WOMAN Lens is now on its second month of publication in Panay News. I congratulate my readers for staying put and loyally reading me for the whole month of March. There is more to write! Oh yes, more travels to cover; more stories to pen.
For the month of April, we will start with the museum of Kalibo, Aklan called Museo It Akean. We went there on a Sunday. It was closed unfortunately but serendipity favoured us. The museum was open for a class of museum scholars.
The museum is operated by the Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial Foundation, Inc., a non-government organization (NGO). Presently, the said NGO maintains 11 scholars.
That weekend was devoted to a class for the scholars. What luck! We requested to be allowed entry. Jude Pamati-an, museum staff/tour guide, was most kind to let us in and provide the guided tour!
Kalibo, Aklan is a three-hour and six-minute drive from Iloilo City via the Iloilo East Coast-Capiz Road. Thatâs a distance of 153.8 kilometers; just a few kilometers more to cover the General Santos City-Davao City route, in comparison. GenSan to Davao City is 147.9 kilometers.
The museum is located at the heart of Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan. It is housed in a building built in 1882. The original edifice was erected by the Spanish authorities as a school house for the people of Kalibo and neighbouring towns. It was popularly known as Escuelahan It Hari (School of the King).
Checking the displays, I saw one illustrious Aklanon who was instrumental in the separation of Aklan from Capiz. The memorabilia of Godofredo P. Ramos, father of Aklan, are prominently showcased at Museo It Akean.
He earned the moniker, father of Aklan, because as a congressman, he authored House Bill No. 334, proposing the separation of Aklan from Capiz. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on May 9, 1955 and by the Senate on April 16, 1956. Thereafter, Republic Act 1414 was approved by President Ramon Magsaysay.
According to Jude, the celebration of the Ati-atihan Festival started in 1212. It commemorates the momentous barter in Panay Island between 10 Bornean datus and the Atis. Historical data say, these Bornean datus were seeking a new home and found Panay Island.
To ensure peaceful co-existence with the Atis, they negotiated the barter of lowland Panay with a golden salakot. This trade paved the way for the Atis to relocate upland.
Originally called Ati-Atihan, the festival was held to celebrate the barter. With the arrival of the Spaniards however, the festivalâs name was changed to Sto. Niño Ati-atihan.
Aklan has produced several famous men as well, one of whom was the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, Archbishop of Manila. Filipinos are aware of the contribution of Cardinal Sin to the 1986 People Power revolt. He was one of the pillars of the so-called EDSA peaceful revolution. He was the voice that called out to people to congregate at EDSA.
Another interesting display in the museum are the talibongs â fighting swords of Aklan. I am awed by the craftsmanship of the Aklanons who forged these swords centuries ago. Aklanons indeed are excellent sword makers. These swords were wielded by various generations of Akeanon warriors who have defied foreign intruders through the centuries. This proves once again the courage and indomitable spirit of the Filipino.
Another fun experience I had in Kalibo was the exceptional customer service rendered by Shakeyâs Kalibo. It resonated with me so well that I posted about it on my FB Page Sales&Sales Wordsmiths!
To my sheer delight, it was shared 13 times by readers based in Kalibo, Aklan. The post reached 3,041 people with engagements of 1,193. Howâs that for a post! I canât hide my mischievous grin.
Here goes my post about Shakeyâs Kalibo: Great Customer Experience! This is one of the best Shakey’s Pizza Parlours I have been to! Great smile. Great service. Elegant and chic interior. Stylish and modern toilet. I just had to ring the bell after haha. And the crew’s response? A loud applause! #RingThatBell #MakeThemHappy #KeepTheCustomersHappy
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Summer is a great time to visit art museums, which offer the refreshing rinse of swimming pools – only instead of cool water, you immerse yourself in art. – Jerry Saltz
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
