One of the most popular festivals that celebrates the richness and diversity of Philippine culture is Aliwan Fiesta that showcases the best of local festivals in regions all over the country. Started in 2003, Aliwan – which can be translated as entertainment – has since developed a reputation as the “mother of all festivals,” drawing thousands of spectators and tourists who revel in the merriment highlighted by participants garbed in glittering and creatively designed costumes. Aside from a street dancing competition, the festival is made more colorful by a float parade as well as a musical showcase.
For the second time in a row, Catbalogan City bested other regional representatives in the street dance competition of the recently concluded three-day 2016 Aliwan Fiesta held at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
Tribu Katbalaugan of the city’s Manaragat festival took home the top prize of one million pesos as it asserted its supremacy over the other contestants including the come-backing crowd drawer Iloilo Dinagyang Festival. Tribu Katbalaugan also took home special awards for Best Costume and Best Music.
The Ilonggos, represented by Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School, placed second. Meantime, students from the Dr. Bernabe de la Fuente Sr. National High School in Upi, Maguindanao essayed the Ted’urays’ Meguyaya Festival to take third place. Fourth overall was Datu Piang, Maguindanao’s delineation of the Sagayan Festival while the Hambujan Dancers of Dolores, Quezon (who were competing for the very first time) on behalf of the Niyogyugan Festival landed fifth.
Rounding up the runners-up were the Anilag Festival of Laguna; the Boling-Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon; and the Panagbenga Flower Festival of Baguio which was given the Best Folkloric Performance award.
In the float design competition, Cebu’s International Pharmaceuticals Inc. won the top plum for its rendering of the Sinulog. Damak of Cotabato City came in second while the Sagayan Festival copped third place.
In the Search for Reyna ng Aliwan, Sinulog Festival Queen Cynthia Thomalla emerged as the queen of the festival, recapturing the crown for Cebu when she bested 15 other lovely candidates. Andrea Fe Gomez of Baguio’s Panagbenga was first runner up, while sharing second runner-up honors were Lou Dominique Piczon of Catbalogan City’s Manaragat Festival, Darlene Joy Tabuga for the Pintados de Passi Festival of Iloilo, and Airish Yamamoto for the Anilag Festival of Laguna. Thomalla was likewise named Most Photogenic and also won Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, and Best in Festival Costume awards. Gomez received the award for Miss Unique Smile while Tabuga was selected by her fellow candidates as Miss Friendship.
To know more about Aliwan Festival, visit www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.
