KALIBO, Aklan – The organizer of the 2019 Ati-Atihan Festival has opened the registration for the street dancing competition.
The deadline of registration for Sadsad Ati-Atihan is on Dec. 22, according to the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).
Kasafi chairman Albert Menez urged aspiring participants to submit the requirements on or before the deadline.
Only qualified participants may avail themselves of subsidies, Menez said.
Sadsad Ati-Atihan is one of the highlights of the annual Ati-Atihan. Next year it will be held on Jan. 19.
Every year the Sadsad attracts contingents from not only this capital town but also Malinao, Makato, Lezo, Numancia, and Banga.
Vikings of Makato is defending its Tribal Big title against multi-titled Black Beauty Boys and Tribu Alibangbang, both from Kalibo.
They were among the groups who have signified intent to participate in the competition next year, according to Kasafi.
Tribu Tiis-Tiis of Kalibo, and Pangawasan Tribe and D’Kamanggahan of Makato are also joining the Tribal Big category.
Defending champion Tribu Bukid Tigayon in the Tribal Small category is facing tough competition.
Joining the category are Tribu Ninolitos, Tribu Responde, Tribu Triple J, Kabog, and Iwa-Iwa of Kalibo; Lezo Tribe of Lezo; and Maharlika of Makato.
Reigning Modern Group titlist Royal Scorpio of Kalibo will square off with Aeang-Aeang and Baeot-Baeot of Numancia, D’Emagine of Kalibo, Atras Abante of Makato, and Roadside of Banga.
Moreover, Tribu Ilayanhon mga Inapo ni General Candido Iban will also defend the Balik-Ati category crown in its possession for seven straight years.
The tribe from Malinao will face Malipayong Ati, Tribu Datu Puti and Kinantuing of Malinao; Apo ni Inday and Sinikway nga Ati of Makato; and Maninikop and Tribu Anono-o of Kalibo.
Some of these tribes and groups already submitted their registration requirements, Kasafi said. There is a possibility that the number of participants will increase. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
