Kalibo “Food Barracks” 12th year festival opens
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The Kalibo Food Festival sa Kalye kicked off its 12th year celebration with a grand opening for food enthusiasts and street party goers.

Dubbed “Food Barracks,” the yearly fest of famous cuisine and specialties and top performing bands was organized by Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council (KATC) and the local government of Kalibo headed by Mayor Raymar Rebaldo in celebration of the town’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist on June 24.

A thanksgiving mass at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral and a motorcade participated in by KATC members highlighted its grand opening yesterday. The five-day festival, slated until June 23, in S. Martelino Street fronting the historic Kalibo Pastrana Park was packed with food enthusiasts keen to discover what 21 KATC-member establishments had to offer.

Rebaldo said he welcomed the devotees of St. John the Baptist and food enthusiasts that feature top Manila and Iloilo bands to perform in the nightly food festival.

According to KATC president Albert Meñez, the “Food Barracks” was conceptualized to bring more tourists and to promote the town of Kalibo as a tourism event next to Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival. “This is also a tribute to our local police and military for ensuring the peaceful celebration of the five-day festival. The event is a multi-awarded food festival recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT),” he added.

The food festival is a timely celebration for family members and friends to enjoy Aklan dishes and entertained by festive music of the participating bands - Boracay Republic, Kreonz, Z-II, South Edition 2, Cross Over Band, TopHits Band, Katukamus, 24 K Band - said Menez.

To ensure the gastronomic and fun-filled experience for local and foreign tourists, KATC is bringing the Brownman Revival, a local underground reggae group from Manila , on June 23 to culminate the prestigious festival of its kind.