Antique will once again celebrate the province’s rich culture and the Antiqueños’ indomitable spirit as the annual "Binirayan Festival" kicks off today.
Now on its 31st year, this year’s theme "Kultura kag katiringban: Pagpalayag sa kaaraydan kang Amtique" (Culture and Society: Sailing towards a better quality of life in Antique) remains true to Governor Sally Perez’s leadership thrust focusing on culture and arts in her governance. Perez believes that culture binds a people, "it gives them soul and a sense of pride, motivating them to live with dignity by being more productive, law-abiding and morally upright."
Through the 3-day festival, Perez aims to strengthen the province’s bid as a viable economic and investment hub, tourist destination, and culture and arts haven, thus attracting more local and foreign tourists.
Among the activities lined up are nightly talent competitions, band concerts, arnis exhibition, trade fair, food festival, and the Antique Pride Parade.
Conceived by Governor Evelio B. Javier in 1974, the Binirayan is a commemoration of the landing and settlement of the 10 Bornean datus in Malandog, Hamtic, the first Malayan settlement long before the occupation of the Philippines by the Spaniards.
"Binirayan" came from the word "biray" which means to sail or "binirayan," which means where the datu have landed.
The Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI) headed by its executive director Alex C. Delos Santos, assures that this year’s Binirayan Festival is something to remember, highlighting the Antiqueños unique traditions and culture.
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