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| re-enactment of the Barter of Panay, photo courtesy of San Joaquin Iloilo FB Account |
The annual
celebration of Bayluhay Festival in San Joaquin, Iloilo continues to excite its
visitors and the experience is ever-changing. Celebrated this year on January
12-17, Bayluhay is highlighted by the tribe competition on January 15 at 2 p.m.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Iloilo FB Account |
Bayluhay features
dance and music that reflects a tradition of community cooperation and
celebration that began at least as early as the arrival of its permanent
settlers. They brought their traditions with them. Their rituals shown in their
dances have historically held an essential place in their culture and had
allowed visitors of the community to experience communion with each other.
The dances possess
many levels of meaning. Dancers perform solemn movements where each gesture has
significance such as honouring deities and ancestors, affecting weather
patterns, celebrating birth, grieving the dead, and seeking answers to complex
community dilemmas.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Iloilo FB Account |
The centerpiece of
the performances is based on folk history of the Maragtas legend on the Barter
of Panay believed to have taken place sometime in the 12th century with the
landing of the ten (10) Bornean Chieftains or "Datus" near the mouth
of Siwaragan River in San Joaquin. To escape from the cruelty and injustice of
their Bornean ruler Sultan Makatunaw, the datus headed by Datu Puti with their
families boarded their “binidays" (boats) and sailed out of Borneo not
knowing where to go. They were warmly
welcomed by the inhabitants of the island of Panay, the peace-loving Atis or
Aetas with their chieftain, Marikudo, and his wife Maniwangtiwang. Negotiations
were made of the entire lowland of the island to be taken over by the datus for
the price of a golden Saduk (hat), a Manangyad or a golden necklace and various
gifts. The transaction was successfully sealed in a place in Sinogbuhan, the
Imbidayan Rock. The Atis fled to the mountains. The datu leader, Puti continued
his voyage leaving the entire island to the leadership Sumakwel with his wife
Kapinangan. Sumakwel later on divided Panay into three: Irong-irong (Iloilo),
Hamtic (Antique), and Aklan. Irong-irong was given to the leadership of
Paiburong. The island lived in peace and prosperity until the arrival of
Spaniards authorities.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Iloilo FB Account |
Bayluhay celebrates
our rich culture, traditions, proud people and enlightenment spanning many
years. Our culture or tradition cannot be complete without us tracing the
origin of our people that practise the culture. We must not only follow but
also preserve them, both for our identity and for our coming future.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Iloilo FB Account |
Make San Joaquin
your destination for a unique and fun-filled family outing or bring your
friends to experience Spanish heritage as it is preserved by the community
today. Whether your visit is a family stopover or a couple’s weekend get-away,
the Camposanto at the Catholic Cemetery, Catholic Church, Garinfarm and Marine
Sanctuaries are must-sees. San Joaquin is the perfect destination for an
enjoyable driving holiday.
To get to San
Joaquin, the last municipality in the southern district of Iloilo Province, one
can take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter
Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo or at the market terminal
along Mabini St. in Iloilo City. Metered taxis are also available. For more
information, please contact Mrs. Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at
09498309171.
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