At the town plaza is the welcoming statue of Evelio B. Javier, the late governor of the province and beloved hero of the Antiquenos.
Find also the Antique National School, where old buildings used as garrison of the Japanese soldiers during World War II and where many Antiquenos were quartered as prisoners, are now replaced by new ones.
Year founded: 1733 Land Area: 4,450 Hectares Classification: 3rd Class Municipality No. of Barangays: 28 Barangays Zip Code : 5700
Long time ago when the Spaniards arrived in Hamtic, they began exploring the place. In their wanderings, they came upon a beautiful place with wide plains and beautiful view. Because of this, they called the place “Buen Vista” meaning beautiful. Later, they transferred the capital from Hamtic to this place and called it “Buenavista”.
One day, there was an earthquake and a tidal wave was approaching shores to cover the capital. To the people's wonder, there suddenly appeared a long bearded man with a cane who stopped the huge wave. Many people who saw this thought he was a parish priest, but to their great amazement, the parish priest was right among them looking at the strange figure. This parish priest told the people that the man they have seen was the figure of Saint Joseph. He therefore ordered the people to give thanksgiving to the Saint who saved the town.
Not long after the miraculous tidal wave incident, some Moro vintas were seen again close to the shores to raid and invade the capital. Again, a long bearded man with a cane drove the Moro Vintas away. All the natives and the Spaniards believed that it was Saint Joseph. From then on the place was called “San Jose de Buenavista” in honor of the saint who saved them twice.
Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park Old Capitol Building Evelio B. Javier Memorabilia (New Capitol) ADF (Handicrafts) Kamea Beach Resort San Jose Beaches Piedra's Restaurant Binirayan Hills San Pedro Old Church
San Jose de Buenavista is accessible via Asian Spirit 3 times a week from Manila and from the major cities in the country through Iloilo City. It’s a-two-hour ride from Iloilo by choice from various buses plying the route. Or you can take a longer route via Kalibo passing through the northern municipalities of Antique.
