Aliwan Fiesta is an annual gathering of Philippine festivals that promotes Filipino art, culture, heritage, and ingenuity for the world to see.
The annual 3-day Aliwan Fiesta which started on April 25 and ends on April 27 is organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Pasay and Manila.
The festival attracts thousands of spectators from different corners of Manila, nearby provinces, from all over the Philippines, and from abroad. Hence, it is dubbed as “The Philippines’ Grandest Festival of Champions” as it brings various Philippine festivals in one setting.
Now on its 16th year, Aliwan promises another vibrant and colorful festival
experience.
Prepare your bottled water, sunblock and camera as Good News Pilipinas shares this list of 4 reasons why everyone should experience this year’s Aliwan Fiesta.
SHOPPERS BAZAAR
If you love local delicacies such as Ilocos’ Vigan Empanada, longganisa and bagnet, or Iloilo’s Piaya and more, you will surely enjoy Shoppers Bazaar.
The 3-day Bazaar has an array of regional delicacies you don’t usually find in malls.
But if you are not foodie, then try to check out some native textile, sandals, accessories, T-shirts, malong and other art pieces made by our local craftsmen.
You will surely find something that would match your #OOTD at low prices yet of the best quality.
Aside from great things you can purchase – be it a souvenir or pasalubong – it is also your chance to give back by supporting our local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Shoppers Bazaar is located on Sotto St., CCP Complex, Pasay City.
REYNA NG ALIWAN PAGEANT
Beauty pageants have been part of Filipino culture and are a staple spectacle in every Filipino fiesta – so it is the same as the annual Aliwan Fiesta.
Reyna ng Aliwan pageant has produced boasts of an alumni line up of world-class Filipino beauty queen title holders such as Reyna ng Aliwan 2016 and Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla, Reyna ng Aliwan 2017 Second Runner Up and Miss International 2018 First Runner Up Ahtisa Manalo, and Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel.
This year, 24 young lovely ladies representing different festivals from all over the Philippines will compete for the Festival Queen title or Reyna ng Aliwan 2019.
The announcement of winners and coronation will be held on April 27 in front of Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex where the pageant night was held the day before. The winner will take home P100,000 cash and a trophy, and a chance to be the country’s tourism ambassadress.
GRAND PARADE
Aliwan’s grand parade on April 27 from Quirino Grandstand in Manila to CCP Complex in Pasay City via Roxas Boulevard will 14 feature contingents from different regions that will showcase their festivals.
The Bodong Festival of Pinukpok, Kalinga (represented by St Teresita High School);
Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Benguet (represented by Baguio City National High School);
The Pangisdaan festival of Navotas (represented by Hayuma Cultural Dance Troupe);
Halamanan festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan;
Dinamulag Mango festival of Zambales (represented by the town of Masinloc);
Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province (represented by the town of Pagbilao);
Tayo na sa Antipolo Maytime festival (represented by San Jose National High School);
Sambalilo festival of – Cavinti, Laguna;
Manggahan festival of Guimaras (represented by Hubon Guimarasnon);
Buraburon festival of Burauen, Leyte (represented by Tribu Buraburon);
Pintados Kasadyaan festival of the Province of Leyte (represented by the Pasaka festival of Tanauan);
Meguyaya festival of Upi, Maguindanao (represented by Sabaken National High School);
Tarakuku festival of Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao (represented by Kabuntalan National High School);
The Kapatagan festival of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur.
Participating floats in this year’s Aliwan Fiesta include:
- YKalinga;
- Panagbenga;
- Palakaya of Navotas;
- Para Aqui from Paranaque;
- Bangka de Muntinlupa;
- Dayang Dayang of Pasay City;
- Singkaban of Bulacan;
- Halamanan of Guiguinto;
- Pamilya from Catanauan, Quezon;
- Masaya ang Pamilya sa Masayang Laguna from San Pablo City;
- Tagultol Fishing Festival of Atimonan, Quezon;
- IPI 60th Year-Sinulog – Cebu;
- Tacloban Through the Years;
- Panuluganen from Cotabato City;
- Siniratan a Laminan from Sultan Kudarat;
- Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao;
- Kapasiti a Lemba from Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao;
- Kuyog a Kang’lal from Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao;
- Sarimanok from Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur;
- Palabuni-bunyan from ARMM.
PHOTO COMPETITION
If you are into photography, this is your chance to join and win the photo competition for Aliwan Fiesta 2019. It is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
As a requirement, “photos must have been taken during the grand parade, and should not have won nor have been published in any book or photography magazine.”
Check in with your camera and bring it to the Aliwan Fiesta!
For more information, go to Aliwan Website
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If you’re still skeptical to be there, watch this video highlight of Aliwan Fiesta last year:
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