Fashion show with a purpose is now fully booked

KALIBO, Aklan- The anticipated Ati-atihan Fashion Festival, which kickstarts the two-week-long Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival on January 6, 2024, will be held at the historic and century-old Kalibo Bridge.

Already, Rhea Rose Meren, the Kalibo tourism officer, said that the sale of tickets is already closed.

To ensure smooth traffic in the area, the Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival 2024 (KAFEB), the organizing arm of the revelry, announced that the old Kalibo bridge will be closed down from 9:00 p.m. on January 5 until 11:00 p.m. on January 6.

“Attention Residents and Commuters.The Old Kalibo-Numancia Bridge will be temporarily closed starting tomorrow, January 5, 2024, from 9:00 PM until January 6, 2024, 11:00 PM. This closure is due to the Ati-Atihan Fashion Show 2024. Please plan your travel accordingly, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. Your cooperation is highly appreciated,” the KAFEB said.

Phats Dela Cruz Tambong, president of the Fashion and Design Council of Aklan Philippines Incorporated (FDACAPI), the said event was considered historic because it showcases the purpose of not only promoting the Akeanons but also raising awareness on the importance of history especially to that of Kalibo Bridge.

It is also the first time that the Kalibo Bridge is serving as the venue for the runway. The bridge is popular among Kalibonhons because it has a beautiful sunset view.

The Kalibo Bridge was constructed in the 1930’s and has survived several historic events in the province, especially the Japanese occupation of Aklan. The bridge also witnessed several tragedies, such as fires, earthquakes, super typhoons, and flash floods.

During the fashion festival, some 92 models will catwalk along the 430- meter runway with the elegant creations of Calivo Couture by Benj Dela Rosa, Peter RianCasidsid, Ryan Salazar Lopez, Phats Dela Cruz Tambong, Cherry Samuya Veric,Jeru Nabayra, and Nico Concepcion.