Aliwan Fiesta 2014 unfolds on April 24-26

MANILA, Philippines - Festive merrymaking is one of the most defining traits of the Filipino. Their buoyant spirit, which readily manifests itself even in the most mundane circumstances of everyday life, bursts into unbridled proportions during local feasts. 

Thus, many balikbayan time their trips back home to coincide with their respective town fiestas. It is also why fiesta-hopping has become the most convenient excuse for traveling throughout the islands to savor the country’s myriad cultures.

When the Aliwan Fiesta unfolds on April 24-26, local residents and foreign tourists alike will witness once more the cornucopia of sights and sounds that has made the event a popular destination during the summer months. 

Now on its 12th year under the aegis of Manila Broadcasting Co., Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, Aliwan Fiesta is a grand cultural extravaganza that brings together the country’s most popular festivals, showcasing Filipino revelry to the max. 

The grand parade will kick off at the Quirino Grandstand at 4 p.m., traversing Roxas Boulevard en route to the Aliw Theater at the CCP complex where a star-studded awarding ceremony and fireworks display will cap the festivities.

Supported by Tanduay Rhum, Coca Cola, Pride, Unique Toothpaste, Dazz, Alaska Milk, Columbia International Foods, M. Lhuillier, Cherry Mobile, Republic Chemicals, Fukuda, 7 Eleven, 2Go, and Columbia Digital, the Aliwan Fiesta highlights a street dance competition featuring champion contingents from different regional festivals, competing for the grand prize of P1 million.

Participants include the Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City; the Caragan Festival of Mabalacat, Pampanga; Bato Art Festival of Luna, Isabela; Kalivungan Festival of Matalam, North Cotabato; Panagbenga of Baguio City; Sagayan Festival of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao; Boling-Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon: Adivay Festival of Benguet; Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; T’nalak Festival of Sto. Niño, South Cotabato; Dawa Festival of Gonzaga, Cagayan; Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao; Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, Ilocos Norte; and the Pandang Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro.

With the non-participation of Iloilo’s Dinagyang underscored by the confirmation of Sinulog’s Lumad Basakanon, competition is expected to be intense. The contingent from San Nicolas, Cebu was elevated to the Hall of Fame for three consecutive Aliwan Fiesta championships in 2006-2008 and took a five-year hiatus, during which various tribes from Iloilo took home the coveted title.

The towns participating in the Aliwan Fiesta may also join the float design competition, where master-craftsmen outdo each other in depicting their respective provinces in mammoth proportions.   

As their inspiration, some of the country’s loveliest young women will ride their floats and compete in the search for Festival Queen, traditionally called the “Reyna ng Aliwan.”

Amid this kaleidoscope of color, amateur and professional photographers are expected to take their best shots during the grand parade on April 26 for the Aliwan Fiesta photo competition with the theme “Sining Makulay.”

The Aliwan Fiesta will also feature a shoppers’ bazaar along Sotto Street at the CCP complex, which will be anchored on the “One Town, One Product” campaign, enabling visitors to bring home unique pasalubong from the provinces.

For inquiries, call 832-6125, e-mail at siarcega@mbcradio.net or log on to the official website at www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.