🏛️ Museo It Akean, Kalibo: A Glimpse into Aklan's Rich Heritage

Located in the heart of Kalibo, just beside the Kalibo Cathedral and near Pastrana Park, the Museo It Akean (also known as Museo de Akean) is a humble yet meaningful cultural treasure trove in the province of Aklan.

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📜 Aklan: The Oldest Province in the Philippines

As the oldest province in the country, Aklan is steeped in pre-colonial traditions and Spanish-era history. And Museo It Akean proudly preserves this heritage.

Inside, you’ll find:

• 🏺 Ancient jars and pottery
• 🧵 Handwoven piña textiles
• ⛪ Religious relics and icons from the Spanish era
• 📸 Memorabilia of Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes, a respected church leader who hailed from Aklan

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🚪A Visit... Cut Short

Unfortunately, the museum was closed during our visit. I only managed to admire the building’s heritage-inspired facade and take a few photos outside.

Still, this gave me one more reason to return to Kalibo—to finally explore the stories and artifacts housed inside the museum that reflect the soul of Akeanon identity.

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🗺️ Location & Nearby Spots

📍 Location: Museo It Akean, beside Kalibo Cathedral, near Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan
🕰️ Opening Hours: Usually open during weekdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (but may vary; check with local tourism office)
💡 TIP: Combine your museum visit with a walk around Pastrana Park or attend a Mass at Kalibo Cathedral.

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📚 Related Kalibo Attractions

• 🎄 Jojo’s Christmas Cottage
• 🌊 Bakhawan Eco-Park
• 🐚 Jawili Beach & Falls
• 🪨 AFGA Wave Rock Formation
• ⛪ St. John Nepomucene Church

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📣 Have you explored Museo It Akean?

Let us know what fascinated you the most! Or if you're planning to visit Kalibo, add this museum to your itinerary for a meaningful cultural experience. 💬
#AklanHistory #MuseoItAkean #KaliboCulture

🌳 Pastrana Park, Kalibo – A Quiet Corner of History in the Heart of Town

If you’re exploring Kalibo, you’ll likely pass by Pastrana Park—and you should.

Located right across Kalibo Cathedral, this unassuming green space is more than just a public park. It’s a living witness to Aklan’s deep history, home to local legends, and a peaceful place where locals gather to relax, play, and celebrate.

🏨 Kalibo Hotel Review – Budget-Friendly Stay Near Kalibo Airport

🛏️ A Comfortable and Affordable Stay in Kalibo

Looking for a convenient and affordable place to stay in Kalibo?

🛬 Whether you're just passing through on your way to Boracay or planning to explore Aklan’s rich culture, Kalibo Hotel offers a cozy, budget-friendly option just minutes from the airport. 🏨✨

⛪ Kalibo Cathedral – A Sacred Landmark Honoring St. John the Baptist

If you’re visiting Kalibo, a stop at the Kalibo Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is a must—not just for its spiritual importance, but also for its historic and cultural value. 🌿

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🕍 A Church Built Through Time

Kalibo Cathedral was originally located in Barrio Laguinbanwa, Numancia, but was transferred to its current location and constructed in 1804.

Following a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake, the cathedral underwent a major reconstruction between 1993 and 1997. You can still see traces of its story today—new bricks alongside remnants of the old—quietly blending history and renewal on its walls.

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🙏 Honoring Two Patrons: Sto. Niño and St. John the Baptist

Though Kalibo is most famous for the Ati-Atihan Festival, which honors the Sto. Niño, the cathedral's principal patron is actually St. John the Baptist, whose feast is celebrated every June 24.

✨ A lesser-known but deeply spiritual part of the church is the Shrine of Sto. Niño, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every January. I wasn’t able to get a good look at the shrine during my visit—it was mass time, and the church quickly filled with locals eager to get a seat.

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🙋‍♀️ My Experience: Mass in Aklanon

Attending mass here was a unique cultural experience. The mass was celebrated in Aklanon, and while I understood a few words, the homily mostly escaped me. That’s always a challenge when traveling to provinces with their own dialects—but it’s also part of the charm.

⏱️ Tip: If you're not from the area and plan to attend a mass, try coming early. Locals rush in to get seats, and the cathedral can get crowded fast!

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📍 How to Get There

🛺 From anywhere in Kalibo, you can simply hop on a tricycle and say “Cathedral”—everyone knows where it is.

📌 It's located:

• Beside Museo it Akean
• Right across Pastrana Park
• 🏨 About 5 minutes from Kalibo town proper
• 🚶‍♀️ Just 10 minutes’ walk from Kalibo Hotel

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💡 Tips for Visitors

✅ Visit outside mass hours for quiet exploration and photos
✅ Pair your trip with visits to Museo It Akean & Pastrana Park (all walking distance)
✅ Be respectful—this is an active place of worship
✅ Wear proper attire if you’re entering the church

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📸 What Makes It Special

• Blended old and new architecture
• Quiet but deeply revered shrine to Sto. Niño
• Heart of Kalibo’s religious heritage
• A central place for community gatherings, especially during major feasts

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📣 Kalibo Cathedral isn't just a religious structure—it's a spiritual home, a historical witness, and a center of local devotion. Whether you're there to pray, attend mass, or explore the area, there's something profoundly calming about being within its walls.

🕯️ Take a moment. Light a candle. Soak in the silence. You might just find something you're not even looking for.

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✨ Stop by Kalibo Cathedral and let the town’s deep faith and heritage leave a lasting impression on your journey.