Many historians, if not all, disregard the authenticity of the said event. There was no written account and no significant proof to solidify the claim. Hence I classify it for myself as mere myth or legend. To the uninitiated, this is the story...
Aetas used to roam in the lowlands of Panay...
Legend claims that they were ruled by an Ati Chief that goes by the name of Marikudo together with his wife, Maniwantiwan (Maniwangtiwang).
Datu Puti and his wife, Pinangpangan, and the nine other datus, namely Sumakwel, Dumangsil, Lubay, Balkasua, Bangkaya, Paiburong, Dumangsul, Dumalugdog and Paduhinog, with their respective wives and subordinates arrived in boats called the Balangay (Baeangay).
Instead of waging war to conquer the island, they made peaceful negotiations with the Ati Chief Marikudo.
Several offerings by the Bornean settlers were given to them, namely of bales of cloth, precious jewels, a golden salakot and trinkets for Maniwangtiwang, and other material objects.
The Aetas accepted the gifts and decided to live in the hinterlands of Panay and let the new settlers inhabit the lowlands and the coast.To show their appreciation and to symbolize ther solidarity with the Aeta's, the Borneans smeared their skin with soot to look like the Aeta's to further befriend their hosts while dancing to the beat and music of the native drums, drinking and merrymaking until the wee hours of the morning
One day...
The Spaniards arrived in the island, and they introduced Christianity to the natives. They were converted during the Feast of the Holy Child (Sto. Niño). Merrymaking, dancing, singing, and also shouting "Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!" (Long live the Holy Child!) followed. And according to the legend, this is how the Ati-atihan started and it evolved to the Ati-atihan we know and love today.
