Schools headline Aliwan Fiesta competitions

MANILA, Philippines - Aliwan Fiesta _ dubbed as the Philippines’ festival of champions — takes to the streets anew on April 24-26, with youth groups and academic institutions fielding their student delegations in the streetdance competition. Presented by Manila Broadcasting Co., Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, the annual cultural extravaganza brings together in a single setting champion streetdance contingents from all over the archipelago, vying for the million-peso grand prize in the festival dance competition.

The mammoth festival has become a fierce battleground which local government units have taken seriously in their efforts to promote domestic tourism through the creative sector. Students have embodied the energy and discipline that constantly amaze the judging panel and the multitudes lined up thoughout the parade route along Roxas Boulevard, from Quirino Grandstand to the CCP Complex. The costumes and props utilizing indigenous materials exemplify the spirit of innovation that marks Filipino design and contemporary creative expression.

Heading the roster of schools and universities vying for the million-peso grand prize are Baguio City National High School for Panagbenga, Kamora National High School for the Adivay festival of Benguet, Guiguinto National Vocational High School for the Halamanan festival of Bulacan, Panay National High School for thier T’nalak festival of South Cotabato, and Dadtumag Elementary School for the Sagayan festival of Maguindanao.

The Aliwan Fiesta grand parade on April 26 kicks off at the Quirino Grandstand at 4 p.m., enroute to the Aliw Theater complex, where the culminating showdown will be followed immediately after by a star-studded awarding ceremony hosted by 90.7 Love Radio’s top-rating tandem Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper. The event is made possible with the support of the National Parks Development Committee, Tanduay Rhum, Coca Cola, Pride, Unique Toothpaste, Dazz, Alaska Milk, Columbia International Foods, M. Lhuillier, Cherry Mobile, Republic Chemicals, Fukuda, 7-11, 2Go, and the Philippine STAR.

For details, log onto www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph or call 8326125.