SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – A symbol of pride and history now stands tall in Antique. On Monday, the province unveiled “Puloy,” the official mascot of the Binirayan Festival, a character that embodies Antique’s two great ancestors—the Ati and the Malay.
The launch of Puloy, along with the official theme song of the province, was the highlight of the Tourism Month Culmination Activity.
Antique Governor Paolo Everardo Javier invited visitors to experience the richness of the province’s culture through the Binirayan Festival.
“Through the Binirayan Festival, we are giving importance to those who have carried on or preserved our history and culture,” Javier said.
From Ati to Kalibugan: The Evolution of Puloy
According to Provincial Tourism and Culture Affairs Office volunteer consultant Celestino Dalumpines IV, Puloy was first introduced in 2010 as an Ati mascot during the time of then-Governor Exequiel Javier.
This year, Puloy takes on a new form—as a Kalibugan, symbolizing the union of Ati and Malay bloodlines, a reflection of Antique’s roots as the first Malay settlement in Panay.
Puloy wears a golden salakot, believed to be the gift of the Malays to the Ati upon their arrival. He also dons a chaleco, a headband, and carries an armor—symbols of courage, strength, and resilience passed down from Antique’s ancestors.
Honoring Champions of Culture
The program also paid tribute to Senator Loren Legarda, who received a prestigious award for her tireless efforts in promoting Antique’s arts, history, and culture.
Though unable to attend, her staff Rhoda Pon-an accepted the award on her behalf. Legarda has long championed the restoration of cultural treasures, including the Balay na Bato in San Jose de Buenavista, the Casa Tribunal in Patnongon, and the Baroque church in Anini-y.
A Festival of Heritage
The Binirayan Festival is more than a celebration—it is a reminder of where Antiqueños came from and how their history lives on. With Puloy leading the way, this year’s festivities promise not only color and music but also a deeper connection to the province’s proud ancestry.
