Some of Antique’s timeless treasures include the Bugang River (declared as the cleanest river in the Philippines) and the ancient art of habol, weaving using wooden looms called tiral.

ANTIQUE

Raw Beauty Pure Pleasure

Flanked by the vast Sulu Sea on its western coast, the shores of the province of Antique hides some stunning, windswept islands.

Like a secret treasure chest waiting to be unearthed and opened, the province of Antique reveals its natural beauty only to the inveterate adventurer. And for those possessed of an enterprising spirit, its remote islands in the Sulu Sea wait to be explored and enjoyed.

Mararison Island, or Malalison Island, as Antiqueños call it, basks in the blue Sulu Sea. Only 2.4 kms. from the town of Culasi, it can be reached after a 15- to 20-minute ride on board an outrigger pump boat on days when the turquoise waters are calm and flat. Nestled along the jagged fringes are the island’s beaches—Mayanan Beach, Gitusan Beach, Luyo Beach, and Talisay Beach.

In the pebble-strewn beach of Gui-ob, divers can plunge to depths of up to 15 meters and explore the magnificent underwater canyons. On the eastern end, the Kawit Sandbar extends to the sea and arouses the desire to laze in the sparkling white sand.

Nearly 40 km southwest of Mararison Island, Seco Island rises from the depths like a mirage. Not even a proper island, Seco Island is a sharply curving sandbar with little vegetation and no inhabitants. Seco Island got its name from the word “siko,” which means “elbow” because its shape resembles an arm bent at the elbow.

Made up of fine, white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Seco Island has attracted both nature lovers and beach bums who want to get away from the noise and frenzy of modern civilization. Here, seated on the immaculate sand, one could feel alone and tiny enveloped in the blue vastness of sky and ocean.

While Antique’s isolation has inhibited rapid industrial development, it is also the very reason why much of Antique’s natural attractions have remained in a state of purity and natural condition.

On the immaculate sands of Antique's islands, the world-weary traveler is transported to a world of utter serenity and isolation.

Timeless Weaves

Time-honored traditions continue to live on and thrive in the island of Panay, and nowhere is this truer than in the ancient tradition of weaving. Every morning, a group of women in Bugasong would sit in front of their wooden handlooms to create the patadyong.

“Weavers from Aklan make piña cloth, those from Miagao, Iloilo create hablon. The Antique weavers weave the patadyong,” says Susan Marie Liao. “Patadyong is the end product of the process of habol, or weaving,” she explains.

She, along with her sister Kristine Marie Treñas, are the creative minds behind Designs by Marie, a brand dedicated to using the patadyong in innovative designs that would appeal to style-conscious modern young women.

The multipurpose tubular cloth has long been used as a wrap to conceal the body when bathing or washing clothes in the river. It was also used as a hammock, a bag, a turban, and a skirt. “It’s like the malong or sarong of Mindanao, although the patadyong is more colorful and richer in motif like flowers and patterns,” informs Liao.

Today, Designs by Marie employs 5 “Marie” weavers, 3 sewers, and 1 hand embroiderer who carry out the designs that would form the brand’s seasonal collection. “In 2015, we created Designs by Marie to cater to the modern Maria. Our brand offers trendy, casual apparel with simple, yet elegant designs and playful patterns,” explains Liao. Apart from apparel (blouses, tees, and girls’ clothes) Designs by Marie also produces household novelty items like placemats, coasters, napkins, and throw pillows.

“We want to empower the Antique weavers who are really in the forefront of our brand by giving them the chance to practice this time-honored craft and at the same time continue their livelihood,” she concludes.

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