facebook

Move Forward and Never Be Still

Aliwan Fiesta 2015

Aliwan Fiesta 2015
I have been hearing about Aliwan Festival for a number of years now. Mainly from the beauty pageants I have watched in the past since some of the contestants are winners or Reyna ng Aliwan from the said event. Beauty queens like Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa and Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel are both Reyna (Queen) ng Aliwan in 2008 and 2013 respectively.  

This year, I witnessed my first Aliwan experience in Manila. And it was such a colorful and fun event to join in!

Aliwan Fiesta is a melting pot of the best of Philippine festivities from different regions of the country. The event showcases the centuries of different foreign influence, most notably under the Spanish rule and Muslim heritage. Pre-Spanish culture is also a special mention.

Last year’s winner was Lumad Basakanon for the Sinulog Festival of Cebu

With such a colorful and varied history, the Aliwan festivities surely showcase the best of the Philippines I did not get to watch the actual performances of the different groups.  Me and fellow bloggers Marx, Elal and Julius arrived late so we were unable to get the best spots. After grabbing a quick snack, we waited for the parade to arrive at the Star City complex grounds.

As soon as we heard the loud drums beating, we knew the floats were just around the corner. Soon, throngs of excited watchers flocked on the street itself, hoping to get the best view of the passing performers. Large screen LED televisions were set up in strategic points. I watched a couple of performances before I focused on taking snap shots of the enormous floats passing by. I got separated from my friends as they went into the heart of the watchers, hoping to see the program live maybe.

By Marxtermind

I had to leave early since I got work the following day. But not long before I ogled at some of the beautiful Festival Queens in their creative, colorful costumes.  

Festival Queens

Reyna ng Aliwan – Stephanie Joy Abellanida 

1st Runner-up – Alexandra Faith Garcia
2nd Runners-Up – Gazzini Christiana Ganados
Vianca Louise Marcelo and Jaymie Lou Pagulayan
 
 
 

2015 WINNERS

Float Design Competition
 
Grand Prize – Sto Nino
Fluvial Procession | Pinabacdao, Samar
2nd prize – SagayanFestival | Datu Piang, Maguindanao
3rd Prize – SakutingFestival | Dolores, Abra
Runners-up – Gameng Ti
Isabela, Panagbenga, Sinulog-IPI, Limbayan, Lakbay Quezon, Mysterious Kutawato
and 3 Republika
 


Festival Dance Competition
 
Champion – Manaragat Festival | Catbalogan City
2nd prize – LumadBasakanon | Sinulog of Cebu
3rd prize – Mayaw-MayawFestival | PInabacdao,Samar
4th prize – Sakuting Festival | Dolores, Abra
5th prize – MeguyayaFestival | Upi, Maguindanao


Runners-up – Kalivungan

Festival of North Cotabato, Candle Festival of Candelaria, Quezon, Sagayan
festival of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio and Pandang
Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro 

Best Folkloric Performance – Panagbenga
Best Costume – Lumad
Basakanon for the Sinulog of Cebu
Best Music – Lumad
Basakanon for the Sinulog of Cebu
 
 
 

________
Aliwan Fiesta
www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *