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NEW GEN’S CHARCOOL : Reinventing the Ati-Atihan Tradition with Modern ‘Buling’

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Batan, Aklan- In a bid to preserve and modernize the rich cultural heritage of the Ati-Atihan Festival, Rev. Fr. Jayvee Delos Santos a tumandok of Boracay Island and the RJ Sucgang Center for Research in the Natural Sciences in Napti, Batan, Aklan, have unveiled New Gen’s Charcool, a reinvention of the traditional buling. Buling, derived from soot, has been a symbol of devotion during celebrations honoring the Child Jesus, particularly in the Ati-Atihan Festival.

Participants blacken their faces and bodies as a tribute to the Ati people and to emulate their traditions. However, the classic buling often posed challenges, such as causing itchiness, smudging easily with sweat or rain, and being difficult to remove post-celebration.

This year, Fr. Jayvee, deeply rooted in Aklan’s traditions, partnered with chemist Raymond J. Sucgang to address these issues while preserving the festival’s authenticity. Their collaboration birthed New Gen’s Charcool, a modern buling formulation that promises to enhance the Ati-Atihan experience.

As part of the initiative, Fr. Jayvee engaged seminarians from the Sto. Niño Seminary in Numancia, Aklan, in producing the new buling as part of their vocation campaign and training.

This hands-on involvement not only deepened their appreciation of the Ati-Atihan’s cultural and spiritual significance but also provided a unique learning experience that blends faith, tradition, and innovation.

The Science Behind New Gen’s Charcool. New Gen’s Charcool is a scientific breakthrough that ensures safety, comfort, and functionality: Non-Irritating and Skin-Friendly: The new buling is free of toxic ingredients, making it safe for all skin types.

It incorporates humectants, which attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple despite prolonged exposure to the sun. UV Protection: Sunscreens in the formulation shield participants from harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of sunburn during the outdoor festivities.

Water-Resistant Yet Easy to Remove: The reinvented buling resists sweat and rain, ensuring it stays intact throughout the celebrations. Yet, it can be easily washed off with soap and water, addressing a long-standing concern of festival-goers.

Prevention of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL): TEWL is the process by which water evaporates from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. New Gen’s Charcool prevents this by creating a protective barrier, ensuring the skin remains hydrated.

Honoring Tradition with Innovation Rev. Fr. Jayvee emphasized the cultural significance of retaining the traditional black buling, sharing a sentiment from his beloved grandmother:

“The Ati in Ati-Atihan should indeed be black, not blue or any other color.” This was a gentle critique of modern trends where festival-goers use brightly colored paints, deviating from the festival’s roots. “Our goal is to honor the past while embracing the future,” said Fr. Jayvee.

“New Gen’s Charcool ensures that the Ati-Atihan remains authentic, vibrant, and safe for everyone, especially the younger generation.” Raymond J. Sucgang, the chemist behind the formulation, expressed his pride in contributing to this cultural innovation.

“As a native of Batan, Aklan, it’s an honor to blend science with tradition. This formulation respects the legacy of our ancestors while addressing modern needs.” Reviving Cultural Pride New Gen’s Charcool has already garnered attention from locals and tourists alike, with many applauding the effort to preserve the authenticity of the festival while making it accessible and enjoyable for all participants. As the Ati-Atihan Festival draws near, the reinvented buling promises to bring a new level of vibrancy and cultural pride to the celebration of the Child Jesus.

With its innovative formulation, New Gen’s Charcool is set to become an essential part of Aklan’s most cherished tradition. In this fusion of faith, culture, and science, the Ati-Atihan Festival takes another step toward celebrating its rich heritage in a way that resonates with modern values while staying true to its roots.