Remembering the Ati of Panay
Long before the dawn of civilization, the rich island of Panay was inhabited with a group of dark-skinned and curly-hair people known as Ati. Prior to the introduction of Christianity, this group of people occupying the vast land has committed their piety to the ancient spirits. They have established a way of living and of governance long before the birth of democracy.
The long-forgotten original settlers of Panay fled to the mountains after the arrival of the Bornean Datus. From then on, the story and the lives of this people have been put in silence.
"Heritage is the soul of our nation... save our soul... save our nation," says Architect Antonio Sangrador, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage and Conservation Council (ICCHCC).
Last May 30, 2006, the Iloilo City Government headed by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. opened an exhibit dubbed "The Ati of Panay," an exhibition of photographs taken by Fr. Rudolph Rahman and Dr. Marcelino Maceda from 1955 to 1965. The pictures were displayed inside the Museo Iloilo.
"Our main objective is to make people aware of the heritage sites and traditions," claims Miss Mita Rufino, President of the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.
The guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch catered by culinary expert Pauline G. Banusing at the Villa Regatta. They were welcomed by Architect Manuel Tingson Jr, Vice-Chairman of ICCHCC.
While enjoying the savor of delectable Ilonggo cuisine like Crabs with Aligi Sauce and Adobadong Alimusan sa Gata, the guests were entertained by the Tultugan Ensemble from Maasin Central Elementary School. Likewise, they were delighted to hear the old-time compositions known as "composo" performed by the original singers from the province.
After giving an outstanding performance at the Museo Iloilo with a Babaylan Dance, the USA Little Theatre under the direction of Edward Divinagracia brought to life the comical yet romantic Luwa.
Babaylans are the then local doctors, herbalists, medium, artists, adviser, and agriculturists rolled into a single interesting character.
On the other hand, representatives from the Maasin community, armed with real bolos, did a traditional dance of death dubbed as Sinulog.
The Ati of Panay and the Welcome Lunch were just two of the more-than-a-dozen activities that made the month-long celebration of Heritage Month an exciting journey to the past.