Vikings face tough battle in Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Vikings is ready to defend its Sadsad Ati-Atihan tribal big title against crowd drawers Black Beauty Boys and Tribu Alibangbang.

PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

The tribes are back in familiar places not only as contenders but are favorites to win the street dancing contest next year.

The street dancing contest is must-see event in 2019 Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan. The Ati-Atihan tribes will don their vibrant costumes and display their unique street dancing to the beat of drums on January 19, 2019.

Vikings from Barangay Dumga in Makato was crowned champion in the 2018 edition of Sadsad Ati-Atihan after it dethroned multi-titlist Black Beauty Boys and Tribu Alibangbang from Barangay Linabuan Norte in Kalibo.

Hark Tesorero, tribe leader of Vikings, said the tribe is facing tough battle against the best tribes of Kalibo and Makato for the top 3 places. 

“Gatinguha man sanda para mabueo ru korona. Kami gatinguha nga dipindihan man dun,” Tesorero stressed at the sidelines of tribes meeting at Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) office.

Tribu Bukid Tigayon from Barangay Tigayon in Kalibo is also defending its title it had won in tribal small category while Royal Scorpio from Barangay Poblacion in Kalibo also sets sail to defend the modern group crown.

Heading into the Balik-Ati contest, Tribu Ilayanhon mga Inapo ni General Candido Iban from Barangay Lilo-an in Malinao will try also to retain its title for the seventh time.

Festival chairman Albert Meñez said Sadsad Ati-Atihan would be a special event for the tribes as they make history again this January.

“The Ati-Atihan tribes are gearing up to chase that dream – a place in Sadsad Ati-Atihan history,” he added.

The weeklong celebration in the capital of Kalibo is slated from January 11 to January 20 in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo.