DOT Official: Kalibo’s Ati-atihan Not Affected by Papal Visit

Iloilo City (PNA) — Department of Tourism Regional Dir. Helen Catalbas said that the influx of tourists to the famous Kalibo Ati-atihan will not be affected by the Papal visit.

She said that influx of tourists is still being anticipated to join in the festival’s highlight on January 17-18.

Catalbas, in an interview, said that yearly the Ati-atihan which is being considered to be the “Mother of All Festivals” in the country is being flocked by both foreign and domestic tourists estimated at around 50,000 just in the town proper Kalibo of Aklan province.

She said that this year although it coincided with Pope Francis visit to the Philippines but then the DOT official still anticipates huge number of devotees and tourists to come and join the festival.

She added that the festival is so unique because aside from the tribe’s ati-ati performances spectators are also welcome to join in their so-called “sadsad” or street dancing which makes the event merrier.

For now hotels and lodging houses in Kalibo are already reportedly receiving huge reservations and, in fact, fully booked. (PNA) CTB/AJP/VLO