Title : Diverse Cultures of our Community
Purposes
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To
promote Kalibo’s tourism.
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To
show information about Kalibo.
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To
introduce the people of Kalibo.
History
History
Kalibo (1949)
The proud ancient town of Kalibo was
established between 1212-1250 A.D. when Malayan settlers arrived in Aninipay
(now Panay Island) from Borneo.
The island then inhabited by aboriginal
aetas, was renamed the settlers as “Madyaas” after the majestic mountain
that bordered the three original geographical divisions (sakups) they
created for the island, namely Hamtik (now Antique), Irong-Irong
(now Iloilo) and Akean (now Aklan) which included the present province
of Capiz.
In its glory, Madyanos (meaning
little paradise), the precursor of Akean (derived from the name of the
river that traverses the valley) and what is now Kalibo, was a center of the
intellectual, cultural, spiritual and political life not only of the entire
province (minuro or sakup) but also of the entire Katieingban it Madyaas (Confederation
of Madyaas).
The Spanish era marked tremendous
changes and development in the socio-economic-political make-up of early
Kalibonhons.
Some historical notes attest the Miguel
Lopez de Legaspi while in Panay sent forth Juan de Salcedo together with
Spanish soldiers in response to the appeal for assistance of Aklanons.
Along with them was Fr. Juan de Alba
who officiated the baptism of one thousand (“isa ca livo”) inhabitants which
was the beginning of the natives’ conversion to Christianity.
From then on, the Spaniards started
calling Akean “Calivo” derived from the phrase sankalibo as what it is known
today, in conformity with the local language.
A significant milestone, the mass
baptism held on the third Sunday of January, Feast of the Holy Infant, was celebrated
by both the natives and the Spaniards with songs and dances accompanied by
drumbeats and chants of “Viva kay Senor Sto. Nino!”
Since then, the event was commemorated
every year and has evolved into a unique religious-historical-cultural
tradition known as the Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival.
Calivo was canonically erected as a
Parish on April 21, 1581. A decade earlier, on November 3, 1571, Calivo was
given to Antonio Flores as an encomienda. This date was officially recognized
in 2006 as the foundation day of the town.
Kalibo
was designated as the capital town of the new province of Aklan by virtue of
Republic Act No. 1414 and by proclamation of President Ramon Magsaysay on July
14, 1956.
In 1997,
Kalibo was categorized as a First class municipality. Today, Kalibo is the
center of educational and socio-economic hub of Northern Panay.
Practices of the People
Kalibonhon beliefs and superstition have grown
in number throughout the town of Kalibo. These beliefs have come from the
different saying and superstitions of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger
from happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular.
These beliefs are part of our culture, for one derives their beliefs from the
influences of what their customs, traditions and culture have dictated to
explain certain phenomena or to put a scare in people. Some are practiced
primarily because Kalibonhon believe that there is nothing to lose if they will
comply with these beliefs. The following are some of the different
superstitions in the Kalibonhon.
Growing up
here in Kalibo, I was accustomed to many different superstitions. Most of these
are quite irrational and are sometimes beyond the grounds of Science. What I don’t
understand is the way it affects the lives of many Kalibonhons. It creates a
belief that misfortune will always happen if it will not be followed.
Traditions of the Community
Celebrated
every third weekend of January (Ati-atihan peaks on the last three days but
people start dancing on the streets as soon as the New Year’s Day hangover is
finished), one can hear the echoes of the drums in the distance the moment one
steps on the tarmac of the Kalibo Airport. The entire town center erupts in
frenzied, non-choreographed dancing and shouting “Hala Bira! Puwera Pasma!” to
the beats of snare drums, bass drums, trumpets, xylophones and a cacophony of
other instruments seemingly playing from all the corners of this sleepy little
boomtown of Kalibo.
Celebrations of the Community
The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions.
A 13th century (c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island.
The Ati-Atihan was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.
Beliefs of the People
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The people in Aklan are
religious with a simple faith. There have been many religious vocations
from Aklan. The first Filipino archbishop, the late Gabriel M. Reyes of
Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin of Manila, the late Bishop Cicero Tumbokon of
Cabanatuan, Bishop Raul Martirez of Antique, and Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, the
present bishop of Kalibo, are natives of this province.
At the present time the diocese
is in transition because of the change of bishops in 1993. However,
preparations are underway for the first diocesan synod to be held in June
1996. Meanwhile the pastoral thrust of the diocese is catechesis,
social action and worship or liturgy – these being the three components of
integral evangelization which, according to the Second Plenary Council of the
Philippines, is the mission of the entire Philippine Church.
The diocese is composed of 22
parishes served by 35 diocesan and 1 religious priest, assisted by a total of
55 religious sisters. Among its institutions are 2 diocesan Catholic
schools, 1 diocesan seminary, and 9 pastoral centers. BEC's are now
operative in 11 out of the 22 parishes of the diocese.
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Barangay/Local Officials
Aklan,
Kalibo Mayor, William Lachica
Recreations of the Community and the
People
Aklan
Governor's Cup is an
annual amateur basketball league which is usually dubbed under the name of the
present governor of Aklan. The league is one of the sports
program of the province that aims to produce another basketball player that can
play at the center stage of the Philippine
Basketball Association.
Family concerns and practices
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How
many children do they have
Most of Kalibonhon prefer 3-4 children.
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Do
they practice family planning
Yes, most Kalibonhon practice family planning, but there are
some families that are not informed about family planning.
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Are
they contented about their present situations
Most are contended of their situations, but here also people
who are in need of help.
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What
age do they usually marry?
According to a survey, at
the age of 22-27, couples tend to settle down.
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Are
they extended family? Up to how many families live in one roof?
There are some extended families and
some are not.
Specialties, delicacies, products of
the community
Kalibo is
also associated with piña cloth industry, perhaps the best example of superb
handmade craft. Whatever fashioned into, handkerchiefs exquisitely embroidered,
worn by women as delicate baro and protective panuelos sometimes with designs
interwoven, or selected as ultra formal Barong Tagalog by the men, sheer piña
immediately displays the fortitude and skill needed to leave together such fine
fibers extracted from pineapple leaves.
Delectable
food and delicacies in Kalibo include Binakol na Manok (Native chicken cooked
with coconut juice and placed inside the bamboo tube and cooked over low fire),
ibus, (sticky rive wrapped in coconut leaves and cooked in coconut milk),
bibingka and other native munchies, tamiluk (big worms that grow in the big dead
Potential Spots for Tourism
Museo it Akean - The renovated and elegantly designed Museo it Akean serves as
the repository of the province’s cultural heritage. Exhibited here are
artifacts that attest to the rich history of Aklan and the masterpieces of
Aklanon artists
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Martyrs Shrine - A tribute to
Aklanon revolutionaries of Katipunan who gave their lives to the altar of
patriotism. The 19 steps adorning the monument contain the mortal remains of
the 19 Martyrs of Aklan and atop is the effigy of Gen. Francisco Del Castillo,
the leader of Katipunan in Aklan.
Kalibo
Cathedral - Originally built in 1581 and stands as the
oldest edifice of worship in the province. It was renovated in 1993 through the
spiritual and monetary help of the Aklanons. The church’s renovation designs
are one of the last works of the renowned national artist Leandro V. Locsin.
Credits
·
www.kaliboatiatihan.ph/pag-abi-abi.html
·
http://tourism-philippines.com/festival-kalibo-ati-atihan/
