'Sadsad Ati-Atihan' tribes register early for 2017 Ati contest

Almost half of the number of Ati-Atihan tribes and groups expected to join the ‘Sadsad Ati-Atihan’ contest had registered with the Kalibo festival organizer. Three of these tribes are defending champions ready to defend their titles in one of the must-see events in the 2017  Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival.

As of October 28, there are 14 registered tribes and modern groups   for the street dancing contest scheduled on January 14, 2017.

Reigning champion Tribu Bukid Tigayon in tribal small category will face three other ‘early’ registrants, namely second runner-up Tribu Ninolitos from Tigayon, Kalibo; Tribu Tikbalang from Manhanip, Malinao and Lezo Tribe from Ibao, Lezo.

Three-time champion Tribu Ilayanhon nga Inapo ni Gen. Candido Iban of Liloan, Malinao also registered along with Tribu Anono-o from Briones, Kalibo and Kinantuing from San Roque, Malinao for the Balik-Ati category.

Modern group champion Aeang-Aeang from Laguinbanua West, Numancia is up against Pirates 1962 from Poblacion, Kalibo; Bae-ot Bae-ot from Bulwang, Numancia and newcomers – Lagalag 27 Original from Poblacion, Kalibo and Gala Drumbeat D’Neighborhood from Poblacion, Makato.

So far, Vikings from Dumga, Makato and Tribu Timawa from Andagao, Kalibo are the registered tribes for the tribal big category. Defending tribal big champion Black Beauty Boys from Linabuan Norte, Kalibo and perennial runner-up Kabog from Estancia, Kalibo have yet to register for the contest.

This writer, volunteer of the committee on Ati-Atihan tribes/group/individual participation, is expecting 28 to 30 tribes and groups to join the ‘Sadsad Ati-Atihan’ contest next year. Ati-Atihan groups and tribes who are interested to join the contest have until December 28, 2016 to register with Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).

Starting last month, Kasafi released the first tranche of subsidies to registered tribes and groups to augment the expenses for Ati-Atihan costumes. Tribal big will get P47,000; tribal small will receive P30,000 while modern group will get P18,000 and Balik-Ati will take home P23,500.

Tribes and groups are required to submit their registration form, list of tribe members/drummers and marshalls, valid identification document of tribe leader, president or founder, pictures of tribe/group Ati-Atihan costumes and a signed memorandum of agreement before Kasafi will release the subsidies in full.