We are 80 percent ready for Kalibo Ati festival - Kasafi
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Kalibo festival organizer said the preparations are now 80 percent done for the 2011 edition of the famous Ati-Atihan slated on January 10 to 16.

Speaking at the press conference, Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) chairman Albert Menez disclosed that more than 30 modern and Balik-Ati tribes are expected to showcase their colorful and vibrant costumes for the annual sadsad panaad next month.

Hotels and pension inns are fully booked for the festival and security is tight to ensure the safety of thousands of tourists, devotees and visitors, he said.

"With preparations for the events are 80 percent complete, the private sector and the local government of Kalibo under the leadership of Mayor William Lachica have optimized the resources to make it the best Ati-Atihan festival," Menez stressed.

Menez said, "there will be a lot of local and foreign tourists from Boracay Island to join the Ati-Atihan day tour and more than 100 entrepreneurs to showcase their local products in the day and night flea market along Veterans Avenue."

Among the awaited events during the annual Kalibo festival are the traditional procession of tribes and devotees, Balik-Ati and Modern Tribal groups contest, paeapak or pahilot, pilgrims' mass, Higante and Aklan Festivals Parade, Pina fiber products showcase, Kaean-an sa Plasa and Hala Bira Nights at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park.
Meanwhile, twelve young and beautiful candidates were also formally presented to the local media and sponsors at the Kasafi office. The stunning candidates are Mary Vhic Baltazar Mandal, Celeste Melgar Nepomuceno, Charmaine Ling Polomata Chua, Janine Magbiro Ilio, Frendisol Catherine Villanueva Yco, Jona Ili Sweett, Caren Retamar Braun, Sheena Mae Bagnate Zafra, Hannah Mae Renacido Torre, Mae Ann Mariano Manipud, Camille Alyssa de Leon and Jecca Rosales Tenaja.

At stake at the January 5, 2011 beauty pageant is the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan title and special awards for Best in Talent, Miss Photogenic, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Swim wear.