Exhibition of different Filipino heritage

Despite the extensive heat of the sun, thousands of people gathered to witness the colorful and enthusiastic Fiesta of the fiestas, the Aliwan Fiesta 2011. Contingents from different regions of the country showed their rich culture and heritage through the Street Dance Competition and Float Parade.

The parade started from the Quirino Grandstand, traversed Roxas Boulevard, and then proceeded to Aliw Theater wherein the contingents had their final performance. Each gigantic float of the festivals showcased the Filipino talents in craftsmanship and art. Also, the floats carry the festivals' representatives for the Search for the Festival Queen 2011 or "Reyna ng Aliwan."

Contingents from Iloilo got a back-to-back win in the street dance competition. Dinagyang Festival by Tribu Pan-ay was hailed as the champion while Dinagyang Festival by Tribu Pantat was ranked as second. This was Iloilo’s second year as the champions in the Grandest Fiesta of the Philippines.

Other winners from the street dance competition were Uswag, Surallah South Cotabato (3rd place), Calacatchara Festival of Batangas (4th place) and Pandang Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro (5th place). Runner ups include: Pakalog festival of Pasig, Panagbenga festival of Baguio, Zamboanga Hermosa festival of Zamboanga, Kalimudan festival of Sultan Kudarat, and Boling Boling festival of Catanauan, Quezon.

Meanwhile, the Biday-a Pinangasturian festival of Buluan Maguindanao won as champion in the Best float competition. Other winners are Kumpit sa Kutawato of Cotabato City (1st runner up) and Singkaban fiesta of Bulacan (2nd runner up). Runner ups include: Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, Sarimanok Festival of Maguindanao, Calacatchara Festival of Pasig, Kudungan of Sultan Kudarat, Sinulog Festival of Cebu, Abaruray de Catanuan of Boling Boling Quezon, and Dinagyang Festival by Tribu Pantat of Iloilo.

With this year’s tagline, “the Philippines’ Festival of Champions,” Aliwan Fiesta is an annual event organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). It aims to gather different festivals from all over the country as well as showcase the richness of the culture of Filipinos to the world.