Best of the regions vie for Aliwan Festival Queen
MANILA, Philippines - Eighteen lovely young ladies representing folkloric festivals throughout the country will vie for the title of Festival Queen when the annual cultural showcase billed as Aliwan Fiesta — presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines — gets underway from 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 for their individual localities, highlighting the myriad attractions of our island nation.
Host cities Pasay and Manila lead off with their entries — Earlen Janine Descalzo for the Dayang-Dayang Festival of Pasay, and Angelica Padilla for the Dalaksagaw Festival of Tondo. Baguio is fielding Sarah Jane Abdul, while Lulette Ramilo will represent Isabela’s Bambanti Festival. Bulacan is sending Jechele Mae Paano for Guiguinto’s Halamanan Festival, alongwith Shaira Lenn Roberto for the Singkaban Festival. Mabalacat has entered the name of Jinky Serrano. Antipolo City is sending Bernadette Salinel.
From the Visayas, it will be another battle of dark-skinned lasses against mestiza bets. Michelle Marie Monte represents Iloilo Dinagyang, 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 festival.
Cebu, whose track record in the Aliwan Fiesta not only includes the Hall of Fame for three straight wins by Lumad Basakanon but also five straight Reyna ng Aliwan titles, will field three candidates this year: Maria Gigante for the Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island, Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad for the Utanon Festival of Dalaguete, and Steffi Aberasturi representing the Sinulog.
Finally, from Mindanao, General Santos City is also pitching two entries — Johanna Ariexia Quilenderino for the Kalilangan Festival, and Lovely Gemma Abdul for the Tuna Festival.
The pageant night will be held at the Aliw Theater outdoor stage on April 25, with a panel of cross-sectoral judges being tasked to determine who will win the crown that was once worn by four national title holders — 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 (recently proclaimed Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2014).
The 2014 Reyna ng Aliwan will receive P100,000 plus prizes in kind. Last year’s 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 supported by 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, ABC-5, Cacao Talk, Modess, V-Fresh, Fisher Mall, and The Philippine STAR.
