KALIBO, Aklan – The defending champion of Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest passed the championship baton to the new Tribal Big winner.
Tribu Linabuanon of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo dethroned multi-titled Black Beauty Boys in the much-watched event on Saturday, January 18.
The new champion received the biggest prize of P1.1 million in the history of Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest. Last year, Tribu Linabuanon was the first runner-up in its second try in Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, who chairs the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board, personally shared P750,000, while the local government of Kalibo, Aklan contributed P350,000 for the cashprize.
Tribu Linabuanon led by tribe leader Rendell Ortega also grabbed these special awards: Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan costume and Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan head dress.
Black Beauty Boys, also of Linabuan Norte, was declared first runner-up and received P400,000.
The contingent claimed the Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Street Dancing and Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Beats and Sounds special awards.
Vikings of Dumga, Makato settled for second runner-up with P170,000 in cash prize, followed by Libtong Boys of Estancia, Kalibo (P70,000); Maharlika of Dumga, Makato (P60,000); Pangawasan of Cayangwan, Makato (P50,000); and Tribu Alibangbang of Linabuan Norte P40,000.
Meanwhile, Kabog (Kami Amots Basi Una Gihapon) of Estancia, Kalibo defended its title against eight contenders in Tribal Small category. The tribe took home its biggest pot for P200,000 and four special awards – Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Beats and Sounds, Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Costume, Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Street Dancing and Best in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Head Dress.
Moreover, Apo ni Inday dominated the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest to win the Balik Ati category for the second year in a row.
The contest hailed as one of the premier Ati-Atihan events in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo./PN
