San Joaquin, Iloilo, already renowned
for its strong cultural ties, its vivacious colours and lively music, Bayluhay tend
to pull out all the stops when it comes to festivals. From days of traditional bull
fighting and special events, the town immerses its visitors to its rich local
culture, a beautiful expression of the town’s unique character.
Bayluhay, to be set this
year on January 18 (Thursday) at 2 p.m. draws on diverse cultural traditions. It
showcases a mixture of indigenous rituals and local traditions and customs. These
include the native culture of the Borneans that inhabited the area prior to the
arrival of the Spanish whose presence derives from a long history of Christianization.
Bayluhay, coined
from the Hiligaynon word Baylo
meaning to barter or to exchange is an annual tribal dance competition that highlights
the folk history of the re-enactment of the historic barter based on the
Maragtas Legend. It was said that sometime between the 13th and 15th century,
ten Shri-Vijayan Datus led by the Sultanate Minister Datu Puti, together with
Datus Bangkaya, Dumalugdog, Sumakwel,
Lubay, Paiburong, Dumangsil, Balensusa, Paduhinog and Dumangsol, along with
their families and followers boarded their balangays or boats and sailed across
the Sulu Sea on their quest for the Promise Land.
The group skirted to
the southern tip of the island of Panay and landed in Siruanga (Siwaragan River
in San Joaquin) where they met the Ati (Aeta) Chieftain Marikudo and his wife
Maniwantiwang. They had peaceful
intentions with the natives, and later entered into a trade alliance and
negotiated the purchase of Panay Island. The Borneans bartered the lowlands,
plains and valleys for a golden Salakot and a Manangyad or golden necklace said
to have touched the ground. After the transaction was sealed, the Atis were
believed to have retired to the mountains and the Malay took complete control
of the lowlands.
The performance also
explores on the rich ancient rituals practised by our early ancestors who
believe that Spirits dwell in many natural features such as trees, rivers and mountains
that is why various forms of offerings were made to appease the spirits. Places
where malign spirits were believed to dwell were avoided. The preservation of
these traditions were observed spirituality and in their communal way of life.
Bayluhay is San
Joaquin’s annual appreciation and recognition of its historic past. Every Ilonggo
must celebrate it to honour our rich culture and tradition. It is our way to
connect to our past that had made us what we are today.
San Joaquin is a
Second Class municipality, the last town south of the province. It is 85-
kilometer away or an hour and twenty minute drive from the city. With a total
land area of 23,135 hectares, the town is subdivided into 85 barangays.
To get to San
Joaquin, visitors 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 Erlyn Alunan – Municipal
Tourism Officer at 09085129189.
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