Visayas - Philippine Destinations



The major islands in Visayas are: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar.




There are legends, which are compiled in the book Maragtas, which tell the story of ten chiefs or datus who escaped from the tyranny of Datu Makatunaw from Borneo to the islands of Panay. The chiefs and followers are believed to be the ancestors of the Visayan people. The arrival is celebrated in the Festivals of the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan and Binirayan in San Jose, Antique.


While these are stories, they are believed by some to be based on actual facts and events which were compiled into a 1907 book by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro. This belief has been debunked, however, by Philippine historian William Scott.


Panay also boasts as its oldest and longest epic, the Hinilawod.




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