Morongga Tribe

The Morongga Tribe came into being as one of the participating tribes in the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival celeb-ration in the year 1972. The inception of Morongga Tribe marked the history of being the 1st tribe from Barangay New Buswang to participate in the world famous Ati-Atihan Festival. Thus, it serves as the pride of our Barangay to be one of the participants to this grandest celebration of honoring the Blessed Child – Sr. Sto. Niño!

The birth of Morongga Tribe was initiated by Mr. Toto Sarabia. For the record, there is no relevant meaning that could be associated with the name Morongga as one of the members suggested the name "Morongga". It was unanimously approved. The membership of Morongga Tribe comes from almost all walks of life. Most of its members are young professionals. After two years of its successful participation, Mr. Sarabia got sick. He turned over the leadership to another Sarabia, Mr. Pacifico Sarabia who in turn held office until the year 1981.

For the nine (9) year period, Morongga Tribe garnered several awards and recognition. This is the product of the strong sense of commitment and support of all the members and for being a part of the PANAAD which is also reflective of the rich cultural heritage of the Municipality of Kalibo and the Province of Aklan. Year after year, the invitation to perform from one place to another continuously came. The most memorable of it was the invitation to perform in Nayong Pilipino, Metro Manila.

The year 1981 is considered as the saturation point for the tribe. It is sad to note that the enthusiasm and support of the members were no longer that powerful. Further, the financial requirement was so big that the tribe could no longer afford to sustain its participation. The absence of sponsors to provide the needed assistance for the purchase of raw materials for the production of uniform as well as the necessity for the replacement of musical instruments had been a part and parcel on the diminishing of the tribe.

However, this did not hinder the participation of the members to the festival. Even without the costume/uniform and non-participation in the contest proper, the spirituality and the PANAAD to the Blessed Child are continuing.

The year 1977 marked the "rebirth" of Morongga Tribe. Through the effort of Mr. Tomasito Mirto who was then connected with Nestle Philippines, Inc., financial assistance was extended. At first, the reorganization was really hard. Though the support of the "original" members was present, there was a need to recruit eager and aggressive members who are capable of handling the tedious work. This was due to the members themselves who created their own uniform – from painting to sewing and all others. Nonetheless, this reacti-vation had created a positive impact. For six (6) years since its revival, it became a new beginning. Awards and recognition come every year.

Morongga is never out in the limelight. Through the effort of the Municipal Government of Kalibo and the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board, Morongga Tribe has been one of the contingents representing the incom-parable Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival to the events and places like Expo Filipino, Aliwan Fiesta and recently, the WOW Philippines – Best of Region VI, Intramuros, Manila.

From the year 1997 , Morongga Tribe is headed by Mr. Lucas Y. Cristobal. To date, the tribe is actively participating to this world renown Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival. Hala Bira! Viva!! Kay Sr. Sto. Niño Viva!!! /MP