Ati-atihan Festival Fashion Show: A Blessing or a Curse?

By Jun N. Aguirre

After Akeanons saw the first ever Kalibo Ati-atihan Fashion Show, there were mixed reactions, especially when models were made to catwalk along the 430-meter Kalibo Old Bridge in the midst of the pouring rain.

Many Akeanons have raised eyebrows at the venue, thinking that the event was cursed.

For me, the models and the designers deserved respect because, first and foremost, they had exemplified the Akeanon culture. That has been the local battle cry of many for decades: ‘Hala Bira Puwera Pasma!’

For the old folks, they believed that the Kalibo Sto. Nino Festival is a time where we express ourselves no matter how, no matter if there is a downpour of rain, no matter what the circumstances involved.
The models just did the ati-atihan tradition of expressing elegance, continuing the catwalk despite the rain. After all, any catwalk is not a ‘walk in the park’ scenario.

For some viewers, the models may get sick because of their performances. There is right now a nationwide threat of the possible emergence of the COVID virus.

But for models, especially those of the Modele d’Aklan, they consider it a breakthrough in their careers. For one, they know they have taken part in history. But foremost, modeling along the downpour of rain adds to their portfolios.

Many of the models involved in the event aspire to become international models in the future. Their aspirations were boosted by the participation of some fashion designers already involved in the international fashion show arena.
Among them was Cherry Veric of Ibajay, Aklan. Veric, in 2016, was nominated for the Asian Top Fashion Haute Couture Designer of the Year.

Many international fashion shows around the world have already started on the catwalks in the downpour of rain. Prior to the event, the Fashion Design Council of Aklan, during the initial preparations, had already prepared for eventualities during rains.

And for the models who bravely stood their ground, we do not know what was in their hearts during the catwalk. What is sure is that many of them offer their experience as part of their devotion to the Sto. Nino Child Jesus.

Even though they may get sick because of the catwalk, deep in their hearts, they believe Sto. Nino will bless them soon!

Hala Bira! Viva kay Sr. Sto. Nino!