Thrice I have visited Aklan. First, as a photojournalism speaker in the College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines national student convention in Banga. CEGP’s president then was Ted Casiño, now a vigilant congressman. Cong. Satur Ocampo was also among the speakers. Second occasion was when I was a delegate to the seminar on English sponsored by the British Council in Iloilo. After the seminar, I made a sidetrip to Aklan upon invitation by a student. Third was a short vacation in Ibajay.

Now, meditating on this place, I don’t know where to focus my writing. To the naïve Aklanons? To Aklan’s exquisite handmade craft? Its painterly scenery? Its never ending shorelines disturbed every now and then by roaring waves? Its Bakhawan Eco Park and other bakhawan groves steadily standing upright on salty water? Its nipa palms whose leaves glistened under the sun, some proudly displaying their round multi-eyed fruit?

Oh! Whatever comes to my mind. Aklan’s attaction is not limited to Boracay alone, the most visited place by local and foreign tourists. Each scenery, each place, each barangay in Aklan is a virtual subject in photography.

By super ferry, Aklan is 15 hours from Pier South, Manila. It takes 45 minutes by air. The super ferry docks several meters away from the shore of Caticlan, so small bancas transport passengers near the shore. From here passengers either wade on waist-deep waters or take a macho man shoulder ride. Yes, a literal ride on the shoulder, including your baggage! Of course you need to pay the boatman as well as the macho man. I enjoyed the latter ride. The fifteen-hour sea journey offers the sight of playful dolphins displaying their grace on the surface of the sea as they jump and loop above the water. Certainly you’ll not enjoy the sight of the crew of this big ship empty all their trash bins in the middle of the sea. It’s not unusual to see styro containers, plastic cups and bottles float on our waters. Passengers do this too. Are our authorities aware of this?

Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is very rich in Filipino culture and heritage. In fact, much of its environment is untouched and well preserved. Personally I pray that an accidental oil spill won’t happen in this beautiful place to destroy its bakhawan areas nor pollute its sea water.

I experienced swimming (or floating?) in the ice-cold Basang River. Its swift current even carried my eye glasses several meters farther. Because of Basang’s clear water, it was not difficult to find my glasses at the bottom of the riverbed some meters away. Travelling at 15 knots per hour, the swift icy Basang River treads the barrios of Basang, Toledo, Nabas, Tulingin in Ibajay before it merges with the nearby China Sea. I have produced 3 big paintings of Basang River measuring 23" X 53."

Most areas in Aklan are not yet spoiled by the quarrying craze of this time which loosens the soil, a prelude to erosion. Its forests are virgin. Its waters still splash and roar especially those of Jawili Seven-Basin Waterfalls, Tangalan. Ignito caves in Buruanga house mysteries in their huge chambers. Sadly, some visitors leave graffiti on stalactites and stalagmites.

Aklan, the capital of Kalibo has become a destination for local and foreign tourists especially during the Ati-Atihan festival on the third week of January. This honors Sto. Niño or Jesus, the Child, with rhythmic street dancing, fireworks, merry-making. Music blares in the air. Participants and even non-participants wear colorful costumes complete with facial paintings and intricate headgears. Group dancers represent districts, schools, barangays, agencies. The the musical beat is often so infectious that even non-participants… visitors, strangers, on-lookers, young, seniors… stump their feet, sway their hips, clap their hands to the beat of the music.

Earlier called Akean by the natives, Kalibo used to have one thousand inhabitants who were converted to the Christian faith and were baptized on the third Sunday of January, the Feast of the Holy Infant. To celebrate this the natives and the Spaniards in jubilation sang at the top of their voices and shouted to greet one another, "Viva cay Señor Santo Niño, Viva." This prompted the Spaniards to call the place "Isa ca libo" meaning "one thousand." Shortened still to calibo or kalibo. That was 1569.

Hon. Reymar A. Rebaldo, Kalibo’s town mayor, invites everyone to visit Kalibo anytime to feel world class hospitality and the enduring faith of the people. Savor its native cuisine. Laze in pristine beaches and crystal waters, unexplored mountains and hills. Sample its handicraft. Visit Ati-Atihan village. When you’re there simply shout… Hala Bira and begin to experience Aklan’s cultural wealth.