by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
From January 10-19, 2014, Kalibo was literally swamped with guests and participants for the traditional religious-cultural celebration of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo festival. The object of adoration requires child-like worship aptly executed by frenzied body movements, chants of “Viva Kay Sr. Sto. Niño” and simple prayers. Devotees draw spiritual strength and inspiration attending holy masses, novenas and undergoing the “paeapak”.
In the beginning, the festival was a simple indigenous celebration but for the last five decades authorities saw the potential of attracting local and foreign tourists. The issue is why concentrate only on the religious aspect when we can promote our culture, and tradition, tourism and revenues. Indeed the bandwagon effect was started by the late Mayor Federico O. Icamina in the early 1960’s. It took the municipal, provincial, regional and national leaderships by storm. The Mother of all Philippine festivals is born.
Unlike other Sto. Niño festivals in Aklan such as in Ibajay and Makato where garb of revealers are made mostly of indigenous materials, faces and bodies painted with black soot, Kalibo Ati-atihan is markedly different. People wear outlandish costumes, multi-colored painted faces while dancing and prancing in the streets to the beat of drums. No wonder early Kalibo celebrations were called mardi grass after that of Rio de Janeiro festival in Brazil.
Over the years, devotion to the Sto. Niño image has never waned despite calamitous events like typhoons Frank and Yolanda. Devotees believed the wrath of God can only be appeased with more acts of devotion and piety.
Addressing the need for relevance in modern society, LGU Kalibo headed by Mayor William S. Lachica partnered with Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) to uplift the sagging performance of the previous Sto. Niño festivals. It’s officers and members headed by Mr. Albert A. Meñez are volunteers yet perform herculean tasks.
Kasafi reforms are on financial transparency and accountability, adopted Balik Ati along with modern tribal groups, identified parade routes to less busy streets, holding of Mutya ag Lakan, increased prizes to winners and partnership with GMA Kapuso Network, Inc.
Crowd drawers sponsored by famed television company was “Mutya Ag Lakan” grand coronation night by kapuso stars Alden Richards, Max Collins, Mikael Daez and Bettina Carlos on January 10. Kapuso Night stars were Dingdong Dantes, Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Yasmin Kurdi and Mark Anthony Fernandez on January 14, Pagdayaw Kay Sr. Sto. Niño – Sinaot Sa Calle Float Parade – JC Tiuseco, Jeric Gonzales, Pancho Magno, Andrea Torres, Isabel Daza and Thea Tolentino and Kapuso Hala Bira Dance Showdown by Julian Trono on Jan. 15. The programs at the park were open to the public and broadcast nationwide and abroad thus reaching millions of televiewers.
The schedules of activities are: Parade of Aklan Festival Showdown on Jan. 13, Parade of Students and Teachers from five (5) ASU Campuses on Jan. 14, “Pagdayaw kay Sr. Sto. Niño, Parade of DepEd Students and Teachers on Jan. 15, Sadsad Pana-ad kay Sr. Sto. Niño on Jan. 17, Tribal, Balik-ati and Modern Group Contest on Jan. 18 and Mus-eon Ga Ati-ati Kita (Jan. 19).
“Kaean-an sa Plaza” at Magsaysay Park was enlivened by nightly performance of Manila Band, Acoustic Band, Trafic Jam and Car Show, Daybreak, Siakol, Smoke ‘n Coffee, Itchyworms, Fresh Band and Broadband sponsored by San Miguel, Globe, Coca-cola and Smart.
Those interested in buying souvenir or gift items were welcomed to the Kalibo Ati-atihan Trade Fair at Pastrana Park and Ati-atihan Bazaar at Veterans Avenue.
The celebration culminated in a religious procession where devotees, patrons, and guests united in prayer and thanksgiving to the Sto. Niño. Once more, a remarkable, unique and colorful milestone ended but the personal vow of commitment continues.
Contest Winners In The 2014 Kalibo
Ati-atihan Festival Sponsored
By Kasafi And LGU Kalibo
Individual Category
1. Dyosanegra-P5,000
2. Styra Banks-P5,000
3. Mary Margareth Alagos-P5,000
4. Magnificent Bird-P5,000
5. Yolanda Mystica-P5,000
Balik-Ati Category
1. Tribu Mayanhon-P50,000
2.Lilo-Anong Ati Ag Ro Tatlong
Datu-P25,000
3. Malipayong Ati-P15,000
4. Apo Ni Inday-P5,000
5. Anono-o Group-P5,000
Tribal Small
1. Tribu Alibang-bang-P60,000
2. Tribu Responde-P40,000
3. Tribu Niñolitos-P30,000
4. Morongga Tribe-P8,000
5. Lezo Tribe-P8,000
Modern Tribal
1. Scorpio 11-19-P50,000
2. Aeang-Aeang Group-P25,000
3. Emperor-P15,000
4. Pilgrimage-P5,000
5. Bae-ot-Bae-ot Group-P5,000
Tribal Big Group
1. Black beauty Boys-P150,000
2. Kabog-P80,000
3. Vikings-P50,000
4. Tribu Bukid Tigayon-P10,000
5. Maharlika-P10,000
Winners In The Aklan Provincial sponsored contest.
Higante Parade
1st LGU Malinao-P40,000
2nd LGU Balete-P35,000
3rd LGU Nabas-P30,000
4th LGU Tangalan-P25,000
5th LGU Libacao-P20,000
Ground Presentation
1st LGU Malay-P15,000
2nd Manggan National High School,
Banga-P10,000
3rd LGU Malinao-P7,000
Street Dancing
1st LGU Malay-P10,000
2nd LGU Buruanga-P7,000
3rd LGU Nabas-P5,000
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