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Antique Wedding Destinations
Antique - Malay’s
First Settlement Site
Antique, one of the provinces
in the island of Panay, was the landing site of Datu Puti and
the rest of the Ten Bornean Datus who were escaping persecution
from from Sri-Vishaya, a Hindu-Malay empire that existed at
that time in Borneo and Sumatra. The datus bought the island
from the Aeta tribe chieftain Marikudo and his wife Maniwangtiwan
for a golden saduk (headpiece or helmet), and a golden necklace,
given to his wife, among other gifts. And this is the story
behind the yearly Binirayan Festival.
Now, this hidden paradise
is slowly being discovered by locals and foreign tourists. Among
its treasures are the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower,
Philippine spotted deer, cloud rat, rare orchids, and other
rare flora and fauna. Aside from this, modern activities like
white water kayaking have found a home in the rivers of Antique
Demographics
1. Population – 515,265
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 2729.2 sq. km
3. Capital – San Jose
4. Language/Dialect – Kinaray-a/Hiniray-a, Caluyanon,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Municipalities (18)
- Anini-y
- Barbaza
- Belison
- Bugasong
- Caluya
- Culasi
- Hamtic
- Laua-an
- Libertad
- Pandan
- Patnongon
- San Jose
- San Remigio
- Sebaste
- Sibalom
- Tibiao
- Tobias Fornier (Dao)
- Valderrama .
Famous For ...
Binirayan Festival
The festival commemorates the landing of the Ten Bornean Datus
in Panay Island and became the first Malay settlers in the country.
Rafflesia
It is the largest and smelliest flower in the world. This rare
plant attracts insects using its foul odor in order to pollinate.
Mt. Madia-as
The highest point in Panay Island. The mountain rainforest serves
as sanctuary for Philippine spotted dears, cloud rats, rare
orchids, and the nomadic groups of Ati Negritas, the original
tribal inhabitants of the area.
White water Kayaking
at Antique rivers
Malumpati and Tibiao rivers are ideal white water kayaking sites
for novice and veteran kayakers.
Bogasong Patadyong
This traditional colorful native fabric is manually weaved by
the residents of Bugasong. Its attractive ethnic design and
colors makes them ideal pasalubongs.
Places of Interest
Cultural
St. Agustin High
School
Location: Patonongon, Antique
Its building is a remodeled old Spanish convent near the site
of the ruins of the century-old Spanish church St. Agustin's
run by Mill Hill Missionaries
Man-made
La Granja and Binirayan
Site
Location: San Jose, Antique
This sports complex has a grandstand and a library on a hillside.
It serves as the venue for cultural presentations and the site
of the yearly Binirayan Festival.
Liberty Park
Location: Mt. Agongon, Libertad
The area is a favored camping area for boy and girl scouts.
It has a commanding view of the town of Libertad against the
vast expanse of blue sea.
Natural
Mt. Madia-as
Location: Culasi, Antique
With an elevation of 2,117 meters above sea level, this mountain
is gifted with beautiful mountain scenery, different species
of flora and fauna, rare orchids, wild deer and boar, a lagoon
and rain forest.
Tibiao River
Location: Tibiao, Antique
The river comes from Mt. Madia-as then plunges well over 1000m
on its short run to the ocean. There's about 23km of navigable
water on the river, but access to the upper section is difficult.
Malumpati River
Location: Pandan, Antique
It is a scenic river offering good still water for practicing
and a few mild rapids. an exceptionally scenic river offering
good still water for practicing and a few mild rapids
Palakopak Lake
Location: Brgy. Banbanan, San Remegio, Antique
This two inter-connecting lakes is abundant with freshwater
fishes. It is surrounded by green vegetation and still inhabited
by endemic wild animals. The area is ideal for camping and picnics.
Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
Location: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
This hidden paradise is ideal for picnic and swimming. There
are three waterfalls in the area with heights up to 150 ft.
that are easily accessible.
Pula Waterfalls
Location: Pandan, Antique
From its name, the water that flows in the waterfalls is red-tinted.
This due to the marble deposits on the mountains.
Batbatan Island
Location: Culasi, Antique
It has natural coves, anchorages, and white sand beaches that
are ideal for beach lovers and scuba divers.
Religious
Sto. Nino Church
Location: Hamtic, Antique
The church rests on an elevation; above it are a convent and
a bell tower up which are winding steps among flowers.
San Jose Cathedral
Location: San Jose, Antique
It is easily identifiable with its bell tower, the highest in
the province.
Sta. Rita Catholic
Church
Location: Sibalom, Antique
The most famous religious icon in the church is the supine statue
of Sta. Rita here was a gift from the Augustinian sisters in
Casica, Italy
Festivals
Binirayan Festival
Place: San Jose, Antique
Date: December 27 - 29
The event commemorates the landing of the ten Malay datus at
Malandog Beach in Hamtic, Antique in the middle of the 13th
century to set up the first Malayan settlement or barangay in
this country. The festival is highlighted with colorful street
parades, beach shows, plaza concerts, beauty contest, and trade
fair.
Council of Balabago
Re-Enactment
Place: Balabago River, Culasi
Date: March 4 - 6
It is a re-enactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed
by Datu Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving
and renewal
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