BORACAY – Thirty-two tribes and groups were officially registered for this year’s Ati-Atihan street dancing competition or “sadsad,” lower compared to last year’s 34.
In the tribal big category, Black Beauty Boys of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo was aiming for its 9th title in the last 10 years while four tribes from Makato, Aklan namely Vikings and Maharlika in Dumga; D’Kamanggahan in Poblacion; and Pangawasan in Cayangwan will also try to grab the title, joining with them were Makulay and Libtong Boys from Estancia, Kalibo.
Meanwhile, Tribu Datu Puti from Rosario, Malinao will defend the title in the Balik Ati category.
Also in the competition were “Apo ni Inday” and “Sinikway nga Ati” of Calangcang, Makato; Tribu Naisud of Naisud, Ibajay; and Kinantu-ing and Malipayong Ati of San Roque, Malinao.
Two tribes represented Kalibo in the Balik Ati contest – the Maninikop of Caano and Tribu Anono-o of Briones.
Participants from Kalibo town which included the Kabog (Kami Amots Basi Ona Gihapon) of Estancia; Tribu Alibangbang of Linabuan Norte; Tribu Bukid Tigayon and Tribu Ninolitos of Tigayon; Tamaeanun of Poblacion; and Tribu Responde of New Buswang have competed for the tribal small category. Joining with them was Lezo Tribe of Ibao, Lezo.
The Aeang-Aeang of Laguinbanua, Numancia was vying for its second title in three years against nine modern Ati-Atihan groups which include La Promesa and Atras Abante of Poblacion, Makato; DEmagine of Poblacion, Kalibo; Delex 300 (Old Buswang, Kalibo); Blue Birds (Tabangka, Numancia); Road Side (Linabuan Sur, Banga); Bae-ot Bae-ot (Pusiw, Numancia); Bunggos 0501 (Sta. Cruz, Lezo); and Tampogaling (Linabuan Norte, Kalibo).
The street dancing competition was slated on Jan. 18 along the major streets of Poblacion, Kalibo.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
