Antique (province) - People and Culture

People and Culture

Antiqueños are very hospitable people who would go out of their way to extend assistance to visitors and guests. These seafaring people share many characteristics with their Panay neighbors. However, the steep slopes and the rugged, long mountain ranges Bold text of Antique have isolated it from the rest of Panay. Hence, they have developed their own distinct language called Kinaray-a. This dialect is of Austronesian origins characterized by the predominancy of r’s and schwa sounds spoken with a lilting gentle intonation.

The Catholic Church holds a very strong influence on Antiqueños. For centuries, the churches were the physical vanguards of the people. Being a coastal province, and having been vulnerable to attacks by Moro raiders, Antique was guarded by a series of watchtowers, like the ‘Old Watchtower’ in Libertad and Estaca Hill in Bugasong all of which were built under the direction of the Spanish friars. Even today, the Catholic Church remains influential in both the society and politics of the province.

However, in the mountains, remnants of ancient folk beliefs persists. Babaylans or native priestesses continue to divine the future, heal the sick or conjure spells. This is an aspect of Antique’s culture that has been subsumed under the Christian religion. The Antiqueños are noted for their industry. They are renowned weavers throughout the Visayas. The Bugasong patadyong, a tube cotton fabric of plaid design, is highly valued because of its fineness of weaving. Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry.

The rugged and varied land of Antique offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities. Diving and beach enthusiasts would have a great time discovering the unspoiled islets of Antique. Nogas Island, Hurao-Hurao Island and Mararison Island have long stretches of white sand beaches and are ideal for shell-hunting. Batbatan Island on the other hand, appeals to scuba divers because of the well-preserved coral reefs. Mt. Madia-as, the highest peak on Panay, is a dormant volcano with lakes and 14 waterfalls. It is said to be the legendary home of Bulalakaw, the supreme god of the ancients, and beckons as a challenge for hikers and trekkers.