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New Gen’s Charcool: Reinventing the Ati-Atihan Tradition with Innovation

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By Rev. Fr. Jayvee Delos Santos

The Ati-Atihan Festival, a deeply cherished celebration honoring the Sto. Niño, has long been defined by its unique tradition of “buling”—the act of painting one’s face and body black using soot.

This practice, a symbol of devotion to the Child Jesus and a tribute to the Ati people, has connected generations to the cultural and spiritual roots of Aklan. Yet, as the festival evolved, so too have the challenges of preserving its authenticity.

This year, we embarked on a journey to address these challenges. Collaborating with chemist Raymond J. Sucgang, a fellow Aklanon, we developed New Gen’s Charcool, a modern reimagination of the traditional buling. This innovative formula blends science with tradition, creating a safe, practical, and sustainable alternative for festival participants.

The Science Behind the Tradition Traditional buling, while symbolic, often comes with issues like skin irritation, fading due to sweat or rain, and difficulty in removal.

New Gen’s Charcool addresses these problems by incorporating: Skin-Friendly Ingredients: A hypoallergenic formula enriched with humectants to keep the skin moisturized. UV Protection: Built-in sunscreen shields participants from harmful ultraviolet rays during outdoor festivities. Water-Resistance with Easy Removal: Sweat and rain no longer wash away the buling, yet it can be effortlessly cleaned with soap and water. Hydration Retention: By preventing transepidermal water loss, the new buling keeps the skin healthy throughout the festival.

Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation In this endeavor, we remained steadfast in honoring the cultural essence of the festival. As my grandmother often reminded me, “The Ati in Ati-Atihan should always be black, not blue or any other color.” This principle guided us in ensuring that the New Gen’s Charcool retains the traditional black hue while introducing modern conveniences. A Testament to Faith and Heritage Our seminary students from Sto. Niño Seminary played a crucial role in producing the new buling, integrating their vocational training with cultural immersion.

This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival while fostering a sense of pride and responsibility for our heritage. The response to New Gen’s Charcool has been overwhelmingly positive. Local communities and tourists alike appreciate its ability to merge tradition with modern needs, ensuring that the Ati-Atihan Festival remains vibrant, authentic, and accessible for future generations.

Looking Ahead As the festival approaches, we envision a celebration that not only pays homage to our ancestors but also embraces the possibilities of the present. By integrating faith, culture, and science, we reaffirm that tradition can thrive in the modern era without losing its soul.

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About the Author Rev. Fr. Jayvee Delos Santos is a native of Boracay Island and an advocate for the integration of faith, culture, and science. He is the Human Formation Director of Sto. Niño Seminary and a proponent of sustainable development in Aklan, inspired by the principles of Laudato Si.