Visayas - Philippine Destinations

Visayas

Visayas is one of the three island groups in the Philippines, along with Luzon and Mindanao. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea. Its inhabitants are referred to as the Visayans.

The major islands in Visayas are: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar.

 

Culture

 

There are legends, which are compiled in the book Maragtas, which tell the story of ten chiefs or datus who escaped from the tyranny of Datu Makatunaw from Borneo to the islands of Panay. The chiefs and followers are believed to be the ancestors of the Visayan people. The arrival is celebrated in the Festivals of the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan and Binirayan in San Jose, Antique.

 

While these are stories, they are believed by some to be based on actual facts and events which were compiled into a 1907 book by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro. This belief has been debunked, however, by Philippine historian William Scott.

 

Panay also boasts as its oldest and longest epic, the Hinilawod.

 

Source:

Wikipedia

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