THEREs a legend about a giant — or "higante" — who was slain while seeking revenge for his murdered bride. Afterward, his body was cut in half and thrown into the Visayan Sea, forming the two islands now known as Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. Another legend tells of coffins found inside Bakwitan Cave that contained sets of human bones. These are just two of the many stories that have led people to consider the Gigantes Islands mysterious—once thought to be inhabited by giants.
The ten islands and islets of the Gigantes group are part of the municipality of Carles, which itself has a fascinating history. Located on the northeastern tip of Panay Island, Carles was originally a barrio of Capiz called Punta Bulakawe. Residents of Punta Bulakawe once asked the governor of Capiz to upgrade their barrio into a municipality, but he refused. Undeterred, the town leaders secretly petitioned the governor of Iloilo, who granted their request. The governor at the time was José María Carles, and the new pueblo was named in his honor.
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