Travel destinations: Aklan, Philippines

Aklan is famous for the Ati-Atihan as well as the gorgeous Island of Boracay.

The Ati-Atihan is a yearly event in honor of the Sto. Nio. It is held every third week of January. The so called Aklanons and tourists wipe soot on their faces and create ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos. They merry make and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

Boracay is known worldwide for its fine palm-fringed white sand beaches, cool blue waters, coral reefs and rare shells. I have been to several beaches and believe me, there is nothing more like heaven than the Boracay beaches.

Aklan is located in the Visayan island group (mid-south region) of the Philippine Islands. Located between 12N, 1119′ S and between 12150′ W, 12235′ E, the province is bordered by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, the Sibuyan Sea on the northeast and the east, by the province of Antique on the west, and by the province of Capiz on the south.

Aklan is considered the oldest province in the Philippines. It was organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo and it became an independent province upon President Magsaysay’s declaration on April 25, 1956 under the Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from the province of Capiz. Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Service Administration, the province of Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat different climates. The coldest month is experienced in January measuring 26 rises steadily to an average of 29 in May, and then declines gradually to the January level. The best time to visit is on the months of October to May.

There are approximately 451,314 residents in Aklan as of the year 2000. Their primary dialect is Akeanon but it is also common to hear people speak Tagalog, English, Hiligaynon and Cebuano so travelling around for English speakers is not a problem.

Most Akeanons derive livelihood from rice, corn, coconut, abaca, and pottery making. Fishponds and offshore fishing employ many persons in the province. What thrive in Aklan are small-scale industries like pia cloth weaving, abaca and bamboo handicraft.

Pottery making and pop rice (ampaw) making are local industries that have augmented the people’s livelihood in this province. Residents living near the banks of the river make clay pots and jar the old-fashioned way, as others engage in pop rice making. Popularly known