Feature:

Estaka Hill narrates vital details of Antique’s history

By Pepin

Sitting high above the sea, Estaka Hill has served many purposes in the past and became a witness of how brave and strong-minded the forefathers of Bugasong, Antique were.

The rich history reflected on its huge and mucky stones is more than just a tale of victory. Estaka was once a sanctuary of people living in fear and pains of war. It is also where valiant warriors of the town would sharpen their arrows and wedges, and prepare a combat plan against the Moro tribe.

The winding path leading to
the hill top.

Overlooking the blue sea, this present-day landmark was also a watch tower. Locals would often share that whenever an opponent’s sea vessel was spotted afar, a signal will be transmitted to the bell-ringer of the town church, which in turn will toll a very large bell to warn all people of possible attacks. Unfortunately, the bell was stolen from the town a long time ago and it is still missing up to this date.

Today, a robust pile of colossal stones still supports Estaka Hill. The local government made some renovations on the site, turning it into a watch pad, where tourists can have a breathtaking view of the entire town of Bugasong and the mountainous landscape that surrounds it.