One event that you will surely love the Philippines for is the Aliwan Fiesta Grand Festival of Champions, a three-day celebration of unity and diversity through cultural street dance and grand float parade, now returning live after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The colorful Grand Parade and its awe-inspiring component, Street-dance Competition, are set for tomorrow (Saturday), at the CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, while the highly anticipated Reyna ng Aliwan pageant, is happening tonight.
Festival goers and local and foreign tourists will be captivated to witness spectacular, showstopping performances during the Street Dance competition featuring the country’s regional festival champions with their dynamic choreographies in vibrant costumes showcasing regional pride and indigenous culture.
The Grand Parade will feature those participating in the Float Competition showcasing local craftsmen’s majestic creations highlighting their respective hometowns’ rich socio-economic heritage and traditions.
The captivating candidates of Reyna ng Aliwan 2023 are Erika Maie Sawma (Antipolo Maytime Festival), Deniece Allen Ayon (Panagbenga Festival-Baguio City), Doreen Pagcu Ahuja (Dayan Dayang Festival-Pasay City), Kiara Liane Wellington (Sinulog Festival-Talisay, Cebu), Nina Athena Ariza (Sangyaw Festival-Tacloban City), Mariela Bianca Acob (Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival-Ilocos Norte), Melanie Grace Gillamac (Palawod Festival-Bantayan Island, Cebu), Mary Ann de la Cruz (Halamanan Festival-Guiguinto, Bulacan), Yoshabel Lebico (Mahaguyog Festival-Sto. Tomas, Batangas), Raisa Kabugatan (Shariff Kabunsuan Festival-Cotabato City). Kisha Honey Panis (Pintados Festival-Tacloban, Leyte), Ashley Misaki Francisco (Hamaka Festival-Taytay), Kristine Billy Tabaday (Ayat Festival-La Union), Natalya Magaret Lindsay (Tagultol Festival-Atimonan, Quezon), Shane Pia (Himaya-an Festival-Himamaylan, Negros Occidental), Polyanna Martina Manalo (Anihan sa Ambling Festival-Magdalena, Laguna), Ghenesa Marie Mueller (Udyakan Festival-Kabankalan, Negros Occidental ), Michaela Reen Egay (Tuna Festival-General Santos City), Patricia Marie Mendiola (Pasayahan Festival-Lucena City), and Jazminum Marciano (Kangga Festival-Mogpog, Marinduque).
During the last live staging of the Aliwan Fiesta in 2019, the top winners were Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte for the Pintados Kasadyaan (Streetdance), Tacloban Through the Years (Float) and Roi Neeve Comanda – Panagbenga of Baguio (Reyna ng Aliwan 2019).
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An intimate birthday celebration for Aura Queen Bennilyn
The ever-lovely Bennilyn Amigo-Molina hosted an intimate but memorable birthday celebration held at VIP Suites Okada Manila in Parañaque City.
Bennilyn, gorgeous in a red dress, was joined by a bevy of her loving friends, family members, and other well-wishers. Bennilyn, a Doctor’s wife with two loving sons and the CEO of Aura Group of Companies, is well-respected for her brilliant networking skills and marketing expertise in the beauty and wellness industry and in the organization of leadership excellence and achievers’ awards.
Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization president Cory Quirino and Miss Charm 2022 first runner-up Annabelle McDonnel brought glitz and glamor to Bennilyn’s natal day celebration which was highlighted by a beautiful designer birthday cake.
“I am surrounded by the people I love. These people may not have brought me gifts, but the number one thing that I am grateful for is their taking off of their busy time to come and celebrate with me. You all made this day a beautiful one indeed. Thank You so much for coming to my simple birthday celebration,” an overjoyed Bennilyn exclaimed.