16 out-of-town Ati groups join Kalibo fest contest
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Sixteen out-of-town Ati groups out of 30 tribes are joining the 2011 Kalibo Senor Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival this week.

The out-of town Ati groups that will join the Kalibo festival contest are Adlaw Gabii ni John (Poblacion, Tangalan) and Aeang-Aeang (Laguinbanua West, Numancia) in the Modern group category.

Lord Eagles (Dumga, Makato), Pangawasan Tribe (Cayangwan, Makato), Maharlika Tribe (Dumga, Makato) and D' Kamanggahan Tribe (Poblacion, Makato) in the Tribal-Big category while Tribu Osman-ians Copradiros (Osman, Malinao), Tribu Tipon-Tipon (Ibao, Lezo), Tribu Parola (Daja Norte, Banga) and Lezo Tribe (Ibao, Lezo) are joining the Tribal Small category.

Six Ati tribes out of seven entries - Tribu Ilanyanhon (Malandayon, Malinao), Kinantuing (San Roque, Malinao), Tribu Isalacan (Lilo-an, Malinao), Apo ni Inday (Calangcang, Makato), Lilo anong Ati ag Datu Marikudo (Lilo-an, Malinao) and Malipayong Ati (San Roque, Malinao) are also competing in the Balik-Ati category.

The festival, organized by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) is awarding hefty prizes for the Ati-Atihan contest. The annual celebration is held every third week of January by thousands of devotees, guests and visitors in honor of Senor Sto. Nino.