THE PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE

Capital: San Jose Buenavista

No. of towns: 18

Land area: 2,522.0 sq. km.

Location. Bounded on the northern northwest by Aklan, on the east Capiz and the southwest by Iloilo. It lies between the China Sea to the west and high mountains.

Panay Island



Brief history. Historians had it that the first datus headed by Datu Puti with their followers left Borneo to escape persecution by rajah of the House of Sri-Vishaya and landed in the island of Panay ruled by a Negrito chieftain, Marikudo. After some haggling, they succeeded in buying the island from the Negrito chieftain for one gold "sandok" and a gold necklace for his wife, thereby enabling Datu Sumakwel to establish a permanent settlement in the island they called Hamtic, which is now Malandog in the Municipality of Kamtic. The name was taken after a specie of large ants called "hantic-hantic", which abound in the place. The settlers occupied almost all coastal parts of the island forcing the native to live in the hinterlands and sliced the island into political unit called "sakop", namely Hantic (Antique), Aklan, and Irong-Irong (Iloilo). Datus Puti, Bangkaya, and Paiburong headed these "sakops" but the entire island continued to be called Hantic under the supreme command of Datu Sumakwel. Antique was officially recognised as a separate political unit in 1790 when the Spanish authorities made it a political and military province with Antique (San Jose) as the capital town. The institution of American authority over the island and the restoration of peace and order in Panay led to the formation of a civil government on April 13, 1901. During the Japanese occupation, Mt Baloy (Elevation 2,080m), which straddles part of Antique was the headquarters of the 6th Military District under Col. Macario Peralta. The other 2 peaks of Panay, Mt. Madia-as (Elevation 1,117 m) and Mt. Nangtud (Elevation 1,900 m) are found in the province of Antique.

Geography. Profiled like a seahorse, Antique is an oversized hem-line on the western border of the
three-cornered scarf-like land mass that is Panay. It lies between the China Sea to the west tall mountain ranges to the east, 155 kms. long and 33 kms. at its widest. Long mountain ranges separate Antique from the rest of Panay.

Political Subdivisions. 18 municipalities make up the province: 14 along the coast, three inland, and one six-islet. Coastal towns are Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, San Jose de Buenavista, Belison, Patnongon, Bugasong, Laua-an, Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan and Libertad. The island towns are Sibalom, San Remigio and Valderama. Caluya is all of six islet.

Climate. Antique has 2 district climates dry and wet. From December the dry months last through May, but intermittent rains may come any month of the year. August is the rainiest month with an average of 23 rainy days. This average annual rainfall is 143.45 inches, the greatest precipitation from June to September. The mean average of the annual temperature is 82.2°F, January being the coldest at an average of 79.2 degrees.

Language / Dialect. Kiniray-a and Hiligaynon are the two major dialects of Antique. These are the everyday language of the Antiqueños, although they are also proficient in Tagalog, English and other dialects of the rest of Panay and other places in the Visayas. Many of the Antiqueños could also comprehend Spanish and there are some who could even speak it like Castillan.

Kiniray-a has Indo-Malayan origins. It is characterized by the predominancy of r´s and schwa sounds spoken with a lilting gentle intonation.

Hiligaynon is quite similar to Kiniray-a, only there is a slight difference in orthography and in the pronunciation. The O in Hiligaynon is pronounced as long O, unlike in Kiniray-a that O is made to sound like a cross between O and E.

Major Industries. The province Antique is basically agricultural with rice and sugarcane as principal products. Fishing is its second largest industry. Cuyo East Pass along the Antique coast is reputedly the richest fishing ground in the country. Estimated annual take from the fishing industry is 376,000 tons. A profitable take is also derived from inland fishing grounds. The Development Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine National Bank, both government institutions, as well as the three rural banks and 34 credit unions lend financial and credit support to
Antiqueños.

Points of interest

Historical

Old Hispano-Filipino Church. A massive white coral building which has survived earthquakes and time;
constructed by Augustian friars sometimes in1875 - 1880; the only church of Spainish vintage still existing in Antique and one of the oldest landmarks in Antique. It is located in poblacion Anini-y, 40.46 kms south of San Jose, Antique.

Malandog Marker (Hamtic, 7 kms. south of San Jose Antique). It memorializes the landing of the earliestMalayan settlers. Built within the campus of Malandog Elementary School, the marker reads: "Landing site of the first Malayan settlers 1299 A.D."

Old Watchtower (Libertad, Antique, 143 kms. north of San Jose). It was used to be crenelated to warn natives of approaching pirates. The tower is still intact.

EBJ Freedom Park. Located in front of the Antique Provincial Capitol building in San Jose, Antique. The
Sangguiang Panlalawigan of Antique on behalf of the entire Antiqueno citizenry, officially christens the place Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park. On the park found a marker which reads: "As a fitting tribute to a man who has done so much, not only for the people of Antique, but the entire Filipino nation, in pursuit of justice, freedom, dignity, democracy and peace". The marker also marks the spot where the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier was first shot by the forces of evil on February 11, 1986.

Telegrafo Hill Boundary. Telegrafo Hill on the Iloilo - Antique boundary commands a view of San Jose, Antique headland. The hill was a Japanese stronghold during World War II. The place is best for hiking and horseback riding.

St. Agustin's High School (Patnongon, Antique). Its building is the remodeled old Spanish convent near the site of the ruins of the century old Spanish church. St. Augustine's is run by Mill Hill Missionaries.

Estaca Hill. Estaca Hill is in the center of the town of Bugasong. It has an elevation of some 200 feet with a view of the sea and the hills. The hill was once a watchtower to warn the people of the Muslim pirates.

Sibaye Island. (Caluya, Antique). The place where the first radar station in Panay was installed. SpanishConquistador Martin de Goiti stopped in this island on his way to conquer Manila in 1570.

Natural

Nogas Island. The 26-hectare government naval reservation island, three miles from the shoreline of Anini-y town proper. It can be reached by sail-boat or motorized banca in 20 minutes. It has a white sand beach with lots of corals and shells. The place is ideal for shell hunting.

Sira-an Hot Spring. A government-owned hot sulphur spring atop solid rock with warm water flowing profusely from a crevice and collecting in a basin that can accommodate two persons. Water from fissures below the basin is flammable. Frequent visits by foreigners and residents of the nearby towns spur development of Sira-an. The municipal goverment has constructed some nipa cottages and a concrete fence in the area. The hot spring is along the highway and is one and a half kilometers from the town proper.

Hurao-Hurao Island. At low tide the island can be reached by wading. It is located at Brgy. Roque, 5kms. south of Anini-y town. Many hold picnics on the island where coconut trees cool the air and provide the shades. Sea shells are abundant on the beach.

Cresta de Gallo (Brgy. Iba, Amini-y). Called Punta Nasog by natives, this denuded mountain of solid rock with three peaks resembles a cock's comb, is believed to be rich in mineral deposits. At the foot of Cresta de Gallo lies scenic beaches of Rendon and Bantique.

Taguimtim (Two kilometers south of Tobias Fornier). It has a breaking surf rocks and coral stones, coconut palms and mangroves edging the beach. The place is perfect for picnics and swimming. Punta Hagdan is a solid rock splintered by the road.

Camp Autajay. Sometimes called Pina beach by the people, it is five kilometers away from San Jose town. It is a 10-hectare lot located along the beach, with an orchard array of narra and mahogany trees, nipa sheds, benches and cottages. The place is ideal for camping, live-in seminars of conferences where one can go swimming, set bonfire, climb trees, pick fruits or play during leisure hours.

Pula Waterfalls. Red-tinted water cascades down the waterfalls. It is two kilometers away from poblacion of San Remigio.

Bato Cueva (La Union, San Remigio). Located on the hilltop near the forest nursery. From the top of the hill one can see San Jose and Sibalom and on clear weather the Madia-as mountain in Culasi.

Danao Lake. Located in the high mountains of San Remigio, it has a diameter of around 1 hectare. Heavy rains do not raise the water level of the lake. The jungle near the lake has monkeys and wild chicken, thus, the place is ideal for hunters.

Batabat Coral Reef (Barbaza, Antique). It is one kilometer offshore, or a 20-minute ride by pumpboat. It has 1 1/2-hectare coral of varied colors. Various tropical colors can be seen through clear water.

Cadiao Resort. Eleven kilometers away from the poblacion of Barbaza to Barangay Capuyawan, and 5
kilometers walk on foot. Located at Barangay Cadio Barbaza, this resort has a Baguio-like temperature, if not cooler during summer. Lolita falls is on the hillside.

Bacalbag Waterfalls (Brgy. Mablad, 8 kms. away from Barbaza). It is 50 feet high. Caves abound and some are still unexplored. One cave is believed to have seven rooms.

Hatay-Hatay Resort (Sitio Hatay-Hatay, Palma, Barbaza). This resort is around 5-kilometers from the
poblacion. There are enough spring water from the surrounding springs, thus an olympic size swimming pool can easily be developed in the place.

Caigangan Spring. Located five kilometers from the poblacion of Barbaza and can be reached in 40 minutes. An irrigation system in the town makes use of abundant spring water.

Manglamon Beach & Cave of Tiguis. The cave is around 5 kilometers from Tibiao poblacion. It has walls of mossy rocks, and covered with cogon grass which cannot be seen unless one goes near the caves entrance with a torch or a flash light. Stalactites abound. Near the cave is Maglamon Beach whose sand sparkles like gems.

Mararison Island. An inhabited island of Culasi with a long stretch of white sand beach, Mararison has five hectares of riceland, plenty of coconut trees and two caves each about 100 feet long. Sharp coral growth makes the beach not suitable for swimming though beachcombing and spear fishing can be profitable. An interesting "pitcher plant" can be found here, too. It is a rare species of plant with leaves shaped like a pitcher, provided with an open cap which closes to trap insects. Mararison is 4 kilometers off the coast of Culasi and is a 15-minute ride by pumpboat.

Mt. Madia-as. The summit of Mt. Madia-as is 2,117 m above sea level. Its peak is always shrouded with clouds but the mountain can bee seen during clear weather and late afternoons. All year round Madia-as keeps its forest and vegetation evergreen with fourteen waterfalls around its base.

Trecking to the summit one has to endure a 15-kilometer stony road leading up to a dry river bed; brave improvise a wood bamboo bridge over boulder-strewn river, hurdle numerous hills before reaching a village at its foot where the ascent actually starts; tightrope walk on a two-fool bridge floating on a sea of clouds; clamber up near-vertical slopes precariously holding on rocks, grasses and roots of trees on to more than a thousand feet above certain death, contrive schemes like rubbing soap on pants, tucking in tobacco grains in socks to ward off leeches; be ready with a raincoat for heavy rains occurring anytime.

A journey to the mountains of Madia-as is an experience, a beautiful mountain scenery, different species of flora and fauna, rare orchids, pitcher plants, wild herbs, wild deer and boar, a bonsai forest looking neatly trimmed, a lagoon, and a rainforest that provides Madia-as a weather of its own.

Batbatan Island. Located 8 kilometers from Mararison Island, rises as a mound of soft greenery, an attraction to scuba divers. American oceanographers who stayed in this island concluded that the island belongs to the Caribean Category. There are natural caves and anchorage around the island and there are white sand beaches, too. The Tangays, a cultural minority inhabiting the island, speak a dialect different from that on mainland Antique.

Maniguin Island. Located farther east of Batbatan, Maniguin Island is a naval reservation area with lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the China Sea.

Kipot Falls. Seven-basin falls located at Brgy. Buenavista, Culasi or three kilometers northeast of Culasi town proper.

Tayoo Beach Resort. Facing Mararison Island, this is a privately owned resort, provided with a big conference hall for seminars or conferences; an improvised cottage and surrounded by a concrete fence.

Kalamasag Falls. Located at Brgy. Abiera or seven kilometers and three-hour walking time from the national road. This waterfall, about 100 feet high, is one of the most beautiful in Panay.

Igpasungaw Falls (Sebaste Poblacion). It is three kilometers from the national highway, or a 30-minute walk up hills, having a natural swimming pool 8-10 meters in diameter and having two-meters dept.

Bugtong Bukid. Located at the town proper of Sebaste, or 500 meters away from the national highway, rising few hundred feet above sea level. With a resthouse of bamboo and nipa, Bugtong Bukid rewards the hard day with rest and solitude.

Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort (Pandan, Antique). The spring collects water believed to have medical qualities in a small lake. The water is so cold even on hot days making the place an ideal vacation spot.

Snow-White Beach. So called because of its white sand beach and crystal clear water. It is a 10-minutes ride by tricycle from Pandan town proper.

Marble Mountain (Pandan, Antique). The marble is expected to last one thousand years, of gold, gray, black, white, red, blue and combinations of those colors.

Kiniang Resort (Brgy. Cubay, Libertad). It has seven water basins. The resort is seven kilometers away from town proper.

Idiayan Resort. One kilometer from Libertad town proper, this resort takes advantage of sloping beach and nipa cottages.

Maanghit Cave. Located at Union, Libertad, the cave is rich in guano deposits by bats. It is seven kilometers from town proper.

Duyong Beach. A privately owned white sand beach overlooking the marble mountains. It is located at Brgy. Duyong, or 9 kilometers northeast of Pandan town. It is an ideal place for swimming and a perfect place to watch the sunset. It is accessible by jeepney or tricycle from Pandan town.

Religious

Sto. Nino Church (Hamtic, Antique). The church rests on an elevation; above it are a convent and a bell tower which have winding steps among flowers. A wooded knoll sets off the scene.

San Jose Cathedral. Located near the new capitol of Antique, San Jose. It is easily identifiable with its bell tower, the highest in the province Antique.

Sta. Rita Catholic Church (Sibalom town, or 10 kilometers northeast of San Jose). The supine statue of Sta. Rita here was a gift from the Augustinian sisters in Casica, Italy, and the feast of Sta. Rita is celebrated on May 22.

Modern Catholic Chruch (Barbaza or 61 kms. north of San Jose). Most modern architectural style in the whole of Antique; the same architect designed Museo Iloilo.

St. Blaise Church (Sebaste, Antique). The church of St. Blaise has always been an object of pilgrimage for Roman Catholic devotees through the years. The feast of St. Blaise is celebrated February 2nd every year.

Man-made

La Granja Hill and Binirayan Site (San Jose, Antique). It is a sports complex with a grandstand and a library along a hillside; site of yearly Binirayan Festival. The playing field is also a venue for cultural presentations.

Polytechnic State College of Antique and Sibalom Dam. Formerly known as Antique School of Arts and Trade, in Sibalom, Antique, it is now the sixth state collage in Western Visayas. The best ceramic products in Antique are manufactured here. It is 12 kilometers away from San Jose, has resthouse around which are laned with trimmed trees, flowering plants and shrubs. The dam waters ricefields in Sibalom and other towns.

Liberty Park (Mt. Agongon). It commands a view of the town of Liberty against the vast expense of blue sea. The Park is a camp area for boy and girl scouts.

Festival:

Binirayan (San Jose, Antique last week of December). The festival celebrates the landing of ten Malayan Datu on Panay Island to set up the first Malayan settlement. The word "Binirayan" means to take a leisurely boat ride or a go to a place where "Biray" or small boats, are anchored. It is said that the ancient Ati, who were the inhabitants of the area, bartered with these datu on Panay Island. Started in 1971, the celebration features a concelebrated mass to mark the event, then non-stop dancing, and other festivities that attract many tourists.

Special interests

Caluya Island. Caluya has white sand beaches and clear waters ideal for scuba diving and fishing. Various species of sea shells, including rare ones, abound in its beaches. Tatus, local name for coconut or robber crab, is a delicacy that can be gathered aplenty in Caluya.

Semirara Island. Also a part of Caluya, the island has the second largest deposit of coal in the Philippines; it is also a bird sanctuary and is ideal site for horseback riding.  The island is now threatened by the impending dumping of grabage of Manila.  The move is to dump tons of Manila garbage for two years.  Several Antiqueno groups protest the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) move to dump garbage in the exotic bird sanctuary island.

Patadyong Weaving. Barangay Bugtason in Bugasong looms weave the famous "Bugasong patadyong", the only one of its kind in the Visayas well-known throughout the island.

Sunken Garden (Punta Pucio, or 9 kilometers from Libertad town proper). The garden of rock and corals, around 500 square meters is a microscopic sea.  It prides on the rare species of corals and fishes.  The area is protected by the government.

Marble Quarries. There are about 24 kinds of marbles with different colors at Brgy. San Roque, Libertad.

Libertad Reforestation Project. The reforestation site at Brgy. Inyawan, or 8 kilometers from Libertad town proper. A beautiful scenery embracing nipa cottages.

How to get to Antique? By air Philippine Airlines flies to Iloilo City four times daily. After the hour flight, one can go to Antique by land. By sea, San Jose in Antique is a 20 hour trip to Manila, with ships leaving twice a week.