by Ernesto T. Solidum
Brgy. Captain Mary Jane Rebaldo of Poblacion, Kalibo in a recent Kapehan forum vigorously denied that the statue on top of the rotunda of Arch. Gabriel Reyes St. is that of Datu Bangkaya. "It represents a lone Ati-Atihan devotee’s adoration and respect to the Sto. Niño. The looks and attire may give way to that of a Muslim warrior but he can even be a Chinese, Hispanic or whatever as long as the spirit is present," argued Hon. Jane Rebaldo.
Whatever the motive behind the statue and calling Kalibo after that of its legendary figure Datu Bangkaya suffers from distortion of historical facts.
One of 10 Bornean datus who fled the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw of Sabah, Malaysia, Datu Bangkaya was appointed "Governor of Minuro it Akean" in early part of the 12th century. His two other companions Datu Puti became head of Irong-Irong (Iloilo) while Datu Paiborong as Governor of Hamtik (Antique). Record states that the earliest Spanish missionaries were the Franciscans who arrived in 1571 in Panay. Fortunately this was also the anniversary of the founding of Kalibo.
Skepticism abounds with the claim that Datu Bangkaya was a convert to Christianity. The span of more than 300 years between the Barter of Panay and the arrival of the Spanish missionaries is over-stretching the imagination.
Now comes the coined word, "Ati-Atihan". If my memory serves me right, this appeared first during the late nineteen sixties. It was on the incumbency of Mayor Federico Icamina that the once latent Sto. Niño religious celebration became a sensation reminiscent of the mardi grass style of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It should be underscored that Kalibo for decades was known to celebrate its main patron Saint John the Baptist. The church cathedral bears his name prior to the above stated years, nothing was heard of about festive delicacies being served in homes of Kalibonhons.
At that time, original big fiesta events were ati-ati of Ibajay whose devotees rubbed black soot over their bodies and mimicked ati costume or way of life by bringing along roasted pig, chicken, fish as food offering. After the "sadsad" and "palapak" what a convenient way to eat with bare hands together with relatives and friends under the trees.
Another was Makato with similar style although subdued but sticks to January 15th as part of its tradition. In all these events, nobody thought that religious-cultural endeavor would be upgraded to attract more tourists and earn handsome dividends. Except for one enterprising Mayor of the town of Kalibo, he promoted Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival. Consequently, scant publicity and promotion hindered Ibajay and Makato Ati-Atihan celebration from being recognized at local and national levels.
As a kid, I love to witness the epic battle between Christian and moro warriors depicted in a street play on the eve of the Sto. Niño fiesta in Ibajay. Legend says the Sto. Niño image protected the native inhabitants from deprivation and kidnapping of the moro bandits. The target were young able bodied males to be conscripted into the army of the Sultanate of Sulu. It could be inconceivable then that an ati performing a vow would ever don a muslim attire and clutch an image of the Sto. Niño. To be fair, a muslim would not even touch it because it is idolatrous.
Location of the statue and monument marker happen to be on Arch. Gabriel Reyes St. Could it be possible that one of the pillars of the Catholic church in Aklan honored with a statue be eclipsed by a non-Christian? One educator said, "it would be more appropriate if the statue of Arch. Reyes is relocated and instead hold the Sto. Niño image."
The uniqueness and spirited celebration by which we pay homage to the Sto. Niño must not be tainted with historical distortion and misrepresentation. It is beyond understanding that controversies of this sort happen in our midst. Yet our elected officials must welcome this with an open mind and rectify whatever fault or deficiency.
Indeed ati-ati or ati-atihan has no illusion or connection to Datu Bangkaya or any muslim chieftain. Kalibo’s unilateral claim to the title, "Banwa ni Datu Bangkaya" is absurd since the scope of the chieftain’s realm is the whole province of Aklan. It’s apt name should rather be "Probinsya ni Datu Bangkaya".
As to the ati-atihan town of Kalibo, aetas as member of cultural communities represent an insignificant percentage of Aklanon population. Aetas themselves do not have any devotion to the Sto. Niño because by faith they are animalists. Yet we seem to bestow them with flattery like subscribing to the, "Ati-atihan Town of Kalibo." In reality, they appear hollow and inconsistent with our Christian values.
Sadly, these nomadic tribesmen are spurned and ostracized as dregs of society. It is high time we ponder about the plight of our once proud forbears since they are part of our cultural heritage. /MP
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