Name: Rica P.

Claud Program and Year: BSN-1

Cultural Heritage of your respective places:

“Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan”

Local Heroes
There are no historical records that explain how Malay got its current name. However,
inherited beliefs reveal that it was derived from the word "MAEAY," which refers to a school of
exotic fish that abounds in the river adjacent to the first settlement area. During the Spanish
era, families like the Cajilig, Casidsid, Maglinte, Masangcay, Oczon, Omogtong, and Taunan
were concentrated in "PAHO," the current Catholic Cemetery. With its natural barriers, it was
an excellent choice for avoiding Moro pirates who frequented the area. The pacification of
these marauding activities triggered their relocation to the current town site.
Until its eventual creation as a Municipality, Malay was geographically and politically a
part of the Municipality of Buruanga, about ten (10) kilometers on its west border. The
people's participation in the selection of local head (Capitan Absolute) was duly respected.
Selected on alternative basis, the official seat varied likewise with the residence of the chosen
leader. The practice was observed from 1812 until 1858. After then, the local seat was
permanently transferred to Buruanga, succeeding leaders were relegated to the title of
Teniente Absolute.
Separation was a brainchild for then Municipal Secretary Geronimo SM. Aguirre in 1859.
But his cause watered down for lacking prominent sponsors. But the ardent desire to acquire
political sovereignty, social and economic advancements persisted despite of succeeding
colonial transition. In 1947, pioneering efforts of the late Arcadio Tandez and Alfredo Santa
Maria elicited support from the late Congressmen Jose M. Reyes and Cornelio T. Villareal of the
respective second and third Districts of Capiz through H.B. 1749. Its monumental significance
came into reality on June 15, 1949 through R.A. No. 381 signed by the late President Elpidio
Quirino, creating the Municipality of Malay.
Local Cuisines
Boracay, being one of the country’s best beach destination, is also a home to a must try
delicacies. As an island girl for as long as I can remember, food will always be an essential part
of the experience, and this Island offers you that and more. Suman is a popular delicacy in
Malay, Aklan. It is a rice delicacy made of steamed glutinous rice cooked with salt, wrapped in
buri palm leaves or other types of leaves such as banana, and cooked in coconut milk.
Sweetened or unsweetened rice can be used. Suman is traditionally served with sugar, into
which the consumer dips the rice cake. For added flavor, it is sometimes served with fresh ripe
mangoes. Suman easily satisfies hunger and is often heavy in the stomach, filling the consumer
up in just a few bites of the delectable rice cake. Also, suman has long been part of Filipino
Christmas celebrations and other celebrations, along with other kakanin variations. Most
Filipino homes make it a point to have suman on their tables during various occasions.
On the other hand, many people are unaware that even before Boracay became famous
internationally, there was a famous café shop here in Boracay since 1996 that sells Calamansi
Muffin, which is a hit with tourists. The flavor was a blend of tangy, sweet, and fruity aromas,
but what tourists love about it is the consistency of the muffin because it reminds them of how
the flavors resemble Boracay's atmosphere, where your taste buds want more. And most
importantly it’s a perfect pasalubong from every Boracay trip.

Festivities, tradition and beliefs

The name Boracay is attributed to different origins. One story says that it is derived from
the local word "borac" which means white cotton with characteristics close to the color and
texture of Boracay's white sugary and powdery sand. Another credits the name to local words
"bora," meaning bubbles, and "bocay," meaning white. Yet another version dating back to the
Spanish era says the name is derived from "sagay," the word for shell, and "boray," the word
for seed.
The first settlers of Boracay in Panay are called Negritos or Atis. Panay are then called
Land of the Atis. These Negritos are the indeginuous people of the Philippines and they farmed
and fished in Boracay for centuries. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Boracaynons or the people
of boracay, depended largely on fishing and coconut plantation. Copra, or dried meat of
coconut, was traded to businessmen from Aklan in exchange for rice and other goods and
commodities. Boracay became popular among Panay families in the 1960s and 1970s. The
island was introduced to the world when a German writer published a book about the
Philippines in 1978, detailing the history and beauty of Boracay. This marks the beginning of the
tourist "boom." Since then, the arrival of tourism has completely transformed Boracay. Tourists
began to arrive as word of its exceptional beauty spread, particularly the immaculate white
sands of White Beach. Boracay Island Island was transformed overnight from a sleepy, sparsely
populated island to a major international travel destination. Boracay was named the Best Island
in the World by international travel magazine Travel and Leisure in 2012.
Despite its popularity, the Malay Municipality's festivals and culture will never be
forgotten. The Fiesta de Obreros Festival, now in its 19th year, was celebrated in Mainland
Malay as well as on Boracay Island. The festival was the highlight of the annual Municipal and
Parochial Fiesta in honor of the Patron Saint Joseph the Worker. This also honors and pays
tribute to the hardworking laborers who work together to contribute to the municipality's
ongoing progress.
Boracay Island was originally home to the Ati tribe. And it has its “little” version of Ati-
Atihan Festivities which is traditionally held on a bigger scale in the mainland particularly the
capital of Kalibo in honor of the Holy Infant or Sto. Niño. Boracay Sto. Niño Ati-atihan is
celebrated in the most festive way, starts with a fluvial parade of the image of Sto. Niño at the
shores of Boracay, followed by a High Mass led by the Parish of the Most Holy Rosary at
Balabag Plaza. Locals and tourists darken their skin with soot to resemble the color of the
island's native Ati Tribe and dance to the beat of drums and other musical instruments during
the parade on Boracay Island's white beach. Some of the participating tribes dress up in colorful
costumes to represent their village, clan, and barangay, enticing spectators to join in the fun.
Through the celebration of Ati-Atihan, the festival aims to preserve tradition and culture.