Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, two of the country’s most popular festivals, emerged as big winners in Aliwan Fiesta 2023 during awarding ceremonies held at Aliw Theater in Pasay City on Saturday. People from all walks life trooped to the grand events despite the intermittent rainy weather condition.
A record eight times win for Sinulog Festival Queens since the pageant debuted in 2003 as Cebu’s Kiara Liane Wellington was adjudged Reyna ng Aliwan 2023. Wellington, a 21-year-old Tourism student, made up for Cebu’s entry in the street dancing competition, Sinulog Festival, represented by the Tribu Lumad Basakanon, which finished second to the grand winner, Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, represented by Tribu Parianon.
Wellington, who also bagged the best in evening gown special award, bested first runner-up Kristine Billy Tabaday of Ayat Festival, and Pasayahan Festival’s Patricia Marie Mendiola, Udyakan Festival’s Ghenesa Marie Mueller and Tagultol Fishing Festival’s (best in festival costume) winner Natalya Margaret Lindsay, who were all named 2nd runners up.
Placing 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the street dance competition, respectively, were the Manggahan Festival, represented by Hubon Balsahan; Halamanan Festival of Guiginto Bulacan; and Kadalag-an Festival of Negros Occidental, represented by Sidlak Kadalagan dancers.
Runners-up were the Antipolo Maytime Festival, represented by Maharlika Dance Troupe; Ayat Festival, represented by Tawid A Balitok; Panagbenga Flower Festival, represented by Pinsao National Highschool Sakusak Ensemble; Binabayani Festival, represented by Masinloc Street Dancers; and Kangga Festival.
Meanwhile, the Best in Float top prize went to the Halamanan Festival of Guiginto, Bulacan. Sipa sa Manggis of Cotabato City and Lapat Festival of Calanasan, Apayao were adjudged first and second runners-up, respectively.
Special award winners were Best Folkloric Performance for Panagbenga Flower Festival; Best Costume for Manggahan Festival, represented by Hubon Balsahan and Best Musical Accompaniment for Sinulog Festival.
The revived Aliwan Fiesta 2023 was presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cities of Manila and Pasay.