUSO ATI-ATIHAN NIGHT

6 PM Kalibo Pastrana Park

Feel the spirit of Ati-Atihan with live performances of your favorite Kapuso stars. Enjoy and watch as GMA network is set to showcase the rising actors and actresses in the Kapuso Night.

KALIBO ATI-ATIHAN TRADE FAIR

8 AM to 10 PM Kalibo Pastrana Park

Shop for premium quality Aklanon products made from world-class woven piña and other fiber-based crafts such as abaca, raffia and nito.  Marvel at the exhibit showcase of the finest clay materials handcrafted by local artisans, delicacies and ornamental plants.

AKLANON VISUAL ARTS EXHIBIT

8 AM to 5 PM Museo it Akean

An exhibit by established and upcoming Aklanon artists featuring over a hundred art works depicting the cultural and historical richness of the province of Aklan.

KALIBO ATI-ATIHAN STREET BAZAAR

8 AM to 11 PM Veterans Avenue
A day-and-night street bazaar with a wide array of products by local entrepreneurs for sale at affordable and bargain prices.

KAEAN-AN SA PLAZA

4 PM to 1 AM Kalibo Pastrana Park (Basketball Court)
A weeklong food event that offers a sumptuous array of fast foods and culinary specialties of local restaurants and hotels with acoustic bands for music lovers.

HALA BIRA ATI-ATIHAN NIGHTS

4 PM to 1 AM  Kalibo Magsaysay Park

A never-ending excitement of snake-dancing, revelry of foods and drinks with nightly concerts by national and local bands.

PAGDAYAW  KAY SENOR STO. NINO

January 15, 2013
1 PM Major Streets of Kalibo

Students and teachers from Aklan State University keep the spirit of Ati-Atihan in street dancing parade.

January 16 to 17, 2013

8 AM Major Streets of Kalibo

‘Sinaot sa Calle’ of the students and teachers of Department of Education with their faces and bodies covered in soot and accompanied by the festive beating of the Ati-Atihan drums.

AKLAN HIGANTE CONTEST

1 PM Major Streets of Kalibo-Kalibo Pastrana Park
A parade of Higantes and individuals dressed in giant ecological tourism-themed imag

es. Through the years, the most beautiful and impressive Higantes designed by the municipalities of Aklan, make their way in the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival.

SADSAD PAGPASAEAMAT KAY SR. STO. NINO

Major Streets of Kalibo

The true spirit of devotion to Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo by socio-civic groups, balikbayans, religious and people from all walks of life.

DAWN PENITENTIAL PROCESSION

4 AM Major Streets of Kalibo-Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist

Praying of the rosary by devotees and pilgrims before the Ati-Atihan festival music rises into a crescendo.

TRIBAL, MODERN, BALIK-ATI AND INDIVIDUAL ATI-ATIHAN CONTEST

8 AM to 5 PM Major Streets of Kalibo

Street dancing contest comes alive with tribe members dress up in their vibrant and colorful costumes, their bodies and faces painted with soot as they dance to the unique Ati-Atihan beat of the drums.

HORNADA

12 Noon in front of Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist

The rhythmic beating of the drums, loud and lively dancing of Ati-Atihan tribes to pay tribute to the Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo.

TRANSFER OF SANTO NINO IMAGE AND PILGRIMS’ MASS

January 20, 2013

6:30 AM to 9 AM Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist grounds

“Musyon ga Santo Niño ag ga Ati-Ati Kita”
Concelebrated Pilgrims’ Mass offering where devotees, guests and tourists flock in solidarity with Ati-Atihan tribes as they take part in the highest form of Catholic workship, the High Mass celebration.

RELIGIOUS PROCESSION AND DANCE

3 PM to 9  PM  Major Streets of Kalibo-Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist

“Pagsapoe, Pagpaeapak, Pagpangamuyo ag Pagpasaeamat kay  Santo Niño, Pag Bendisyon ni Santo Niño, Paghatud kay Santo Niño”
Praise dancing of Ati-Atihan tribes and visitors for hours together with beautifully adorned Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo ‘caros’ and devotees carrying Santo Niño image and bamboo torches.

PAGPADUNGOG

7 PM Kalibo Magsaysay Park

The finale and last hurrah of the weeklong Ati-Atihan festival. Winners of the Ati-Atihan contest give their ‘last’ energy as they receive their prizes from Kasafi and the local government of Kalibo.

The Sadsad Festivity

SADSAD SA KALYE

“Sadsad Sa Kalye” is a dynamic mass presentation expressing the beliefs, views, visions and aspirations of the Janiuaynons based upon tradition, historical experiences, and culture of the people of Janiuay. It is a street-dancing affair buoyed by the kaleidoscopic prism of cultured grace and fineness that reflects the embodiment of all that are beautiful in man’s body and soul. “Sadsad” is a native word meaning dance.

Ati-Atihan festival is known to be the merriest day of the whole celebration. Groups dress up in tribal costumes and parade the streets of Kalibo while dancing. People usually follow the street dancers while carrying bamboo torches and sculptures and image of the Child Jesus. and Ati-Atihan also known as Sadsad Festival in modern time.

During the festival, Ati-Atihan participants smear black body paint on their skin and wear a colorful costumes as a remembrance of the pact between the Atis and the Malays. The yearly festival celebration held in Kalibo still symbolize the unity that was formed between the two distinctly different tribe.

The Sayaw Ritual

Scene of a yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Nino held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-Atihan. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists, wipe soot on their faces and done ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

A sea of humanity in cadence with black soot “ati” performing rituals, all in …. A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance).

Twenty-four finalists for the Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013 have been chosen. 

24 Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013 finalists named

They will compete in the grand pageant night on January 11, 2013, according to festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).

The finalists were selected from 40 contestants for the 3rd edition of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan beauty pageant scheduled to take place in Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center here.

Out of 21 aspirants, the 12 beautiful Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan finalists selected are Riza Lucing (New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, 18), Lailani Sualog (Poblacion, Malay, Aklan, 18), Rosalie Arcenio (Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan, 16), Sherame Jardeleza (Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan, 19), Ma. Theressa Vanessa Dela Cruz (Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan, 23) and Merrie Joy Montalbo (Dongon West, Numancia, Aklan, 17).

Other finalists are Jane Escalona (Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan, 21), Evelyn Teston (Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan, 17), Harchelyn Joy Agudon (Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan, 18), Ivy Charresse Vega (Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan, 16), Karla Jane Gallardes (Poblacion, Balete, Aklan, 22) and Janine Marie Pedrosa (Calimbajan, Makato, Aklan, 21).

The 12 Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan finalists, out of 19 aspirants, are David Matthew Bunganay (Camanci, Batan, Aklan, 16), Edross Taay (Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan, 19), Clyde Vincent Briones (Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan, 21), Charrls Cris Dagohoy (New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, 20), Joseph Ibadlit (Laguinbanua West, Numancia, Aklan, 21) and Satinder Pal Ghai (Ibajay, Aklan, 19).

Other finalists are Jasper Cahilig (Balusbos, Malay, Aklan, 16), Ryan Jay Rampola (Polo, Banga, Aklan, 19), Riedgbelle Jhecz Maglaqui (Tinigao, Kalibo, Aklan, 19), Jan Vic Basia (Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan, 17), Aaron Jay Fernandez (Feliciano, Balete, Aklan, 20) and Jy Lee Kevin Tang (Dumga, Makato, Aklan, 20).

Kasafi chairman Albert Menez said preliminary competitions will be held in Boracay Garden Resort on December 15 for the Swimsuit and Swimwear and on December 21 in Kalibo Pastrana Park for the candidates’ talent performance.

The finale competition and the crowning of Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan will take on January 11, 2013.

Mutya and Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan winners BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL Rosalie ‘Lheng’ Castaneda Arcenio reigned over 11 other Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013 candidates to claim the crown of the Ati-Atihan pageant of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) and the municipality of Kalibo on January 11. The 17-year old business administration student from Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan also won three minor awards for Best in Swimsuit, Best in Illumina Attire and the Best in Long Gown. Arcenio, born in Quezon City and raised in Aklan, was also chosen as Miss Airphil Express and Miss Kapuso of GMA Network for the corporate awards. The other Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan winners were 21-year old Jane Escalona of Numancia, Aklan who came in second and 18-year old Lailani Sualog of Malay, Aklan, placed third. Edross Taay, 19, of Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan won the coveted title of Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan this year. The first runner-up is 17-year old Jan Vic Basia of Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan and the second runner-up is 16-year old David Matthew Bunganay of Batan, Aklan. Basia bagged the special award for Mr. Maribert Inland Resort and the minor award for Best in Formal Attire while Bunganay was given the Best in Talent minor award. Other winners of the special and corporate awards are: Miss Globe Texters Choice – Sherame Jardeleza Mr. Globe Texter Choice – Clyde Vincent Briones Mr. Kapuso – Clyde Vincent Briones Mr. Photogenic – Christian Chinn Alvarez Miss Photogenic – Harchelyn Joy Agudon Miss Maribert Inland Resort – Kizza dela Cruz Mr. Blackwater – David Matthew Bunganay Miss Ever Belena – Harchelyn Joy Agudon Miss Careline – Everlyn Teston For the minor awards, Best in Interview and Best in Talent were given to Karla Jane Gallardes of Balete, Aklan; Best in Illumina Attire for Lakan finalist Jasper Cahilig of Malay, Aklan and the Best in Swimwear was given to Satinder Phal Gai of Ibajay, Aklan. The panel of 11 judges included Julia Haresco, GMA celebrity Mark Herras, businessmen Leopoldo Tirol and Cedric Sazon, Manila Travel and Tours owner/manager Anne Lukban, Ginoong Bicolandia winners Emman Adigue and Jerome Ibarra, international fashion designers Barge Ramos and PJ Aranador, ramp model Kenneth John Suyao, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa general manager Amet Oberoi. The grand finale began with the 24 contestants introducing themselves one-by-one wearing the ‘Illumina’ collections of upcoming fashion designer of Iloilo Alfie Desamparado before a jampacked crowd at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center on Friday evening. The Mutya aspirants also showcased the Beachwear ‘Sunset’ collections of Alfie Desamparado and the evening gowns exclusively designed by international lifestyle designer PJ Aranador for the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan candidates. The evening gowns are made from the hand loom raffia of Aklan specially woven for the Ati-Atihan beauty pageant by Aklan weaver Millie Rentillo. The gowns are inspired by the tropical seawater “Flora and Fauna of Boracay.” The silhouettes also reflect the Filipino “baro” and “saya” topped with “serpentine” skirts. The “raffia” is turned into modern wraps, underembellished, the pieces reflect the purity of Aklan material in raffia, in highlight with chiffon, georgette and illusion tulle. Lakan candidates also presented the Barong Tagalogs of international designer Barge Ramos. Barong Tagalogs are evolving into a contemporary wear of the new generation of Filipinos. This defining piece of clothing of Filipinos has come a long way. For decades, Ramos, has mastered the art and craft of designing of one of the soul and culture of the Filipinos, the Baro ng Tagalog. The performers were the Kasafi Dance Company for a theatrical dance interpretation entitled ‘Freedom’, GMA Kapuso stars Mark Herras sung the Bruno Mars “Just the Way You Are” and Aljur Abrenica serenaded the Mutya candidates after the on-stage interview portion. Final walk of the 2012 Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan winners – second runner-up Mutya ag Lakanit Kalibo Ati-Atihan Daisy Batch and Elvin Tiel, first runner-up Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan Liezl Dumaguin, Ivy Rose Vidal and Shem Regalado, Mutya and Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan grand winners. Also present during the three-hour pageant hosted by Gaynor Alejaga-Calizo and GMA Kapuso TV 6 iloilo personality Jason Gregorio, were Kalibo mayor William Lachica, Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Ibajay town mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores, Ang Kasangga Partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. and Dado Tan, GMA assistant program manager for regional TV. The Ati-Atihan beauty pageant is one of the most anticipated activities of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival, where physique gentlemen and beautiful ladies showcase their fitness, charm, talent and beauty. The annual search is a prestigious competition organized by your Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi), a private-sector led foundation chaired by Albert Menez, tasked to manage the activities of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival in partnership with the local government of Kalibo.

Ati-Atihan Folksong Literature

The word Aklanon has two meanings. It may refer to the natives of Aklan and to their language.

Aklanon literature refers to all kinds of literary works in any languages written by Aklanons, either published or unpublished.

But it can also refer to the kind of literature written by Aklanons in their native language.

In this paper, unless stated, Aklanon literature refers to the kind of literature written by Aklanons in their own language.

For several decades now Aklanons have been writing literary pieces in Spanish, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a. Surprisingly, this writer has discovered that Aklanons have been writing poems in Aklanon since 1568.

In 1925, Gabriel M. Reyes published a novel, Toning. This 35-page novel in Akeanon was published by La Panayana.

In 1926, Peping Tansinko Manyas published a short novel entitled Tagiposuon nga Hueowaran; Baeasahon Nga May Mataeupangdan.

_____________________________________________________________

Included in this work are the following poems by Manyas

“Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan nay Doctor Jose Rizal”, dated December 1, 1913;

“Haead Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Ku Napueo Ag Siyam Sa Akean”, 1913;

“Kaeantahon nga Pilipinhon” (Marcha Nacional Filipina), Sinueat nay G. Jose Palma; Gin Inakeanon nay G. Peping Tansinko Manyas, Musika nay G. Julian Felipe.

“Haead Sa Pahayagang “Ro Akeanon”, April 26, 1913;

“Sa Manga Kadaeagahan; Mga Tubo Sa Akean”, April, 1914;

Also in this book is Manyas’ translation of the Spanish poem by Manuel Laseran entitled: Eugta’ng Nahamut-an (Sinueat nay Manuel Laserna.) Its original Spanish version is also found in this book.

It must be noted that Manyas’ translation is so far the oldest Aklanon translation of the Philippine National Anthem.

In 1957, Tente Undoy published Mga Bilisad-on. This includes 105 maxims in Akeanon. Tente Undoy must be a brother of Roman A. de la Cruz.

We can see some of the old Aklanon poems in the book Contribution of Aklanon Minds to Philippine Literature by Beato de la Cruz. We can also see two Aklanon poems translated into English in the book Hiligayon Literature: Texts and Contexts (1992) edited by Lucila V. Hosillos. These are “Halad Sa Adlaw Nga Kinmatyan” by G.H.M.A. Tagipusuon.

But the oldest Aklanon poem that I have known is The “Song of Balinganga”

The “Song of Balinganga”

Other than the syllabary itself, the most antiquated sample of Old Inakeanon writing that we have so far is the 1911 reproduction made by Capitan Juan Orbista of the 1725 Moysing reproduction of the 1568 Kabanyag reproduction of the original “Song of Balinganga.” According to tradition, the original and the rest of its copies were written on hardwood (amaga) tablets.

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Here is the poem:

Hambae Inakeanon

I

Hambae Inakeanon

Manat saeaysayon

Hanongod sa dato,

Nga si Bangkaay,

Ag anang asawa,

Imaw si Katorong,

Kat sanda nga daywa

Mga bataon pa.

II

Sanda hay nagkita

Sa sangka daeanon,

Daeagang malangya

Miron nga dongganon:

Ag sanglit gaoy eon

Rato nga daeaga,

Pomaeapit dayon

Datong miron kana.

III

Singpit nat dayon

Nga kana omaba,

Agod di gaoyon,

Makapahoway pa.

Dayon na nga abhon

Ay mana eat opa,

Kono, kabog-at na

Kato nga daeaga.

IV

Naghinadya dayon

Miron ag daeaga:

Nagpanaw sa nayon

Kon tawgon Tawaya

Nag-abot panag-on

Sanda nag-asawa,

Nagin malipayon

Pangabohi nanda.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank the following persons who helped me in doing this blog.

• Shane F. Kouklis
• Ana Mia Clasiete
• Archie Dela Ceuz

Thank you!!!

Sample of Rubaiyat Poem

Fantasy Of Love

This love that I feel so deep inside

Just know I cannot any longer hide

Tho` we may be vast oceans apart

I dream of you Oh my love with pride.

I dream of being in your loving arms

Entranced in warm masculine charms

Whatever may happen I know for sure

A little affection shall bear us no harm. 

So come to me, my precious delight

Caress me now, and make love tonight, 

Drown me in deepest passions of love

In rhapsody `neath this moon so bright."