Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival a huge success

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The celebration of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival from January 10 to 19 was a remarkable success. 

Albert Menez, chairperson of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) said the festival drew a bigger number of devotees and visitors this year, despite, experiencing cold and windy weather throughout the weeklong Ati-Atihan celebration. 

“We have 80 percent success rate. We owe the unprecedented success to the Senor Sto. Nino and the community which kept the events growing, getting bigger and better every year,” he said. 

Menez said the secret to the success of Ati-Atihan festival is the people's faith and devotion to Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo. 

“We are blessed to have a good weather by the Senor Sto. Nino. The Sto. Nino is miraculous. Our preparations paid off, despite, the influx of devotees from here and abroad, the celebration was peaceful,” he stressed.

He lauded the volunteers, sponsors and strategic partners and the public-private sectors coordination on making the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival a success each year. 

Menez thanked all the municipal and provincial governments, the Diocese of Kalibo, strategic partner GMA Kapuso TV Network, festival co-presenter San Miguel Brewery Inc. and festival sponsors Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines, Smart Communications, Panay News, Manila Bulletin and Universal Robina Corporation for their support.

Other festival sponsors are Petron, The Explorer Magazine, Globe Communications, Nature’s Spring and RGMA DyRu Super Radyo Kalibo.

Menez said the Kasafi and the volunteers are aiming to improve the festivities as they start to plan next year's fest.   

Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan festival kicked off on January 10 with a series of religious and civic activities celebrating the feast of Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo.

The festival culminated last Sunday with pilgrims mass and a religious procession led by Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc.