Initially, our visit to Antique was meant to be brief. We had flown over to witness a performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. Though seeing as it was the weekend, we found it fit to tag along another day to see what sights Antique had to offer. It was a decision we did not come to regret, as the sights and stops we made were well worth our time. Here are some highlights from our visit that breathe life into the province.

While a regular visit to Antique could be done through a direct flight, we took the longer route by arriving in Iloilo and going on a road trip to maximize our sightseeing. It’s a four- to five-hour drive, but there’s an endless charm in peering out a vehicle’s window and seeing vast fields, carabaos bathing in muddy waters, and an abundance of trees covering mountains in the distance. Our first stop was Camiña Balay nga Bato, a 160-year-old heritage house where we had our lunch. We had our fill of batchoy and other local dishes, with the signature Pork Binuog entree being a fan favorite. Before leaving, we helped ourselves to a cup of their tablea chocolate to warm us up for the rest of the drive.

As we arrived in Antique, our first stop was the restored bahay na bato known as the Casa Gella-Agurin. It is estimated to have been built 200 years ago and was originally owned by a Spanish family before being turned over to Dr. Raymundo Azurin. In World War II, the house was used as a Japanese garrison and, in later years, was used as a medical facility to treat wounded Filipino soldiers and civilians. There are various artworks and two traditional weaving machines inside for guests to admire. After touring the house, you can also swing by next door to Antojitos Cafe for a refreshing drink and some snacks.

Another worthwhile stop was the restored Old Capitol Building in San Jose de Buenavista. Here you’ll find the National Museum of the Philippines San Jose de Buenavista branch, which showcases various local textiles. By the entrance, you’ll also find the Tindahang Lokal, where anyone can buy indigenous crafts and goods. There is also a library on the second floor for those who wish to research or read for leisure.

The next day, we went to check out various artisan communities. In Barangay Bari, Sibalom, we met with local potters who demonstrated the delicate process that goes into making pottery. These artists learned their crafts from previous generations, with some tools even being passed down from their ancestors. Works of students from the nearby school are also on display. Afterwards, we made our way to a cotton processing center and the Parangabuhian weaving and dyeing center to see different types of fabrics made by locals. We also visited a natural dye hub branch put up by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute, where we learned how natural resources are used to create colorful fabrics. A little bit later in the day, we visited another Tindahang Lokal branch and were greeted by a performance from local musicians. One of the performers, Liberato Ibon, serenaded us with an unusual instrument referred to as “ngotngot.” He claims his father created the stringed instrument, and he learned to play by watching him.

Once it was time to fly back, there was a lingering thought of wanting to return to Antique once more to see more of what it has to offer. Even in just a short weekend stay, the various sights and the local culture we were exposed to were enough to leave irreplaceable memories. Certainly, it’s a testament to how Antique holds itself as a cultural gem worth seeking out.