Binirayan '06, bigger and better-BFI
Binirayan Festival, Antique's annual merriment, for this year 2006 becomes bigger and better highlighting the province's natural heritage as factor in shaping a people's cultural heritage, and calls for the need to preserve, conserve and protect our natural resources. The event's focus is in line with Antique Governor Salvacion Z. Perez's agenda of cultural awareness and environmental protection.
The Binirayan Foundation Inc. (BFI) headed by Mr. Alex delos Santos, the executive director, promises an even bigger and better Binirayan 2006 as committees and coordinators have started working since November last year. With the theme "Kabuganaan halin sa pinanubli nga dunang manggad (A bountiful harvest from our natural resources)," this year's Binirayan makes a bid as the longest festival in the country with a month-long activity which kicked-off last April 1.
One of the special events is the komedya festival slated on April 20-23, which aims to revive the dying komedya theatrical tradition. Antique is known as one of the last bastions of the komedya. Until this date, komedya troupes still perform in the northern barangays of the province.
Other regular Binirayan events like the Biray kang Barangay or reenactment of the landing of the Bornean datu, torch parade, search for Lin-ay kang Antique, Malay-Ati competitions, Parada kang lahi, and Bugal kang Antique awards are still expected. Like last year, the festival will close with the rigodon de honor for the Bugal awardees and the Layas Antiquenos, and a grand fireworks display. The Karsadyahan food fest, a nightly affair with live bands and performers is held at the back of the old capitol.
The idea of celebrating Binirayan was pioneered by then Governor Evelio B. Javier. Under his leadership, the Antiqueños felt the need to get together to celebrate their history as a people. The festival has paved the way for the Antiqueños scattered in the different part of the country and the world to journey back to their past and trace their noble roots. Literally means, "where they landed", recalls the story of the ten Bornean datus led by Datu Puti and Datu Sumakwel who fled from the oppressive rule of Sultan Makatunaw and their subsequent settlement in Panay in the early 15th century. This episode in the history of Antique is relived on the beaches of Malandog, Hamtic, during the festival