Street Dancing in Aklan

The Street Dancing of Tribes

SADSAD 2013

Thirty-one registered tribes will compete in this year’s Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival street dancing competition, according to festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).

The participating tribes will vie for the P700,000 grand prizes in the Balik-Ati, modern group, Tribal small and Tribal big categories on January 19.

Six out-of-town entries are entered in the Balik-Ati category. The reigning champion Lilo-anong Ati ag si Datu Marikudo of Lilo-an, Malinao, Aklan will again try to defend its Balik-Ati title against the 2012 second runner-up Tribu Isalacan and Tribu Ilayanhon of Liloan, Malinao, Aklan; Kinantuing of San Roque, Malinao, Aklan; Apo ni Inday of Calangcang, Makato, Aklan and 2012 first runner-up Malipayong Ati of San Roque, Malinao, Aklan.

Two tribes from Kalibo – Anono-o of Briones and Maninikop of Caano will also be joining the contest to complete the eight entries in the Balik-Ati.

The champion will receive P50,000, first runner-up P25,000 and P15,000 for second runner-up for Balik-Ati category. Two tribes will get P5,000 each for the consolation winners.

Nine Ati-Atihan tribes are also competing for the top pot money of P150,000 for the Tribal Big category.

The tribes are defending champion Black Beauty Boys of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan; Tribu Tiis-Tiis of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan; 2012 second placer Kabog of Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan and Tribu Bukid Tigayon of Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan.

Five out-of-town participants are also joining the Tribal Big contest, namely,  Pangawasan Tribe of Makato, Aklan; D’ Kamanggahan Tribe of Poblacion, Makato, Aklan; Tribu Parola of Daja Norte, Banga, Aklan; and two tribes from Dumga, Makato Aklan – the Maharlika and Lord Eagles.

The first runner-up winner will take home P40,000 and the second runner-up will receive P30,000. Three consolation winners will get P8,000 each.

There are six Ati-Atihan contingents participating in the Modern group category. This year’s tribes are reigning champion Scorpio 11-19 of Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan; Pilgrimage of Pook, Kalibo, Aklan; 2012 first runner-up Aeang-Aeang  of Laguinbanua, Numancia, Aklan and Emperor of D. Maagma Street, Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan.

2012 third placer Samahan ng Kababaihan Bayan ng Kalibo, Inc. (SKBK) of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan and D’Emagine of Kalibo, Aklan are also vying for the prizes in the Modern group category.

The grand winner will receive P50,000, first runner-up P25,000 and second runner-up P15,000. Two consolation modern group winners will get P5,000 each.

Eight tribes also confirmed their participation with festival organizer Kasafi for the Tribal small category. They are Morongga Tribe and Tribu Responde of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan;  Tribu Mangingisda of Bakhaw Sur, Kalibo, Aklan; Tribu Tipon-Tipon and Lezo Tribe of Ibao, Lezo, Aklan.

Other tribal small entries are Tribu Ea-mang of Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan; Tribu Ninolitos of Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan and Tribu Alibang-bang of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan.

The grand prize winner will receive P60,000, first runner-up P40,000 and second runner-up will take home P30,000. Three consolation prize winners will get P8,000 each.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY 

Eighteen individual entries will be judged also on January 19. 

The participants are Apo ni Odoy (Marlun Malic), The Queen Aqua (Alex Sabino), The Butterfly Queen (Frankelyn Abelarde), Sweet Fantasy (Espy Tagala), Lore Arriba (Lore Arriba), Ravenous (Rolando Villanueva, Jr. ), Climate Change (Rodulfo Salvador), Recycle Queen (Jay Romer Carsula), Mario Temporosa (Mario Temporosa) and Costume it Ati (Renerio Masangya).

Other entries are Placida Plastikada (Jarry Bais), Vivacious Selena (Rio Traje), Authentica Galactica (Noel Trance), Libtong  D' Tribe Man (Chris Diangson), Feathers Queen (Joseph Dominguez), Eokot (Placido Florentino), Mulawin (Joecel Relado) and Fantastica (Jomar Melgar).

Giant Parade 2013

Higante Parade

Aklan Festivals and Higantes in Kalibo

KALIBO, Aklan – The most colorful festivals and papier-mâché giants (Higantes) in Aklan will converge for the upcoming Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival.

This coming January 14, the Aklan Festivals Parade will gather the different festivals across the province into one grander and vibrant celebration in Kalibo, Aklan. 

The ‘One Town, One Festival’ joining the celebration are Saguibin Festival of Banga,  Aklan Ati Festival of Batan, Panagat Festival of Buruanga, Bayangan Festival of Lezo and Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival of Malinao.

Other entries are Fiesta de Obreros of Malay, the Bariw Festival of Nabas, Bugna it Tangalan and Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan of Kalibo.

The festival street dance contingents will be judged during the parade and the ground demonstration at the Kalibo Pastrana Park. 

The criteria for the street dancing and ground demonstration are choreography- difficulty and uniqueness of the festival dance steps and appeal (40%); performance, endurance and execution- dance vibrancy during the entire presentation, ground movements and execution and liveliness (30%); costume, props and music-utilization of props related to the town’s festival and music (20%) and audience impact (10%).

The champion will bring home P25,000; first runner-up P15,000 and second runner-up P10,000. 

Consolation prizes will be given for the remaining towns of P5,000 each. All participants were given also P15,000 subsidy for the Aklan Festivals Parade.

On the other hand, the theme for this year’s Aklan Higante Contest is Ecological Tourism: Endangered Species.

The Higante figures, measuring eight to 12 feet, will be judged on January 17 during the street parade and at the Kalibo Pastrana Park.

The criteria for judging are relevance – the appropriateness and unity of the Higantes and design to the theme (25%), creativity – the uniqueness and creative imagination of the artist or designer (30%), artistry – esthetic qualities of the Higantes and design to include beauty, proportion, dimension and color (30%) and audience impact/appeal (10%).

The Higante participants are Alibangbang (butterfly) of Balete, Hornbill of Nabas, Lizard of Banga, Turtle of Kalibo, Usa (deer) of Libacao, Agila (eagle) of Malinao and Pikoy (parrot) of Numancia. 

Seeing action also are the town of Madalag for Bukaw (owl), Ibajay for Giant Clam (taklobo) and Batan for Fish (Kugtong). 

The grand winner will receive P40,000, first runner-up P35,000 and second runner-up will get P30,000. Consolation prizes will be awarded also for P5,000 each for the remaining Higantes.

A financial subsidy of P20,000 were also given for the Higante contest participants.  

The Aklan Festivals contingents and Aklan Higante Contest entries will gather along Desposorio Maagma, Sr. Street at around 1 p.m. for their grand parade on January 14 and January 17, respectively.

The participants will pass the Mabini Street, turn left to Roxas Avenue, turn left to Pastrana Street, turn right to Archbishop Street, turn left to C. Laserna Street, turn left to XIX Martyrs and then enter the Kalibo Pastrana Park. 

The events are organized by the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office and the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) with the support of the Aklan Congressional District Office of Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, the Provincial Government of Aklan of Governor Carlito Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo and Ang Kasangga Partylist Representative Teodorico Haresco, Jr.

And The GRAND WINNER is......................

‘Alibangbang’ of Balete is 2013 Aklan Higante 

Artistry and creativity took front seat as the entries of the towns of Balete, Malinao and Kalibo emerged victorious in the 2013 Aklan Higante Contest, one of the much awaited activities of the Senor Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

The 10 Higante contest entries that paraded for over three hours drew thousands of locals and tourists to the streets of Kalibo on January 17. 

Alibangbang (butterfly) it Balete won the grand prize of P40,000 in the annual Ati-Atihan event sponsored by the provincial government of Aklan.

The Higante from Balete was decorated with flowers and enchanting characters from fairies to mystical creatures all over the float to depict this year’s contest theme, “Ecological Tourism: Endangered Species.” 

The stunning huge Alibangbang took two weeks for the local government of Balete to build and decorate, said Balete councilor Patrick Lachica, also an artist.

Dueongan (Writh-billed Hornbill) Bantay it Kagueangan of the town of Malinao won P35,000 for second place and Pawikan (Turtle) of Kalibo emerging third for P30,000.

Usa (Wild Deer) of Libacao came in fourth place and Pekoy (Parrot) of Numancia copped fifth place. Hornbill of Nabas won sixth place, Taclobo (clam) of Ibajay and Bukaw (owl) of Madalag tied for seventh place.

Mana-oe of Batan in the ninth place and Tarsier of Banga in tenth place. The seven runner-up entries received P5,000 each. 

Aklan governor Carlito Marquez led the awarding of prizes along with Vice governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Ang Kasangga Partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. 

The entries were judged based on the criteria of relevance of the Higante and design to the theme of the contest (25%), creativity (30%), artistry (30%) and audience impact and appeal (15%).

Mutya It Kalibo

Mutya It Kalibo Contest

            The Candidates

The Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan candidates are Kizza dela Cruz, Ivy Charresse Vega, Everlyn Teston, Ma. Theresa Vanessa dela Cruz, Harchelyn Joy Agudon, Rosalie Arsenio, Jane Escalona, Lailani Sualog, Karla Jane Gallardes, Sherene Alvarez, Sherame Jardeleza and Merrie Joy Montalbo.

The Lakan contestants are Aaron Joy Fernandez, Joseph Ibadlit, Riedgebelle Jhecz Maglaqui, Jasper Cahilig, Jan Vic Basia, Ryan Jay Rampola, Clyde Vincent Briones, Charris Cris Dagohoy, Satinder Pal Ghai, Edross Taay, David Matthew Bunganay and Christian Chinn Alvarez.

Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013

Winners

KALIBO, Aklan - 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.

Big Prizes for Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-

Atihan 2013


KALIBO, Aklan - Mutya and Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan winners will take home prize packages from sponsors and festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) during the grand finale of the Ati-Atihan pageant on January 11, 2013 at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center. 

The Mutya and Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan titlists will both have round-trip tickets from Kalibo to Hongkong and two nights, three days  hotel accommodations and trips to Disneyland Hongkong from Anne Lukban of Manila Travel and Tours. They will also avail the free overnight stay with buffet breakfast good for two persons and two children at the Shangri-La Boracay Spa and Resort. 

Mutya grand winner will get P30,000 cash prize from Kasafi, a pocket computer from Girlie Trance Villaruel, a set of jewelry from ALG Jewelry and Pawnshop while the Lakan grand winner will receive Image collection watch and P20,000 cash prize from Kasafi. 
  
The Lakan and Mutya first runner-up winners will have free overnight stay at Fairways and Bluewater New Coast Boracay for two persons, round trip tickets from Kalibo-Clark-Singapore from Airphil Express and one semester scholarship assistance from Garcia College of Technology. 

The 1st runner-up for Lakan will also receive P10,000 cash prize from Kasafi and the Mutya first runner-up will get P20,000 cash prize. 

The 2nd runner-up winners for Mutya and Lakan will have free overnight stay for two with breakfast at La Reserve Beach Resort and Red Coconut Beach Resort in Boracay Island, one year scholarship assistance from Aklan Polytechnic College and round trip tickets from Kalibo to Manila with two nights, three days free stay at Manila Airport Hotel courtesy of Anne Lukban of Manila Travel and Tours. 

Mutya 2nd runner-up winner will also get P10,000 cash prize while the Lakan 2nd runner-up will receive P8,000 cash, both from Kasafi. 

All Mutya and Lakan winners will be receiving also Nokia and Samsung cell phone kits from Bors Abella of Kok's de Kalibo,  trophies from the Department of Tourism-Region VI, sash and bouquets from Kasafi. 
  
Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan is one of the most unique and spectacular events in the region, which will take place from  January 11 to 20, 2013.   
  
Often dubbed as the original celebration of Ati tribes and the Spanish colonizers to honor the patron saint Holy Child, this festive event brings together the religious fervour of devotees and the display of colourful costumes of participants, painted their bodies with black soot, in street dancing contests. 
  
The tradition is commonly associated with sadsad panaad, novena, paeapak, tribu dancing and procession of Sto. Nino images depicting the religiousity of the festival.

Ati-Atihan 2013 in Aklan

The Ati-Atihan

Almost all towns and cities in the Philippines have their own festivals, but one particular festival in the Visayas island group stands head and shoulders above the rest—the Ati Atihan Festival. Held every third Sunday of January, this jovial celebration transforms the quiet district of Kalibo, in the province of Aklan, into a lively and upbeat place filled with dancing, music and other merry-making activities. Known as the “Mother of All Festivals,” the Ati Atihan Festival has been celebrated for more than 700 years, and still ranks as one of the main festivals in the country. 

The Ati (or Aetas) are one of the indigenous people of the Philippines. Dark-skinned, and short with kinky hair, these Ati were the first settlers of the Philippine archipelago and still live in the highlands all over the country. 

The Ati Atihan Festival holds street dancing competitions from different groups called “tribu” (or tribe), and these performances are the main attraction of the entire celebration. Dancers in their flamboyant costumes, with headdresses made from indigenous materials, paint their bodies in black and dance along the streets of Kalibo. Almost all Philippine festivals of dancing, drum music and elaborate tribal costumes trace their origin back to the Ati Atihan Festival. 

You can choose to watch the Ati Atihan Festival from the sidelines and enjoy this carefree sight, but with all the energy it's hard to resist joining in the street dancing. Expect someone from the crowd to drag you up to dance or paint your face. A clean face is frowned upon during the Ati Atihan Festival, and some tourists and locals smear their arms, legs, and even their whole torso with soot. Black is undoubtedly the most prominent colour during the Festival, and “black dancers” identify the Ati Atihan Festival from other Philippine festivals. The word “Ati Atihan” means “to be like an Ati,” and covering the body with soot mimics the appearance of an Ati. 

The Ati Atihan Festival started when a group of Malayan chieftains, known as “datus” from the neighboring Borneo, sought refuge and found a new home as they escaped a tyrant king in their homeland. When they arrived in the island of Panay, where Aklan is located, it was inhabited by the Atis. Diplomatic and courteous as they were, the Bornean datus made a pact with the king of the Aeta, Marikudo, to settle in their land. In exchange for some gifts, specifically a golden hat locally known as “salakut” for Marikudo and an anklet for Marikudo’s wife, the Atis agreed to settle in the highlands leaving the lowlands to the new settlers. To celebrate the new relationship between the Atis and the Malays, they danced and drank day-in-and-day-out. At that time, the Atis were celebrating their good harvest, and so to join in the celebration, the Malays covered their bodies with soot to appear dark-skinned just like the Atis. Hence, the first Ati Atihan Festival was born—which is still going 700 years later. 

Attached to the Ati Atihan Festival is the Santo Niño (or the Holy Child Jesus) which is highly venerated in this Catholic country. When the Spaniards came to the Philippines to convert the natives to Catholicism, they performed the native Ati Atihan. Today, the tribal festivity also has its own religious aspect, and some devotees carry images of the Holy Child and dance their petitions to God for the success of their children and their business.