Kasal.com
Antique Wedding Destinations

Antique - Malay’s First Settlement Site

Antique, one of the provinces in the island of Panay, was the landing site of Datu Puti and the rest of the Ten Bornean Datus who were escaping persecution from from Sri-Vishaya, a Hindu-Malay empire that existed at that time in Borneo and Sumatra. The datus bought the island from the Aeta tribe chieftain Marikudo and his wife Maniwangtiwan for a golden saduk (headpiece or helmet), and a golden necklace, given to his wife, among other gifts. And this is the story behind the yearly Binirayan Festival.

Now, this hidden paradise is slowly being discovered by locals and foreign tourists. Among its treasures are the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, Philippine spotted deer, cloud rat, rare orchids, and other rare flora and fauna. Aside from this, modern activities like white water kayaking have found a home in the rivers of Antique

Demographics

1. Population – 515,265 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 2729.2 sq. km
3. Capital – San Jose
4. Language/Dialect – Kinaray-a/Hiniray-a, Caluyanon, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Municipalities (18)

  • Anini-y
  • Barbaza
  • Belison
  • Bugasong
  • Caluya
  • Culasi
  • Hamtic
  • Laua-an
  • Libertad
  • Pandan
  • Patnongon
  • San Jose
  • San Remigio
  • Sebaste
  • Sibalom
  • Tibiao
  • Tobias Fornier (Dao)
  • Valderrama .
Famous For ...

Binirayan Festival
The festival commemorates the landing of the Ten Bornean Datus in Panay Island and became the first Malay settlers in the country.

Rafflesia
It is the largest and smelliest flower in the world. This rare plant attracts insects using its foul odor in order to pollinate.

Mt. Madia-as
The highest point in Panay Island. The mountain rainforest serves as sanctuary for Philippine spotted dears, cloud rats, rare orchids, and the nomadic groups of Ati Negritas, the original tribal inhabitants of the area.

White water Kayaking at Antique rivers
Malumpati and Tibiao rivers are ideal white water kayaking sites for novice and veteran kayakers.

Bogasong Patadyong
This traditional colorful native fabric is manually weaved by the residents of Bugasong. Its attractive ethnic design and colors makes them ideal pasalubongs.

Places of Interest

Cultural

St. Agustin High School
Location: Patonongon, Antique
Its building is a remodeled old Spanish convent near the site of the ruins of the century-old Spanish church St. Agustin's run by Mill Hill Missionaries

Man-made

La Granja and Binirayan Site
Location: San Jose, Antique
This sports complex has a grandstand and a library on a hillside. It serves as the venue for cultural presentations and the site of the yearly Binirayan Festival.

Liberty Park
Location: Mt. Agongon, Libertad
The area is a favored camping area for boy and girl scouts. It has a commanding view of the town of Libertad against the vast expanse of blue sea.

Natural

Mt. Madia-as
Location: Culasi, Antique
With an elevation of 2,117 meters above sea level, this mountain is gifted with beautiful mountain scenery, different species of flora and fauna, rare orchids, wild deer and boar, a lagoon and rain forest.

Tibiao River
Location: Tibiao, Antique
The river comes from Mt. Madia-as then plunges well over 1000m on its short run to the ocean. There's about 23km of navigable water on the river, but access to the upper section is difficult.

Malumpati River
Location: Pandan, Antique
It is a scenic river offering good still water for practicing and a few mild rapids. an exceptionally scenic river offering good still water for practicing and a few mild rapids

Palakopak Lake
Location: Brgy. Banbanan, San Remegio, Antique
This two inter-connecting lakes is abundant with freshwater fishes. It is surrounded by green vegetation and still inhabited by endemic wild animals. The area is ideal for camping and picnics.

Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
Location: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
This hidden paradise is ideal for picnic and swimming. There are three waterfalls in the area with heights up to 150 ft. that are easily accessible.

Pula Waterfalls
Location: Pandan, Antique
From its name, the water that flows in the waterfalls is red-tinted. This due to the marble deposits on the mountains.

Batbatan Island
Location: Culasi, Antique
It has natural coves, anchorages, and white sand beaches that are ideal for beach lovers and scuba divers.

Religious

Sto. Nino Church
Location: Hamtic, Antique
The church rests on an elevation; above it are a convent and a bell tower up which are winding steps among flowers.

San Jose Cathedral
Location: San Jose, Antique
It is easily identifiable with its bell tower, the highest in the province.

Sta. Rita Catholic Church
Location: Sibalom, Antique
The most famous religious icon in the church is the supine statue of Sta. Rita here was a gift from the Augustinian sisters in Casica, Italy

Festivals

Binirayan Festival
Place: San Jose, Antique
Date: December 27 - 29
The event commemorates the landing of the ten Malay datus at Malandog Beach in Hamtic, Antique in the middle of the 13th century to set up the first Malayan settlement or barangay in this country. The festival is highlighted with colorful street parades, beach shows, plaza concerts, beauty contest, and trade fair.

Council of Balabago Re-Enactment
Place: Balabago River, Culasi
Date: March 4 - 6
It is a re-enactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Datu Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal

Learn More

How To Get There?

By land:
Antique is accessible by taking a flight to Iloilo then ride a buss for a 1 ½ hour drive to San Jose.

By Air:
Direct domestic flights from Manila to San Jose are available three times a week.

By Sea:
Antique is 16 hours from Manila. It leaves Manila to Lipata Port, Culasi, and Antique every Monday, Wednesday and Friday