Beauties at 2014 Aliwan Fiesta

MANILA, Philippines - Eighteen lovely young ladies representing festivals throughout the country will vie for the title of Festival Queen when the annual cultural showcase Aliwan Fiesta gets underway on April 24 to 26.

Selected by their respective regional tourism offices with support from their local government units, the candidates will serve as tourism ambassadors, highlighting the myriad attractions of our island-nation.

The pageant night will be held at the Aliw theater outdoor stage on April 25, with a panel of cross-sectoral judges tasked to determine who will win the crown that was once worn by four national titleholders — Vera Eumee Reiter (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2006), Rizzini Alexis Gomez (Miss Tourism International 2012), Angeli Dione Gomez (Miss Tourism International 2013) and Mary Jean Lastimosa (Miss Universe-Philippines 2014).

Twin hosts Pasay and Manila lead off with their entries — Earlen Janine Descalzo for Pasay’s Dayang-Dayang Festival and Angelica Padilla for Tondo’s Dalaksagaw Festival. Baguio is fielding Sarah Jane Abdul, while Lulette Ramilo will represent Isabela’s Bambanti Festival. For Bulacan, it’s Jechele Mae Paano for Guiguinto’s Halamanan along with Shaira Lenn Roberto for Singkaban. Jinky Serrano represents Mabalacat, while Bernadette Salinel for Antipolo City.

Michelle Marie Monte is Iloilo’s Dinagyang bet, while Ahriana Lovely Huyaban will carry the colors of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta. Hazel Mae Trasmonte will do the honors for Kabankalan, while Trixia Marana will carry the pride of Dumaguete’s Sandurot.

The Cebu province will send three candidates this year: Maria Gigante for Bantayan Island’s Palawod, Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad for Dalaguete’s Utanon and Steffi Aberasturi for Cebu City’s Sinulog.

General Santos City is represented by Johanna Ariexia Quilenderino for the Kalilangan Festival and Lovely Gemma Abdul for the Tuna Festival.

The 2014 Reyna ng Aliwan will receive P100,000 cash plus prizes in kind. Reigning queen Jamie Herrell of Cebu is expected to turn over her crown during the awarding ceremonies following the grand parade on April 26. 

Aliwan Fiesta is presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, with the support from the National Parks Development Committee, Globe Telecom, Tanduay Rhum, Coca Cola, Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, Dazz, Shell, Alaska, Tiger Biscuits, My Juice, M. Lhuillier, Cherry Mobile, Fukuda, Republic Chemicals, Mr. Donut, Bayview Plaza, GES Lights, TV5, Cacao Talk, Modess, V-Fresh, Fisher Mall and The STAR.