Antique is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is San Jose and is located at the western portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo to the east. Antique faces the Sulu Sea to the west.

 

Antique was one of the three old sakups (districts) of Panay before the Spanish colonizers arrived in the islands. The Antique was then known as Hantik, which was named after the large red ants found on the island, called hantik. The Spanish chroniclers, however, recorded it as "Hantique" in the French manner. Later, the initial "h" was dropped, and the name officially became "Antique."

People and culture

 

People and Culture

 

 

Antiqueños are very hospitable people who would go out of their way to extend assistance to visitors and guests. These seafaring people share many characteristics with their Panay neighbors. However, the steep slopes and the rugged, long mountain ranges of Antique have isolated it from the rest of Panay. Hence, they have developed their own distinct language called Kinaray-a.

 

The Catholic Church holds a very strong influence on Antiqueños. For centuries, 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.

 

Even today, the Catholic Church remains influential in both the society and politics of the province. However, in the mountains, remnants of ancient folk beliefs persists.

 

Source:

Wikipedia