By: ExplainED PH - Aklan
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| Photo: Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival Facebook Page |
In celebration of the Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival, the local government unit of Kalibo honored Aklanon artists as they showcased their creativity in various competitions held during the festivity from Jan. 10–16.
SUKSOK NI STO. NIÑO COSTUME MAKING CONTEST
In the “Suksok ni Sto. Niño” costume making contest, with the theme “Sukoe Kalibo,” Ryan Salazar Lopez was hailed first place with his "Barter of Panay" piece. He was followed by Jed Vincent Iguin, who took the second spot, while Matthew Freddie Nolada Jr. clutched the third prize.
"This Sto. Niño represents our history and religion. We were colonized by Spaniards and introduced Christianity. The Barter of Panay is a renowned story about accepting the faith of Senior Sto. Niño," stated Lopez in a Facebook post.
The said costume making contest was one of the main highlights of the festival wherein most of the materials used by the participants were indigenous and recycled.
The top three places were given cash prizes worth Php 5,000 to Php 15,000 while consolation prizes of Php 500 were given to the remaining contestants.
PINTA ATI PAINTING CONTEST
Meanwhile, in the Pinta Ati painting contest, with the same theme, Chris Janine Tolores received the first prize, followed by Rhuvic Marie Salvoza as she clinched the second place, while Jaylou Quitong landed on the third spot.
Cash prizes worth Php 5,000 to Php 10,000 were given to the top three while consolation prizes amounting to Php 1,000 were each given to other contestants of the said competition.
In addition, an inter-barangay mosaic contest was also conducted with the theme “Sukoe Kalibo: A Battle of Vibrant Colors.” The competition was dominated by Linabuan Norte who received Php 10,000, followed by Bakhaw Norte with a cash prize of Php 8,000, and Andagao who placed third with Php 5,000.
Meanwhile, Bakhaw Sur, New Buswang, Old Buswang, Caano, Estancia, Mabilo, Mobo, and Tinigaw all received consolation prizes of Php 1,000.
Each of the participating barangays created mosaics that featured products representing their communities and were made up of regular or irregular pieces of substances such as local and recycled materials.
ATI-ATIHAN COSTUME MAKING CONTEST
Moreover, Aklanon artists also showcased their brilliance and skills in creating elegant Ati-atihan festival costumes as they excelled in the Ati-atihan costume making contest, which consisted of four categories.
For the tribal category, Pride of Libtong won the first place as they received Php 15,000, followed by Tribu Alibangbang, with a cash prize of Php 10,000, while Black Beauty Boys was awarded third place with Php 7,500. Tribu Tamaeunon, Makulay Tribe, and Tribu Responde received Php 2,000 each as consolation prize.
Meanwhile, in the modern category, Aeang-aeang came in first, followed by La Promesa and Blue Birds. A consolation prize of the same amount was given to the group Roadside. Malipayong Ati took first place in the Balik Ati category, followed by Tribu Datu Puti and Tribu Naisud. They were awarded cash prizes ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 10,000, while Tribu Anono-o and Maninikop Group received consolation prizes of Php 2,000.
As for the individual category, Goddess of Orient notched the “most innovative” award while Datu Abang was awarded the “most colorful.” Aside from this, Aeta Urangkaya received the title as the “most creative” in the said costume making contest. In this category, cash prizes of Php 5,000 were awarded while a consolation prize of Php 2,000 was given to Eduardo Reyes.
The costumes created by the participants reflect Aklan's culture and their respective tribes. All the costume designs along with the mosaics and paintings were on display at the Kalibo Ati-atihan Art Gallery in Kalibo Pastrana Park from Jan. 8–16.
BALIK PATIK BATTLE OF ATI-ATIHAN BANDS
Revitalizing Aklan’s culture, Aklanon Troopers were also crowned champions in the Balik Patik Battle of the Ati-atihan Bands 2022 held at Magsaysay Park, receiving Php 25,000 as cash prize.
Merisi brought home the second prize of Php 15,000 while Roadside grabbed the third prize of Php 10,000. The remaining band groups, Aeang-Aeang and Blue Birds, each received Php 3,000.
COLOR MY ATI
Furthermore, young Aklanons also actively participated in the festivities, spotlighting their talents and abilities in the Color My Ati contest, which was open to Kalibonhon children aged 3–17.
The “first come, first served” basis contest had four categories, namely: Beginner I (3-5 years old), Beginner II (6-8 years old), Intermediate (9-12 years old), and Advanced (13-17 years old).
Milicent Jailee M. Calizo won first place in the Beginner I Category, while Maria Schiavelli Z. Guzman came in second and Franklin P. Quimpo III taking third. Meanwhile, Arya Brienne R. Jaleco took gold in the Beginner II Category, followed by Trizh Angel Lee D. Antonio and Nichelle France P. Quimpo.
For the intermediate category, Ma. Rothsene R. Dela Rosa prevailed as champion, with Joshua Axie Dylahn Dela Cruz in second place, followed by Franklin P. Quimpo II. Meanwhile, in the Advanced Category, the first prize was given to Daniela G. Ratay, with John Ray I. Retiro as the second placer, while Ma. Czarine Nicole Gonzales earned the third spot.
Cash prizes ranging from Php 500 to Php 3,000 were given to the top three winners of the said contest.
The Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival is annually celebrated in January, in honor of the Infant Jesus, the municipality’s patron. It was named by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as “The Mother of Philippine Festivals.” The annual event also inspired the creation of Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, among others.