Antique

[[file:Antique WV Banner.jpg|1280px|Hamtic Cemetery Chapel, Hamtic, Antique}}

Note: For the topic, see Art and antiques shopping.

Antique is a province on the island of Panay in the Philippines.

Cities

San Jose de Buenavista and the capital

More Destinations

About Antique

Antique got its tagline "Where the mountains meet the sea" because of the relatively short distance between its mountains and its coast, which lies parallel to it. Just like its highland attractions and there's absolutely a lot to explore in Antique's long coastal area aside from providing an unobstructed view of the sunset. On the souhern most tip of Antique is Nogas Island, an uninhabited 26-hectare marine and bird sanctuary.

According to oral history, related as the legend of Maragtas, Antique is believed to be the landing site of ten Bornean Datus who escaped persecution from Sri-Vishaya, a Hindu-Malay empire that existed from the 7^th to the 14^th century in Borneo and Sumatra. There they met the Negrito/Ati (earliest settlers of Panay) chieftain Marikudo. They bought the island from the chieftain for a golden saduk (headpiece or helmet) and a golden necklace, among other gifts and the event has been known as the "Barter of Panay". The Negritos then retreated to the mountains, while the Borneans settled in the lowlands. Today and the landing is commemorated every year in Antique in the Binirayan festival on the month of April with highlights on April 27 to 29.

The Antiqueños are noted for their industry. They are famous weavers throughout the Visayas. The Bugasong patadyong, a tube cotton fabric of plaid design, is highly valued because of its fineness of weaving. Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry. Muscovado sugar production is also a big industry in Antique, which has become an attraction of sorts because of Antique's native delicacies derived from muscovado sugar.

Local Languages

The people of Antique speak Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Tagalog and English. Kinaray-a is of Austronesian origins characterized by the predominancy of r's and schwa sounds spoken with a lilting gentle intonation.

Travel to Antique

Iloilo and Aklan are the gateways to Antique by land. It is also accessible from Palawan, Manila, Romblon and Mindoro by sea. Buses and Vans bound for San Jose and Libertad are stationed at the terminal in Molo District, Iloilo City. Transportation time from Iloilo City to the capital San Jose is 2-3 hours.

Transportation in Antique

It is feasible to get around Antique by Jeepney, trike(motorbike with sidecar) or hired cars. Foreign Muslims may be a little daunted at first by the Jeepney or trike but the drivers are experienced and charge very reasonable fares.

What to See

Batbat and Punta Coral Reefs in Barbaza and Seco Island in Tibiao feature unparalleled wonders of marine life. Antique's best kept secret though is the Caluya group of islands, with nautral beauty and resources that can easily compete with what the world famous Boracay can offer. Tourists that can bear the 3 hour travel to Caluya are rewarded with white, powdery sand beaches surrounded with pristine waters and diverse species of marine life that have not yet been touched with commercialism.

Another attraction in Antique is its historical sights. The Catholic Church holds a very strong influence on AntiqueÃ±os. For centuries and the churches were the physical vanguards of the people. Being a coastal province and having been vulnerable to attacks by Moro raiders, Antique was guarded by a series of watchtowers, like the 'Old Watchtower' in Libertad and Estaca Hill in Bugasong all of which were built under the direction of the Spanish friars. A lot of these legacy structures still stand as a reminder of Antique's history and culture.

Muslim Travel Tips

For the more aventurous, climbing Mt. Nangtud, considered as the highest peak in Panay, offers a great view and the experience of discovering unexplored sights. The rugged and varied land of Antique offers visitors a variety of exciting outdoor activities from white water kayaking and white river rafting in the northern town of Tibiao to rexaling in Sira-an Hot Springs of Anini-y, Antique's southernmost town.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Antique

People in Antique eat most dishes common to the rest of the Philippines however visitors should try 'Batchoy' which is a local Noodles dish in a Beef broth.

Stay Safe

Antique as with many parts of the Philippines, struggles with poverty so violent and financially motivated crime can happen. This can be avoided by staying near your travel party or guide and other common sense measures such as not venturing away from the beaten track during hours of darkness.

You should be sure to bring mosquito repellent because Antique has problems with mosquito bites and dengue fever, due to it being in quite a rural area. There is no universal health coverage so ensure that you travel with comprehensive travel health insurance. Hospital facilities are also a concern. The best hospital in Panay island is in Iloilo city, away from Antique.