Aklan has a lot to offer for Miss Earth beauties

Sounds, sights and sun.

Yes, it is no surprise that Aklan has a lot to offer as the Miss Earth beauties visit Boracay Island and Kalibo on October 21. The young women will be treated to a number of eco-friendly activities plus a rare opportunity to celebrate a Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival event.

During their arrival in Aklan, thirty out of 84 candidates (Group 2) will travel south from Caticlan airport in Malay town to Kalibo’s environmental treasure, the Kalibo Bakhawan Eco-Park.

The ladies will commune with nature and plant mangrove trees in the multi-awarded mangrove reforestation site in support of their advocacy in protecting the environment. They will also take their lunch in the mangrove park and will proceed to downtown Kalibo in the afternoon to witness the vibrant Ati-Atihan festival.

Ahead of Miss Earth visit, the Ati-Atihan festival organizer  announced that international beauties will experience the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals” street dancing on the rhythms of ‘thousand drums’.

School children and well-wishers are also expected to line the streets leading to Kalibo Pastrana Park and wave flags to welcome the Miss Earth candidates.  

A must-see for Miss Earth ‘warriors’ and visitors is the merrymaking of 42 tribal and modern Ati-Atihan groups as if the dancing never stops along the streets of Kalibo.

As the tribes converge in Kalibo Pastrana Park, thousands of people will also flock for the colourful, lively and festive Ati-Atihan ‘Tamboe Salvo’ with the Miss Earth candidates on stage.

The Miss Earth beauties are set to leave Kalibo in mid-afternoon and move north some 65 kms to their new destination – the Boracay Island, known for its pristine beaches and exciting nightlife. 

In Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, the candidates will strut their stuff for an evening of swimsuit and resort wear competitions. 

On October 22, the candidates will unite with locals in a coastal beach cleanup program in the White Beach before their trip way back to Manila via Kalibo airport.  

This year's Miss Earth pageant finals will be held on October 29 in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL