Before the creation of San Jose de Buenavista into what it is today, let us know how it became one of the prosperous towns of Antique.

The myth of the town – origin of San Jose de Buenavista

There was no place called San Jose de Buenavista at that time. The place was called Tubigon because it was under water. Tubigon was still a part of Hamtic – formerly named of Antique and because there is no parish priest of its own, people went to Maybato to hear mass.

The church was a big stone edifice, which gave the name “Maybato” to its vicinity. It was in 1733 when San Jose, formerly called “Tubigon” was founded and in 1790, it acquired its land title through land grants issued by the then Governor-General Carlos Benequer de Marquina. Afterwards, it became a regular “curra” or parish having its first “curra paroco” or parish priest, Fr. Manuel Ibañes, OSA.

In 1872, San Jose became a town. Then in 1902, it was made the capital of the Province of Hantique (Antique). Government officials and church dignitaries came by boat to attend the ceremonies. Impressed by the marvelous view of the town, they added to the name San Jose, the word “de Buenavista,” (meaning beautiful view) Hence, the present name, “San Jose de Buenavista.”

The overflowing bounty of nature – Tourism at San Jose

San Jose de Buenavista offers an array of activities of great interest to both local and foreign tourists. Started in 1971, it is now attracting the attention of Filipino and foreigners alike.

To add to the rich history of San Jose are the blends of the old and new faces of the town to include:

• the Old Capitol Building
• Evelio B. Javier Memorabilia (New Capitol)
• ADF Handicrafts; Piedra's Restaurant
• La Granja & Binirayan Hills
• the San Pedro Old Church

EBJ Freedom Park

The park is located in front of the Antique Provincial Capitol building in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. The Sangguiang Panlalawigan of Antique on behalf of the entire Antiqueño citizenry officially christens the place Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park. On the park found a marker which reads: a fitting tribute to a man who has done so much, not only for the people of Antique, but the entire Filipino nation, in pursuit of justice, freedom, dignity, democracy and peace. The marker also marks the spot where the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier was first shot by the forces of evil on February 11, 1986.

Camp Autajay

Sometimes called Piña beach by the people, it is five kilometers away from San Jose town. It is a 10-hectare lot located along the beach, with an orchard array of narra and mahogany trees, nipa sheds, benches and cottages. The place is ideal for camping, live-in seminars of conferences where one can go swimming, set bonfire, climb trees, pick fruits or play during leisure hours.

Festivals

Antique's celebration of the Binirayan Festival is being conducted every April 30 to May 2 of every year. It's a theatrical presentation commemorating the landing of the ten Malay datus in Malandog, Hamtic, Antique in the middle of the 13th century to set up the first Malayan settlement or barangay in this country. San Jose celebrates its religious fiesta every 1 May to honor its Patron St. Joseph the Worker.

Every year people of San Jose de Buenavista celebrate Tiringbanay Festival just to go home to their families and friends and celebrate. Celebrated from April 30- May 1, the town folks commemorate the event to trace back their history as a people and converge for renewal of commitment as a community of responsible men and women in honor of their patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker. Tiringbanay comes from the word tiringub or ‘to be together’.

How to get there

San Jose de Buenavista is accessible via passenger plane, Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit), three times a week from Manila, and from the major cities in the country through Iloilo City. From Iloilo, it's a two-hour ride by bus or van. A longer route can be taken via Kalibo, Aklan passing through the northern and central municipalities of Antique. Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) buses have daily Manila-Antique back and forth trips that passes through the provinces of Batangas and Mindoro and in Malay Aklan where the famed Boracay island is.

Accommodations

• Centillion House 2000 - Location: Bantayan St., San Jose, Antique

• La Vita Resort and Restaurant - Location: Madrangca Area, San Jose, Antique

• Barrio House Resort and Training Center - Location: Brgy. Dalipe, San Jose, Antique

• Binirayan Cottages - Location: Santillan Subdivision, Binirayan, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique

• Pinnacle Suites & Functions - Location: AML Building, Cor. Dalipe – Atabay St.San Jose, Antique