Aklan · Philippines · Travel Tales

Hala Bira! Ati-Atihan Festival 2014

The Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan advertises itself as the “mother of all Philippine festivals”. The name means “to be like the Ati”, the original settlers of Panay Island and much of the Philippines. Originally, it’s a festival that celebrates the cultures of the Ati and the eventual Malay lowland settlers. The Spaniards came, and somehow,… Continue reading Hala Bira! Ati-Atihan Festival 2014

Negros Occidental · Philippines · Travel Tales

MassKara Festival 2013

I spent one weekend in Bacolod City gorging on chicken inasal, seeing the old houses in Talisay and Silay, and (of course) watching the Street Competition of the MassKara Festival. It was the first world-renowned Philippine festival that I’ve ever seen. I must admit I wasn’t prepared for the colors and spectacle! My stakeout was… Continue reading MassKara Festival 2013