The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festivities

When we left Boracay, the weather was still bad, there were occasional rains, and in fact, we had difficulty getting off the boat in Caticlan Pier because of the strong waves.

And when we arrived in Kalibo, it was still raining and there were no Ati-Atihan parades in sight. Our driver said that we would have experienced heavy traffic and wouldn't be able to pass through the side streets if there were parades; but because of the rains, not a single group of Ati people were in sight, so, no photo opportunity for us.


We then proceeded to the next item in our itinerary, the Piña Weaving Demo (Kabuhi-an Livelihood, Skills Training & Exhibition Center) in Balete, Aklan.

It was simply amazing to see the actual weaving, and they do everything by hand; straight from the pineapple leaves, and that's the reason why the finished materials are so expensive.

We also had a sumptuous lunch courtesy of our host. Food was delicious, some were new to us and we had to ask their local names, unfortunately, I couldn't remember them all.

I loved the dessert!
Rice cake with sugar and sesame seeds on top with Bukayo --- sweetened coconut strips --- on the side.

After lazing around the place, taking photos and buying some stuff, we then proceeded to our apartment in Kalibo. We strolled around the plaza, and were entertained by the locals doing the rounds of the streets with drums, and tourists following them.

Street peddlers selling masks abound the place.

My mother is from Kalibo and it's been years since she last went there, so, on my first night there, I called her up and shared with her my excitement in seeing the place. I also made sure that I took photos of various landmarks which I was sure she will still remember.

The next morning, we attended the Holy Mass at Pastrana Park. The atmosphere was very festive and various groups were already dressed-up when we arrived at the park. The mass was a combination of English, Filipino and local dialect, so somehow we were also able to understand the ceremonies. Of course, with this kind of festivities, and with the election fast approaching, the presence of various politicians were expected. Senator Manny Villar, Gilbert Remulla, and others whom I forgot the names, were seen during the mass.

It was a fun experience, and I was amazed with the energy and enthusiasm of the groups of Ati people who tirelessly made the rounds of all the side streets all day. Tourists and locals alike joined the parades which finished around 4:30pm. From what I saw, it was especially tiring for the drum beaters, but there was actually no sign of them being tired, and I think what kept them going was the continuous supply of beer which their friends gave them, as I saw in one of the groups. And after the parade, I saw three drunk men sprawled on the sidewalk, but no one was minding them. I think it was a common sight in that place :-)

(Thanks Gina U for these 3 group photos)

We were not able to watch the awarding ceremonies anymore so we had no idea which group won. Everybody was dead tired due to the whole day activities, and besides, we had to wake up early the following morning.

Next post: The Sampaguita Gardens in Kalibo