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Exploring the rugged charm of Antique
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With its peaceful scenery and laid-back vibe, Antique in Panay is an ideal destination for exhausted city dwellers. Facing the Sulu Sea to the west and Iloilo to the east, this Western Visayan province gets its rugged charm from being isolated from the rest of Panay island. Its view of the mountain range and calming water is perfect for those who wish to get away from it all. Antique gets its name from the large red ants called hantik, but this place has plenty more than ants to offer. This low-profile vacation spot actually has several activities to choose from—for adventure-seekers and beach bums alike.
Only a couple of hours by land from Kalibo, Antique has a breathtaking view of mountains and rivers. You could enjoy simple pleasures, like a cool drink of freshly-made sugarcane juice, or try out a different kind of therapy at a fish spa.
But if your goal is to do as much as you can in a couple of days, you can follow the footsteps of Weekend Warriors Kris Luego and Mel Bueno featured recently on GMA News TV’s “Weekend Getaway.” The couple bonded as they worked up an appetite while kayaking, then ate to their hearts' content as they sampled the fresh local dishes. Despite not being able to complete all the challenges, they were still able to see and do a lot in Antique.
A kayak trip and a hot bath
The trip began with a kayaking adventure down the Tibiao River. Bugtong Bato Falls is one of Tibiao's 17 waterfalls, and its waters rush down to the river, making it perfect for kayaking.
"Hindi ako natatakot doon sa tubig. Natatakot ako doon sa bato-bato. Kahit mababaw siya, puro bato-bato. Natatakot lang na bumangga, ganyan," says Mel. Fortunately, the confident Kris easily got the hang of kayaking, and even Mel found herself enjoying at the end. "Nakita ko na sasabay ka sa agos tapos kaunting paddle lang, and then ‘yun na, makakapunta ka na sa baba," says Kris.
As the couple experienced, kayaking isn't so hard, even for first-timers. But for those who really aren't up to the challenge, simply wading in the natural pool is an option.
After kayaking, the Weekend Warriors were treated to an unusual Antiqueño practice—the kawa hot bath at the Tibiao river. 
After shooting the rapids at Tibiao River, sit in a giant "wok" for a hot bath.
According to Antiqueño folktales, captured aswangs are cooked in a kawa ("big wok" in Hiligaynon). The practice is now a tourist attraction for kayakers. After conquering the rapids, sitting in a giant wok of hot water may seem like a strange way to cool down, but it's surely unforgettable. How often does one get the chance to be cooked? After being "cooked," the Weekend Warriors tried being eaten—by tiny fish. After making sure their feet were chemical-free, Kris and Mel dipped their feet into a basin of "thera-fish," which eat the dead skin cells from your feet.After shooting the rapids at Tibiao River, sit in a giant "wok" for a hot bath. Although the idea of having fish nibble at your feet may not appeal to you, you might be surprised. Although it was ticklish at first, Mel says the fish spa turned out to be enjoyable. "Naging excited din kami tapos ano, ayun, masarap siya. Nung una, nakakakiliti siya. Sobrang nakakakiliti pero habang tumatagal masarap na siya," says Mel.
Checkered patadyong
A trip to Antique won't be complete without a visit to the weavers in Bugasong, where they make the checkered patadyong, a signature product of Panay Island. Kris and Mel not only saw the process but tried it themselves, and realized how much time and effort it takes to make a single piece. "Nasubukan namin tapos hindi pala ganun kadali iyon. Ang tagal i-proseso. Sa isang araw, apat na scarf lang ang magagawa nila so isipin mo, isang araw, proseso ka ng proseso ng scarf tapos ang hirap nun!" says Kris.
On the other hand, Mel observes that it's not that difficult—it just takes a lot of time. "Kung gaano katagal mo uulit-ulitin ang paghabi ng sinulid ... So ‘yun kaya naman siya eh. Pero bago ka makagawa ng isang shawl, sobrang tagal nga lang," says Mel.
Before leaving, they paid a visit to one of Antique's historical sites, where the first Malay settlers arrived in the 13th century. The landing is commemorated in the annual Binirayan Festival in April, but the spot is worth visiting even on a regular day.
"Wow parang napaka-historical na place iyon. Dapat puntahan ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino. Kung wala ang barangay na iyon, hindi mabubuo ang Pilipinas," says Kris.
Of course, no vacation is complete without sampling local delicacies, and the couple feasted on Antiqueño favorites like subingan. "'Yung sangkap nila, puro natural eh," says Mel.
The Weekend Warriors also tried their hand in the sangya-sangya, a local bayanihan method where twelve men help each other pull a 15-meter net in order to catch fish which they distribute among their families. If they are able to catch more than enough, they can sell the extra fish. "Na-a-amaze ako sa kanila kasi alam mo iyon, hindi tayo sanay sa ganung hanapbuhay araw-araw pero sila parang kinakaya nila araw-araw," says Mel. –KG, GMA News
“Weekend Getaway,” hosted by Drew Arellano, is a reality-travel show for real weekend warriors. It airs Fridays at 10:00 PM on GMA News TV Channel 11.
