Of course, no adventure is complete without tasting the local cuisine! Every time I travel to a new province, I make it a mission to try their specialties and well-known food spots. While we didn’t get to try everything, these restaurants were definitely worth the visit—and a few might even make you miss your flight (yes, really!).
"A heartfelt travel journal from my Palawan escape"
I’ve always had a soft spot for places that feel both peaceful and powerful—and Puerto Princesa gave me exactly that. It’s the kind of destination where history meets nature, where you can chase quiet sunsets after wild adventures, and where you’re constantly reminded that the Philippines is full of places still worth exploring.
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.
📜 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:
🚪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.
🗺️ 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.
📚 Related Kalibo Attractions
📣 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
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.
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. 🌿
🕍 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.
🙏 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.
🙋♀️ 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!
📍 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:
💡 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
📸 What Makes It Special
📣 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.
✨ Stop by Kalibo Cathedral and let the town’s deep faith and heritage leave a lasting impression on your journey.
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