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Big tourist influx seen as ‘Ati-atihan’ fever starts
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Yul Malicse
Date: 2003-12-11
 
KALIBO, Aklan — “Ati-Atihan,” the top tourist attraction in the Philippines and one of the world’s biggest, will be celebrated on Jan. 1 to 18, with no less than Tourism Secretary Richard “Dick” Gordon and Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) General Manager Robert Dean Barbers attending the event.



Over a million local and foreign visitors are expected to join the country’s version of Rio de Janeiro’s ‘Mardi Gras,’ which coincides with the celebration of the feast of the Holy Child, Sto. Niño.



This capital town of Aklan, and the 16 others — New Washington, Banga, Batan, Altavas, Balete, Libacao and Madalag of Aklan’s eastern district; and Numancia, Lezo, Makato, Tangalan, Malinao, Ibajay, Nabas, Buruanga and Malay (where the famous paradise island of Boracay is situated) will hold their own “Ati-Atihan” festivals and ‘fiesta’ of the Sto. Niño.



The biggest of celebrations, however, will be in this capital town of Kalibo, which is Aklan’s center of commerce and education.



Various participating groups are already rehearsing this early, filling the main thoroughfare and streets of Kalibo. The sounds of “Ati” music, composed prominently by marimbas, and the enticing beats of drums, plus the unique shouts of “Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño,” and “Hala Bira, Pwera Pasma!” from the poblacion, are being chanted by the locals.



“Ati-Atihan” dates back in the 12th century when the 12 datus from Borneo first landed in the island of Panay. They taught the natives techniques of cultivating their land, taking care of their pastures, and productive ways of fishing and the art of dancing. Aklan (or Akean) was their favorite place, where they settled, and every time they made good harvest and fish catch, they had thanksgiving rites, which they called “Ati-Atihan,” a way of thanksgiving to their “Allah” (God). The rites had become a tradition, which bloomed into a celebration, now turned an international attraction.



Some travel journalists, including foreign, said “Ati-Atihan” is Asia’s biggest, and most economical. One need not buy costumes to join. On the highlight of the celebration, the 3rd Sunday of January (which falls on Jan. 18 next year), a bystander would even find himself joining the street dancing, enticed by the infectious rhythmic music, as “Ati” participants paint him with charcoal, water colors on his face, wrap his forehead with home-made decor (clothe abaca or paper-made), hand a glass of native wine called “tuba” – or the latest brand of beer, brandy or whiskey.



Aside from local tourists, groups from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Taiwan, China, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, South America, Scandinavian and European countries, are all expected to visit Aklan to witness the revelry.



Also invited to the twin celebrations are President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., Sen. Robert Barbers, Sen. Manny Villar, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Agrarian Reform Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan who hails from Aklan.







 

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