By: Yelah Israel
In Makato, rolling hills and dancing ricefields mix in with urban tranquility, unraveling a vast array of wonders for the eyes to see.
Centuries ago, the name of the town Makato was conceived solely through pure accident due to a lingual miscommunication. When asking for the name of the town, the Spanish were answered, "makato" ("that way") by the locals, thinking the foreigners were inquiring about the route of the surrounding river. As such, the place was dubbed Makato.
Now, Makato stands as a 4th class municipality in the Ati-atihan province of Aklan, acting as a home to its 18 barangays and over 20,000 citizens. Situated 60 kilometers from the charming island of Boracay, it acts as a gateway to the paradise isle. However, the coastal town bears its own fair share of natural splendor in both sea and land, as well as man-made structures that reflect the history and culture of the local people.
Hence, in this article, come and explore the way to maneuver around the sights and destinations of the marvelous municipality of Makato.
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| Photo: Yelah Israel |
A towering narra tree is evident when you enter the park, providing cool shade to a row of seating areas — perfect for a picnic before or after a day of playing or if you simply want to read a book under the swaying leaves. Furthermore, free Wi-Fi is also available in the town plaza.
Go lounge around and enjoy the calmness this plaza offers.
2. Historical Monuments
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| Photo: Yelah Israel |
Adjacent to the plaza, monuments to commemorate significant events in Philippine history can be seen. Feel the sense of nationalism, as you walk past the legacies of those who fought for the country.
These include statues of Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, renown national heroes; with Rizal proudly holding a book, while Bonifacio audaciously wields a weapon and the flag of the KKK.
To the left of the Bonifacio monument, there lies the Memorial to Freedom Fighters of Makato, which was erected in honor of World War II veterans from Makato.
3. Gov. Agusto Legaspi Memorial Hall
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| Photo: Astonishing Makato |
The Gov. Agusto Legaspi Memorial Hall, a sports complex, completes the plaza. While the cemented court acts as a site of outdoor sports, the complex provides an indoor venue for sports that require an enclosed space, such as indoor badminton.
In the front entrance of the building, one can gawk at the enormous carved mural which intricately displays competitive sports of all kinds, painted in the vibrant colors of our very own national flag.
4. Parish of the Holy Child Jesus
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| Photo: Yelah Isreal |
A town square is incomplete without a temple of God. Adorned with stained windows which depict biblical tales through murals, the Parish of the Holy Child Jesus stretches along the town plaza as a symbol of the municipality's Catholic devotion.
Locals practice their faith within the church, whether it is during mass or to simply pray.
To the left of the parish lies an altar dedicated to Mary, the Lady of Lourdes. Paved and properly maintained, it is a holy site surrounded by well-kept plants and floral designs, all to honor the mother of Jesus.
5. Aklan Sports Complex
Photo: Astonishing Makato
Love to challenge your body and stay fit? If so, the Aklan Sports Complex located in Calancang, Makato has got you covered — or running. Spanning at a whopping 6.5 hectares, this athletic complex boasts a fine assemblage of sports facilities.
When you enter the arena, you are greeted by an extremely wide expanse dedicated for outdoor sports. Beyond this space is a gate that marks the entrance to the oval running track, a color of bright red and rubberized for runners’ safety. Within that oval, is a field of emerald grass with equipment to accommodate a game of football or soccer. Right next to the field is a swimming pool with chlorine-blue water, accompanied by spectator seats to the side.
The sports complex has been the venue for several sports tournaments over the years, including the 2017 Provincial Meet. In addition, the place is typically open to the public, where locals and visitors from neighboring municipalities can train their bodies to stay healthy.
6. Salimuno Falls
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| Photo: Patvenures |
Salimuno Falls is truly one of the hidden gems of Makato. Resting in Barangay Libang, the crystalline water of the falls tumble onto the stones, continuing down in torrents after a slight caress. The graceful downpour of Salimuno Falls, as it drizzles on the rocks, remains apparent even during the dry season.
The waterfall is an estimated 7 kilometers away from Poblacion. Grab a comfortable pair of shoes, because it comes with a long walk. The journey to the destination serves as an adventure in of itself, with the waterfalls being a prize worth the trip.
7. Baybay Beach
When you arrive here, you can see sapphire waves slamming the shoreline, similar to many beaches. However, Baybay Beach is a rock beach, laced with colorful pieces of stone, while palm trees frame the refreshing scenery.
Photo: Ken Ilio from Aklan Kamera Organization
The beach is roughly 8 kilometers from Makato town center, through Albasan, Numancia. Alternatively, there is a route which cuts through Barangay Alibagon in Makato, which greets visitors with the local greenery, water ponds, and riverside — a perfect trail for cyclists looking for a winding escapade complete with an off-road challenge.
8. Cabatanga Hills
Photo: Hynes Tejada
Alternatively called Tagaytay Overview, the Cabatanga Hills is graced with prominent mounds that loom over the idyllic farmlands and forests of Barangay Cabatanga. As you arrive at the peak, one can even catch a glimpse of the faraway town of Kalibo, beckoning from the distance, while visitors take in the sweet wind.
To get there, there is a road which branches off from the route to Cabatanga proper. Visitors may find the steep climb to the top almost chilling, as you can see the lowlands and smaller hills around you, giving the impression of soaring through the clouds. The journey’s end is worth it nonetheless.
9. Ing-Ing Falls
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| Photo: Raffy Tuberiadez Relator |
Want to immerse yourself in nature?
Hidden away in the highlands of Bagong-Barrio, Ing-Ing Falls is a rangy waterfall, with its flow dropping to the ground like a white satin curtain, leaving a whistling sound for curious ears. Visitors are able to swim in its plunge pool, filled with cool water that reaches a deep bottom.
The 30 minute hike is met with the flourishing flora of the bukid, where you can find ferns and trees, only for you to feel the satisfaction of hearing the whistling sound of Ing-Ing Falls.