Parade of Sto. niño foats around Pastrana Park

A dazzling array of colors, different beats and warm friendly smiles, these are visions of what local fiestas have all throughout the 7,107 Philippine islands. Each distinct and unique in its own way, all however have one common denominator, it celebrates life.

As far as festivities are concerned, no one does it best than the people of Aklan who, for three days on the third week of January, leave it all out and party on the city streets of Kalibo.

A city nestled at the heart of the province of Aklan, Kalibo comes alive during this time to honor the blessed Sto. Niño. Found in the Western Regions of Visayas, this Municipality accommodates local and foreign tourists during this event. Festivities last for three days starting Friday and is capped off by a parade of Sto. Niño floats along with street dancing on Sunday.

While taking in the feel of the scene, there’s already a sense of nervous anticipation clinging in the air. A feeling of a distant drum beat, thumping closer and closer. Even before the actual celebration of the festival on Sunday, people already take to the streets in a parade, a precursor for the things to come building up for the big day.

Usually a quiet town that serves as a gateway for tourists on their way to the island paradise of Boracay, Kalibo takes a life of its own as thousands flock to experience the rhythm of the Ati-Atihan festival, where various tribes represent different barangays in the street-dancing parade held at the town proper of Kalibo.

To make most of the visit to Aklan, our group spent two days in Boracay.

Thanks to the people of Patio Pacific, we got a tour of the island and got to see most of the places available for tourist visits.

Aside from the usual White Beach where most of the island trades are concentrated, we got to visit Bulabog beach and some frequently visited destinations at the east side of the island. Powerful winds from the north east batter the beach which is referred to as Amihan, this usually lasts from around September to sometime June. This is the perfect time for wind surfers and kite boarders who are usually stationed in Bulabog beach.

Our group also got a view of the landscape from Mt. Luho, the highest point in the island, letting the ocean’s vastness sink in and appreciate the seclusion of the place.

Another spot worth taking note of is Puca beach, located at the north end of the island where some of the meanest waves hit its shore. The beach on the other hand is literally covered with puca shells, thus derived the name of the beach. The locals handpick these shells to create all sorts of shell made accessories.

Aside from the variety of water sports the island has to offer, there are some alternatives adrenaline junkies can get their hands on. A definitely intense ride, Zorbing is one such activity that adventure seekers must try. The concept is pretty simple, get inside a giant inflatable ball, either strapped in a harness or filled with water, then roll your way down a steep hill. The ride seems short, but is long enough to leave you disoriented and grabbing for the nearest tree to regain your balance (or sanity).

After our two-night stay in the island, we found ourselves heading back to Kalibo to witness the culmination of the Ati-Atihan festivities, the street dancing and parade of Sto. Niño floats. Making our way from Caticlan port, we could already see people making their way to Kalibo. Be it by jeep, by tricycle, and even by foot, thousands of tourists along with locals began to pour in to attend Aklan’s biggest party of the year.

As we took to the streets and joined the rest of the people, I could literally feel the ground shaking. It’s hard to figure out if it was just me or if the ground really shook, but as soon as the first tribe dancers came our way, it was clear where the vibration was coming from. Each tribe was followed by drummers pounding away trance inducing beats which everyone couldn’t help but be drawn to.

Unlike its counterparts, the Ati-Atihan festival street-dancing parade allows anyone to join in and party with the rest of the representing tribes. From shell clad warriors, soot covered dancers and nipa dressed foot soldiers, the parade turns in to a hodgepodge of personalities.

Basically a marching street party, participants are driven by the heavy beating of the drums, the spirit of alcohol and an overwhelming urge to connect with one another. All of this constitutes into a feeling of togetherness among the locals and tourists alike.

Aside from the street parties, people also pay homage to the cathedral in the heart of Kalibo to pray and ask for the Sto Niño’s blessings.

The whole event is a travesty of how Filipino communities come together through celebration and faith. It also embodies the unity that exists even across cultural barriers.

Although the event seemed to have ended almost as soon as it began, the festivities left a lasting impression on the participants and to the tourists as well. The warm acceptance of the people of Aklan and their free spirited love of life is an embodiment of the Filipino way of life.