2009, I started working at Leads Agri Products Corp. Our company president, Mr. Fernando Malveda, has this "panata" since he started the company that every year, he has to go to Kalibo, Aklan. I dunno the reason behind this panata but yeah, that's it. The company has been running for 15 years now. And every year, selected employees are being sent to Aklan to join the Ati-atihan festival. I am lucky for being sent there every year since I started working. :)
Pictures aboard!
First batch, Ati-atihan Festival 2010
First up! Airport shots.
Travel from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan takes about approximately 45 minutes by air.
Festival Shots
In Aklan, when it is the festival week, anyone and everyone can just go to the streets with the drum and lyre band and dance themselves away. No additional fees to join. Just pure fun! :) You get to see every type of person there is (just like that reptilian guy in the photo). You must also be on the lookout for sightings of artistas joining the parade. Haha.
There is a route you'll need to follow that will lead to the town church. Hey, that's the whole point of the festival, anywho. Haha. So here's a shot of the church. :) People pray for whatever their heart desires. I have been praying for the same thing every year that I come. I guess God has already heard it but I think He'll give it to me in His time. :)
Kalibo Cathedral, Aklan
Yes, drunk shots. Haha, people are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages during the parade. Adds more fun, srsly. Hahaha. See that middle photo? I don't know who he is. =))
Kung makaakbay, parang close kami ah? hahaha. :))
Sunday of the festival week, a town-wide mass is being held at 7am. The entire duration of the mass, i think there were four dialects (or three) used. Aklanon, English, Tagalog and some other dialect. This day is, i think the main celebration of the town. People dress up with their crazy costumes with their drums and lyres. I think there is a competition held for the barangay that dons the best costume.
The morning before going home
As first timers, we wanted to "tour" the town so we were brought to the famous Sampaguita Gardens. This, err, park mainly cosists statues from the "Precious Moments" figurine collection. Too bad it was pouring that day so we hadn't had that much fun at the park. so, we just bought some souvenirs and went home.
Second Batch, Ati-Atihan 2011
So, my second year and I was still chosen to be a part of the festival... This is mainly because I was a part of the Marketing Department that time. We also had more companions as our sister company, LEADS EH hit their quota. So, all employees of the company were invited to join the festival. Pictures na!
So here's the highlight of the parade.
(Segue: center photo: person wearing mascot head is the person i'm hung up, up until now. hoho. this was actually my "this is it, i like him" moment) hrhrhr
Third batch, Ati-atihan 2012
Third time. Apparently, frequent visits to a place with the same event acutally makes thing a wee bit boring. Still fun, but not as much fun as the first time. Haha. Pictures up!
Festival shots! :)
Church shots!
Lamon after festival shots!
Mass shots. Yes. Mass. >:)
So far, that was my Aklan experience. Hopefully. I will still be included in next year's employee list. heehee.
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