THE MANY FACETS OF ANTIQUE
San Jose, Antique, May 28, 2003 -- Clear waters, white beaches, ample sunshine and just about 15 minutes away by boat from the nearest town ... plus an unfamiliar greeting of "Krruhhay!" Nope, this definitely ain't Boracay. In fact, unlike Boracay, the white-sand islands of Antique offer more secluded getaways as most have yet to be explored and their potentials as new vacation spots tapped. Mararison island, some four kilometers off the coast of Culasi offers long stretches of beaches perfect for just loitering under the sun and acquire that much desired tan. Those interested in fishing would also find a haven in this island which boasts of an abundant and diverse marine life. Visitors must however remember to bring other essentials because being relatively unexplored, the island has no shops yet. About eight kilometers from Mararison is Batbatan island, a favored dive spot whose shoreline is dotted by mounds of soft greenery, natural coves and anchorages. Caluya island offers similar attractions for swimming, snorkeling and spear fishing while the privately-owned Phaidon beach has a view of the mountains just as ideal for swimming and sunbathing. But for those who prefer stay inland, Antique boasts of several waterfalls from the red-tinted waters of the "Pula Water Falls" in Remigio to the seven-basin falls of Kipot Falls and the 100-foot falls Kalamasag Falls both in Culasi. Falls could reach as high as 150-feet like the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls in Tibiao and as low as 50-feet like the Macalbag waterfalls in Barbaza which has several unexplored caves. For mountain climbers, Antique showcases 2,117-meter-high Mt. Madia-as where different species of flora and fauna, rare orchids and wild deer and boar can be found. Like the other mountains in and around the island Mt. Madia-as also has a lagoon and rain forest. Estaca Hill in Bugasong, though much smaller at only 200 feet, offers a great view of the sea and hills. It is the site of an old watchtower that was once used to warn natives of Muslim pirates. Marble Mountain in Pandan offers marble deposits of different colors. Cresta de Gallo mountain in Anini-y has a peak shaped like a rooster's crown. For those into spelunking, there is Tiquis cave in Tibiao located near Manglamon beach; Maanhit Cave in Libertad, a bat habitat rich in guano; and natural hot springs such as Sira-an Hot Spring and the Malumpati Health spring and Tourist Resort. The province, particularly the Semirara Island, also holds the second largest deposit of coal in the country. It also serves as a sanctuary for different avian species like the hornbill and Serpent Eagle. The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia, and smallest banana can also be found in this province. But apart from its vast natural resources, Antique Gov. Gov. Salvacion Perez said the 252,000-hectare province has a rich culture and history. In fact, several old churches and houses still stand as silent witnesses to history. A number of them however are in dire need of restoration and maintenance while some are on the verge of being lost for good. But Gov. Perez stressed that this rich heritage is not being forgotten and is in fact honored at the annual Binirayan Festival which commemorates the landing of the 10 Malayan Datus led by Datu Sumakwel in Malandog, Hamtic in the middle 13th century and the start of the first Malayan settlement in the country. Binirayan was initiated by the late governor Evelio Javier in 1974 who felt that instead of being just an event of revelry and feasting, the festival should serve as a symbol of every Antiqueños "journey to their past, their roots and lost glory." Marikudo, the chief of the Ati and original settlers in Malandog, was said to have bartered the Panay island for a golden salakot and necklace. The Ati then chose to live in the mountains and left the poblacion and their rich farmlands and seas after the gold items were given by the Datus who merely showed their gratitude for the warm welcome and acceptance of them through their gifts. It is this misconception that the Binirayan hopes to correct. "In Binirayan, we celebrate our nobility. ... The barter was not a business transaction, but a gesture of friendship and civility, our ancestors being freedom-loving people. ... Out of generosity, the noble Ati chieftain accommodated the Malays and shared with them our land," Gov. Perez said. The festival is comprised of several activities like the Pasundayag Trade Fair where Antique "showcases its best" in terms of local products like woven hats, fans, bags and cloths, gemstones and shell accessories and food products and other produce; an arts exhibit for local talents whose expertise are in paintings and sculptures; a Mardi-gras and ati-ati competitions; the Kasadyahan or street dancing; the Lin-Ay Kang Antique beauty pageant; and Bugal Kang Antique achievers awards. The highlight of this festival, however, is the Biray (to land in the local dialect), a fluvial parade of colorful vintas or small ships similar to the ones used by the "boat people" of Borneo who landed in Malandog. This is followed by the reenactment of the landing and the start of civilization in the island. She adds: "Our Antique now may be a far cry from the Malanog of our forebears, but we rejoice in knowing that the same spirit that drove Sumakwel to lead his people and govern righteously lives on. Our Binirayan celebration aims to concretize our commitment to change for a better quality of life here in Antique. The change should start in us: in our views, in our attitudes, and in our choices... Krruhhay, Antique!" (By JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR, Malaya)