100,000 cash awaits Binirayan's best Malay-Ati tribe
For the first time in the history of the Binirayan festival, the winner in Malay-Ati competition takes home 100,000 cash.
The Binirayan Foundation, Inc., (BFI) official events organizer of Antique's annual Binirayan festival announces it has increased the prizes for the Malay-Ati competition. The first prize is 100,000 pesos, an increase of more than 60% over last year's prize money. The second and third prizes are P50,000 and P30,000 respectively, while non-winners get a consolation prize of P10,000. The contest will be held on April 29.
The Malay-Ati contest is Antique's version of the street-dancing similar to other festivals in the Visayas. The concept is based on Binirayan’s motif of the convergence of Malay and Ati cultures. Since 2001, the organizers of the Binirayan has seen the event as not only about the establishment of the first Malayan settlement in Malandog with the coming of the Bornean datu, but also about the generosity of the Ati who were the original settlers in Antique. The Malay-Ati dramatizes the integration of both cultures.
The Malay-Ati competition is open to all organizations and institutions, including schools and local government units. Each tribe must consist of at least 50 performers, excluding the drummers and instrumentalists. The music must be live, using the tonggatong or bamboo percussions as the base instrument. Each tribe shall perform for eight to 10 minutes at the EBJ Freedom Park, and participate in the street dancing.
Last year's trophy was won by Tribu Kumpletos Rekados (San Jose), followed by Tribu Pandanon (Pandan), and Tribu Hamtikanon (Hamtic). This year's competition will be stiffer with the participation of schools. As of press time, three national high schools and two colleges have already signified their participation.
Detailed mechanics of the competition and the official entry forms are available at the BFI office at 2/F Antique Development Center, San Jose, Antique. For inquiries call 036- 5407343.