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Binirayan, meaning "where they landed," is a theatrical re-enactment of the landing and settlement of the 10 Bornean Datus in Barangay Malandog Hamtic, Antique in 1240. The Bornean Datus and their families, priests and birays (flotilla of colorful sailboats)--all portrayed by actors in full Malayan costumes--landing in the exact location where they originally anchored. The re-enactment is based on the Maragtas Legends, about how Bornean Datus led by Datu Puti and Datu Sumakwel fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw. According to the legend, they first landed in Sirwagan Creek in San Joaquin but found the land not suitable for farming, so they moved farther west and landed in Malandog. At that time Malandog was inhabited by the Ati. The Ati chieftain Marikudo welcomed the 10 Bornean datus and allowed them to stay. Such generosity was gifted with a golden salakot and necklace. This gesture of friendship was later written in books and many literary works as "The Barter of Panay." The Binirayan is one big drama, the setting is the sea and the beach in Malandog, and the backdrop are Hamtic's mountains.
The re-enactment is the highlight of the Binirayan festival; other events include the Biray Fluvial Parade; the Bugal kang Antique Awards, recognizing outstanding Antiqueño Lin-ay kang Antique, a beauty pageant; and the Pasundayag, an agro-industrial trade fair and food festival.
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