Philippines history would tell us that wars between Spanish authorities and the Moros started in the 1500s and lasted until the 1800s and that Spain initiated such conflict in order to put the country under its rule.

This resulted to Moros pillaging Spanish towns in some Philippine islands to retaliate. To protect themselves from such attacks, Spaniards built fortifications and watch towers around Panay.

In Iloilo, there are numerous watch towers called "bantayan" in the northern and southern areas. Each tower was placed at an interval along the borders and it was within sight of the next one. Those manning the towers had a simple signalling system.

Forced labor was employed in building these "bantayan". In Iloilo, the stones were quarried in the mountains of Leon and Alimodian. They were also used to construct churches in order to serve as fortresses like the ones in Miag-ao, Pavia and Dumangas where bells were rung to warn the natives to flee and hide in safe places.

The town of Guimbal also has watch towers as well as a church and stone bridge.

Twenty nine kilometres south from Iloilo City, Guimbal got its name from "guimba", a musical instrument. The Spaniards discovered the settlers using this instrument to warn the people of the raiding Moro pirates who used to loot the town, capture the natives and sold them as slaves in Mindanao. To show gratitude to the instrument, the inhabitants named their settlement as Guimbal.

The town had four watch towers located in different sites along the shoreline area of the poblacion. They lasted for centuries, but only three remained.

To celebrate the town's identity, they hold the Bantayan Festival. The tribe presentations depict the battle between the natives and the Moros. The prominent props are the "guimba" and the watch tower. To give their presentation more color, the tribe perform theatrical dances.

Tomorrow, April 10, the Bantayan Festival opens with a Food Festival and Agro Fair, Opening Parade, Drum and Float Competition, Street Dancing Competition and Search for Miss Bantayan Festival. On April 11, there will be a Disco Derby; April 12, Boat Racing, Porma Balas, Pinta Lawas, Fluvial Parade, Re-enactment of the Moro Raids and the 7th Bantayan Video Festival; April 13, Musical Concert with Artists featuring Khalil Ramos, Buildex and Krissel with comedian guests; and April 14, Tribal Dance-Drama Competition and Fireworks Competition.*