28th Ati-atihan Festival Feb, 9, 2019 |
19th Ati-Atihan Festival Saturday 9, 2010
Hala Bira 2010!
Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity, Inc. Celebrates 19th Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinner, and Dance
by
Carle and Sarah Enloe
The Filipino community of Sacramento, especially the Aklanons, can always count on and find the Jose Rizal Community Center, Sacramento, CA, jam packed and rocking with energy and activity on the second weekend of January each year as the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity (AASV) celebrated their 19th Anniversary Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinner, and Dance. Each year AASV can be counted on to bring the spirit, excitement, and joy of the original Ati-Atihan of Aklan and past Festivals alive just like they do in Aklan, Philippines. Once again that magic was readily evident this past January 9, 2010, as it brought together the Aklanons from Sacramento and Vicinity, along with the entire Filipino community to include Aklanons from as far away as San Francisco, San Jose, Stockton, and Watsonville, CA.
Once again, the celebrant for this year’s Mass was Reverend Father Alfredo “Tam” Tamayo, Pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. This was the second year that Father Tam had officiated at the Ati-Atihan Mass. As a matter of fact, after 2009 Ati-Atihan, he actually calendared this year’s date in his appointment book so he could do the Mass for AASV. This year the AASV Choir, led by Venus O’Meara, provided the music for the Mass. During mass, Father Tam blessed the Señor Santo Nino images statues.
As the mass ended, Danny YapDiangco and Elena Magsuci, Master and Mistress of Ceremony (MCs), announced and invited the guests to participate in the "PAHILOT or PAEAPAK" ceremony. Father Tam and AASV members held the traditional ceremony of “PAHILOT or PAEAPAK” blessings for the guests. Each year a lot of guests participate in the ceremony, but this year, it appeared as if the entire guests in attendance actually joined the ceremony. Then the devotees begin the traditional devotional procession of the miraculous images and statues of the Señor Santo Niño around the center of the hall. What a wonderful sight!
Afterwards, Father Tam gave the blessing for dinner and the guests were invited to enjoy a delicious Filipino dinner prepared by Nida Zabal, AASV Historian, and her special assistants. She and her team continue to perform their special magic in the kitchen each year, as attested to by the delicious dinner that was served. For dessert, the guests were treated to turon, thanks to Carol Munar. As the guests were enjoying their dinner, MC Danny introduced Frank Zabal, the new President of AASV. He welcomed everyone and thanked the guests for their attendance and support. Afterwards, Sarah Tonel Enloe, past President of AASV, acknowledged all the community leaders present. Then DJ Mel Pagaduan continued entertaining the guests with his magical music which just added more fuel to the energy level.
After dinner, MC Danny announced that the tribes should get ready for the Ati-Atihan parade. As MC Danny made the announcement, the Filipino Women’s Club (FWC) led by Sarah Tonel Enloe, suddenly started entering the hall from the main door in their brand new beautiful and colorful authentic uniforms. Needless to say, the guests were definitely impressed with the FWC’s new uniform not to mention the new additions to the FWC Tribo – Garrett, son of Cleo and Ner Sabarre and Javion Jarin, grandson of Lolit Roque, in full costume also. This year, the Aklanon drummers (Simon Magsuci, Barney Chow, Bryson Hatano, Kevin Cinco, and Jarold You) and Tony Solidum playing the lyre, were stationed on the stage instead of leading the parade, began playing. This was the call for the start of the “Ati-Atihan Parade – Hala Bira 2010!” asall the tribos were presented to the guests. As they slowly and rhythmically made their way around the room, each tribo in their elaborately decorated costumes joined in the Parade. The drummers and Tony Solidum on the lyre were playing their hearts out as usual and setting the lively tempo for the tribos to continue dancing (sad-sad) as they paraded around the hall. Once they begin, it is actually hard to get them to stop. All nine Tribos participating this year were in elaborate costumes to include the founding president and charter member, Blas De La Cruz! He formed his own Tribo Baka Baka of one.
MCs Danny and Elena, both native Aklanons and long time AASV members were naturals at encouraging the tribos to dance the Ati-Atihan way. Of course they were being encouraged by others also. Once again, some of the tribes brought their own drummers, who joined in the drumming for the parade! The energy level was out of sight as all nine tribes joined the parade. The tribes were: Banga the Manduyog Tribo; FWC Tribo; Baka Baka Tribo of one; Igkamporan; Makaton-On Tribo; Tribo Bot Bot; Banga Apolaki ; Second Generation Ingkamporan; and Tribo Gabrielians. There appeared to be less tribos this year but the participants in each tribo increased and they were all in uniforms which was very nice since there were significant prizes. This year, there was definitely a renewed interest by the youth in the Ati-Atihan which was refreshing. Many of the Tribos had lot of youth in them. This year’s parade energy level was over the top and phenomenal! It was unbelievable! The tribos seemed like they could go on all night. As the tribos slowly left the floor, DJ Mel continued playing for the guests dancing pleasure. The guests returned to the dance floor without a minute’s hesitation. It seemed like they hadn’t been in sad-sad minutes before!
Later in the evening, Ciciro Reyes, immediate AASV Past President, presented the judges, who were Cheerie T. Magalit-Nguyen, Chairwoman and a native of Numancia, Aklan from Manteca, CA; Lorna Zabal, a native of Banga, Aklan and from San Jose, CA; and Iverose B. Ureta-Tana, a native of Kalibo, Aklan from Watsonville, CA. The judges were all experienced and knowledgeable of the true Ati-Atihan.
Following the presentation of the judges, the final parade of tribes was announced. This was the final chance for each tribe to impress the judges. Once again, the Aklanon drummers and Tony on the Lyre were playing their hearts out. The energy level of the participants, who had been going all evening, was still through the roof. During the final presentation of the tribos, each tribo was allowed to make one complete solo round of the hall to showcase their costumes and uniqueness for the judges!
During the intermission, as the judges conducted their final tally of the tribos and selected the winners, raffles were held for the guests. Finally, the announcement of the Hala Bira 2010 Winners had arrived. We are proud to announce that the FWC Tribo won 1st place – the Ati-Atihan Champion Award, for the first time. The Datu Marikudo Award – 2nd Place was won by the Tribo Gabrielians. The Datu Puti Award – 3rd place went to Banga the Manduyog Tribo. The following tribos won special awards for the following various categories: The Most Participated was won by FWC; Tribo Gabrielians for Most Original Award; The Most Colorful was won by FWC; Most Modern Award went to Banga Apolaki; The Rowdiest Group Award went to Igkamporan; Most Unique Award went to Tribo Bot Bot; Tribo Gabrielians for Most Lively Award; Tribo Bot Bot for Most Symbolic Award; and Baka Baka Tribo; Tribo Makaton-on Tribo; and 2nd Generation Igkamporan won consolation prizes.
On behalf of the AASV, we would like to thank all our Novena Sponsors: Pastor and Necita Ruiz; Roland and Tiva Rogan; Jose Rolando (Jun) and Juby Osit; Dr. Ciciro and Maria Luisa Reyes; Joseph and Tess Arca; Frank and Nida Zabal; Roderick and Brenda Ruiz; William and Juliet Tonel; and Jesus and Lydia Tonel; Major Prize Donors: 1st Prize ($250) – Pastor, Necita, Ronald, and Roderick Ruiz; Second Prize ($200) – Bo and Sorcy Apostal and Dave and Dinnah San Pedro; and 3rd Prize ($150) – Dr. Alfredo (Fred) Aquino; Special Awards: Most Participated Group - Roland and Tiva Rogan; Most Colorful Group – Carle and Sarah Enloe; Most Original – Frank and Nida Zabal; Most Modern Group – William and Juliet Tonel; The Rowdiest Group – Tom and Maricar Nguyen; Most Unique Award – Jose Rolando (Jun) and Juby Osit; Most Lively Award – Dr. Ciciro and Maria Luisa Reyes; and Most Symbolic Award – Tony and Marie Solidum; Consolation Prize Donors ($50): Nestorio and Felicita Jalocon; Jesus and Lydia Tonel; and Tom and Venus O’Meara; Raffle Prizes: AASV Members. Donations of Water and Drinks - Filipino American Sports Foundation – Benjie and Tess Santos; DJ Mel Pagaduan; event committees; members; our loyal devotees of Sr. Sto. Niño; supporters; our Ati-Atihan parade judges; choir members; the entire Filipino Community; and all others, who in any way, contributed to the success of this wonderful event. We would also like to especially acknowledge and extend our heartfelt thanks to Dave and Dinnah San Pedro, owners of the Philippine Fiesta Newspaper/Five Ds Arts, for their continued loyal support of the AASV and the Ati-Atihan Festival!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year on January 8, 2011.
VIVA KAY SR. STO. NIÑO!
.
Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity, Inc. Celebrates 19th Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinner, and Dance
by
Carle and Sarah Enloe
The Filipino community of Sacramento, especially the Aklanons, can always count on and find the Jose Rizal Community Center, Sacramento, CA, jam packed and rocking with energy and activity on the second weekend of January each year as the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity (AASV) celebrated their 19th Anniversary Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinner, and Dance. Each year AASV can be counted on to bring the spirit, excitement, and joy of the original Ati-Atihan of Aklan and past Festivals alive just like they do in Aklan, Philippines. Once again that magic was readily evident this past January 9, 2010, as it brought together the Aklanons from Sacramento and Vicinity, along with the entire Filipino community to include Aklanons from as far away as San Francisco, San Jose, Stockton, and Watsonville, CA.
Once again, the celebrant for this year’s Mass was Reverend Father Alfredo “Tam” Tamayo, Pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. This was the second year that Father Tam had officiated at the Ati-Atihan Mass. As a matter of fact, after 2009 Ati-Atihan, he actually calendared this year’s date in his appointment book so he could do the Mass for AASV. This year the AASV Choir, led by Venus O’Meara, provided the music for the Mass. During mass, Father Tam blessed the Señor Santo Nino images statues.
As the mass ended, Danny YapDiangco and Elena Magsuci, Master and Mistress of Ceremony (MCs), announced and invited the guests to participate in the "PAHILOT or PAEAPAK" ceremony. Father Tam and AASV members held the traditional ceremony of “PAHILOT or PAEAPAK” blessings for the guests. Each year a lot of guests participate in the ceremony, but this year, it appeared as if the entire guests in attendance actually joined the ceremony. Then the devotees begin the traditional devotional procession of the miraculous images and statues of the Señor Santo Niño around the center of the hall. What a wonderful sight!
Afterwards, Father Tam gave the blessing for dinner and the guests were invited to enjoy a delicious Filipino dinner prepared by Nida Zabal, AASV Historian, and her special assistants. She and her team continue to perform their special magic in the kitchen each year, as attested to by the delicious dinner that was served. For dessert, the guests were treated to turon, thanks to Carol Munar. As the guests were enjoying their dinner, MC Danny introduced Frank Zabal, the new President of AASV. He welcomed everyone and thanked the guests for their attendance and support. Afterwards, Sarah Tonel Enloe, past President of AASV, acknowledged all the community leaders present. Then DJ Mel Pagaduan continued entertaining the guests with his magical music which just added more fuel to the energy level.
After dinner, MC Danny announced that the tribes should get ready for the Ati-Atihan parade. As MC Danny made the announcement, the Filipino Women’s Club (FWC) led by Sarah Tonel Enloe, suddenly started entering the hall from the main door in their brand new beautiful and colorful authentic uniforms. Needless to say, the guests were definitely impressed with the FWC’s new uniform not to mention the new additions to the FWC Tribo – Garrett, son of Cleo and Ner Sabarre and Javion Jarin, grandson of Lolit Roque, in full costume also. This year, the Aklanon drummers (Simon Magsuci, Barney Chow, Bryson Hatano, Kevin Cinco, and Jarold You) and Tony Solidum playing the lyre, were stationed on the stage instead of leading the parade, began playing. This was the call for the start of the “Ati-Atihan Parade – Hala Bira 2010!” asall the tribos were presented to the guests. As they slowly and rhythmically made their way around the room, each tribo in their elaborately decorated costumes joined in the Parade. The drummers and Tony Solidum on the lyre were playing their hearts out as usual and setting the lively tempo for the tribos to continue dancing (sad-sad) as they paraded around the hall. Once they begin, it is actually hard to get them to stop. All nine Tribos participating this year were in elaborate costumes to include the founding president and charter member, Blas De La Cruz! He formed his own Tribo Baka Baka of one.
MCs Danny and Elena, both native Aklanons and long time AASV members were naturals at encouraging the tribos to dance the Ati-Atihan way. Of course they were being encouraged by others also. Once again, some of the tribes brought their own drummers, who joined in the drumming for the parade! The energy level was out of sight as all nine tribes joined the parade. The tribes were: Banga the Manduyog Tribo; FWC Tribo; Baka Baka Tribo of one; Igkamporan; Makaton-On Tribo; Tribo Bot Bot; Banga Apolaki ; Second Generation Ingkamporan; and Tribo Gabrielians. There appeared to be less tribos this year but the participants in each tribo increased and they were all in uniforms which was very nice since there were significant prizes. This year, there was definitely a renewed interest by the youth in the Ati-Atihan which was refreshing. Many of the Tribos had lot of youth in them. This year’s parade energy level was over the top and phenomenal! It was unbelievable! The tribos seemed like they could go on all night. As the tribos slowly left the floor, DJ Mel continued playing for the guests dancing pleasure. The guests returned to the dance floor without a minute’s hesitation. It seemed like they hadn’t been in sad-sad minutes before!
Later in the evening, Ciciro Reyes, immediate AASV Past President, presented the judges, who were Cheerie T. Magalit-Nguyen, Chairwoman and a native of Numancia, Aklan from Manteca, CA; Lorna Zabal, a native of Banga, Aklan and from San Jose, CA; and Iverose B. Ureta-Tana, a native of Kalibo, Aklan from Watsonville, CA. The judges were all experienced and knowledgeable of the true Ati-Atihan.
Following the presentation of the judges, the final parade of tribes was announced. This was the final chance for each tribe to impress the judges. Once again, the Aklanon drummers and Tony on the Lyre were playing their hearts out. The energy level of the participants, who had been going all evening, was still through the roof. During the final presentation of the tribos, each tribo was allowed to make one complete solo round of the hall to showcase their costumes and uniqueness for the judges!
During the intermission, as the judges conducted their final tally of the tribos and selected the winners, raffles were held for the guests. Finally, the announcement of the Hala Bira 2010 Winners had arrived. We are proud to announce that the FWC Tribo won 1st place – the Ati-Atihan Champion Award, for the first time. The Datu Marikudo Award – 2nd Place was won by the Tribo Gabrielians. The Datu Puti Award – 3rd place went to Banga the Manduyog Tribo. The following tribos won special awards for the following various categories: The Most Participated was won by FWC; Tribo Gabrielians for Most Original Award; The Most Colorful was won by FWC; Most Modern Award went to Banga Apolaki; The Rowdiest Group Award went to Igkamporan; Most Unique Award went to Tribo Bot Bot; Tribo Gabrielians for Most Lively Award; Tribo Bot Bot for Most Symbolic Award; and Baka Baka Tribo; Tribo Makaton-on Tribo; and 2nd Generation Igkamporan won consolation prizes.
On behalf of the AASV, we would like to thank all our Novena Sponsors: Pastor and Necita Ruiz; Roland and Tiva Rogan; Jose Rolando (Jun) and Juby Osit; Dr. Ciciro and Maria Luisa Reyes; Joseph and Tess Arca; Frank and Nida Zabal; Roderick and Brenda Ruiz; William and Juliet Tonel; and Jesus and Lydia Tonel; Major Prize Donors: 1st Prize ($250) – Pastor, Necita, Ronald, and Roderick Ruiz; Second Prize ($200) – Bo and Sorcy Apostal and Dave and Dinnah San Pedro; and 3rd Prize ($150) – Dr. Alfredo (Fred) Aquino; Special Awards: Most Participated Group - Roland and Tiva Rogan; Most Colorful Group – Carle and Sarah Enloe; Most Original – Frank and Nida Zabal; Most Modern Group – William and Juliet Tonel; The Rowdiest Group – Tom and Maricar Nguyen; Most Unique Award – Jose Rolando (Jun) and Juby Osit; Most Lively Award – Dr. Ciciro and Maria Luisa Reyes; and Most Symbolic Award – Tony and Marie Solidum; Consolation Prize Donors ($50): Nestorio and Felicita Jalocon; Jesus and Lydia Tonel; and Tom and Venus O’Meara; Raffle Prizes: AASV Members. Donations of Water and Drinks - Filipino American Sports Foundation – Benjie and Tess Santos; DJ Mel Pagaduan; event committees; members; our loyal devotees of Sr. Sto. Niño; supporters; our Ati-Atihan parade judges; choir members; the entire Filipino Community; and all others, who in any way, contributed to the success of this wonderful event. We would also like to especially acknowledge and extend our heartfelt thanks to Dave and Dinnah San Pedro, owners of the Philippine Fiesta Newspaper/Five Ds Arts, for their continued loyal support of the AASV and the Ati-Atihan Festival!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year on January 8, 2011.
VIVA KAY SR. STO. NIÑO!
.