NAGOYA, Japan — For the first time, the municipality of Kalibo in Aklan province brought the world-renowned sadsad and the “Hala Bira” spirit and drumbeats to the land of the rising sun as part of the 126th Philippine Independence Day and Celebration of Filipino Migrants Day.
Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro and the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division were invited to the “Pistang Pilipino” held here from June 15 to 16 at the Hisaya Edion Park.
“Pistang Pilipino” is only part of the “Four-in-One-Event” which includes the “Consular and/or Diplomatic Reception”, “Meet and Greet with Leaders of the Filipino Community”, and “Philippine Fair”, organized by One Network Co. Ltd. headed by Maria Luisa Kondo, the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, through Consul General Roy B. Ecraela, and the Community Central Japan to highlight the events.
These were also made possible by the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Tourism – Philippines, Department of Agriculture – Philippines, and exclusive media partners GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV.
Mother Of All Fests
This year’s winners of the Kalibo Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival, which included the tribes of Black Beauty Boys, Kabog, Royal Scorpio, and Tribu Tampogaling, was among the chosen indigenous groups to represent Kalibo and the Philippines in the grand international event showcasing festival, talents, handicrafts, souvenir items, delicacies, and dishes in all parts of the Philippines.
During the parade on the opening of the two-day festivity, the combined Ati-atihan Festival Tribe composed of six dancers and four drummers, was awarded Most Spectacular Group with a cash prize of 20,000 Japan Yen.
Recognized as “The Mother of All Philippine Festivals”, the Ati-atihan has always been a priceless experience. The vibrant costumes, lively drumbeats, incessant chant of “Hala Bira” and “Viva kay Señor Santo Niño, Viva!”, and street dancing have captured the hearts of locals and foreigners, making it a yearly must to attend.
Once again, Ati-atihan has dominated the world stage, bringing warmth, joy, and entertainment to Japan.
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