ONE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ PROUDEST CULTURAL traditions are the festivals in different villages, towns, cities, and provinces in the country. We have Masskara in Bacolod, Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Dinagyang in Iloilo, and Kaamulan in Bukidnon among others. We also have Pintados in Leyte, Panagbenga in Baguio City, Pahiyas in Quezon, and the Santacruzan in almost every part of the archipelago. Witnessing these beautiful explosions of vibrant music, colorful costumes, and grand cultural tribute to our ancestors is truly an outstanding experience that marks us as a nation. On April 11-13, a total of 17 festivals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao went to compete in the annual Aliwan Fiesta 2013 held at the CCP Complex. The festivities kicked off with a regional products bazaar in Sotto Street at the CCP Complex, where participating regions brought in their respective goods and local products. A festival costume showcase was also held to mark the beginning of the search for Festival Queen (Reyna ng Aliwan). A street party and band concert that features the
country’s hottest music talents commenced afterwards. The pre-pageant for the Reyna ng Aliwan was held at the Aliw Theater outdoor stage on the second day of the event. A total of 18 candidates strut their stuff and gave their best to win the much-coveted title of Reyna ng Aliwan 2013. The last day of the festival did not disappoint. Despite the summer heat, people trooped to Quirino Grandstand, where the grand parade began at 4 p.m. Families, sweethearts, friends and co-workers, photography enthusiasts, bloggers, hobbyists, professionals, media, and people from all walks of life came to witness the performances. The southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard was closed to traffic to make way for the grand parade. People peppered both sides of the road waiting for the performers to dance and chant. Participants with dance troupes include Zamboanga’s Hermosa Festival, Zambales’ Mango Festival, Leyte’s Pasaka Festival, Antipolo City’s Ang Tipulo Festival, Maguindanao’s Maguyaya, Sagayan, and Padang Padang Festivals, Baseco’s (Manila) Dalaksagaw Festival,
Benguet’s Adivay Festival, Batangas’ Mahaguyog Festival, Quezon’s Boling-Boling Festival, Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, Baguio City’s Panagbenga Festival, Muntinlupa City’s Dinagsa Festival, General Santos City’s Kalilangan Festival, North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival, and Oriental Mindoro’s Pandang Gitab Festival. The contingents performed at the Quirino Grandstand, twice in Roxas Boulevard, and finally in front of the judges in Sotto Street. In the end, the Dinagyang group from Iloilo City took home the grand prize of P1 million for the street dance competition. Meanwhile, Jamie Herell from the Sinulog Festival was declared Festival Queen (Reyna ng Aliwan), and the best festival float was given to Bahandian from Alang-Alang, Leyte. Special Awards include Pride of Place for Best in Folkloric Performance, which was won by the Adivay Festival of Benguet, and Best in Music and Best in Costume awards, both taken home by the Dinagyang delegation from Iloilo City. Congratulations to all the winners of the Aliwan Fiesta 2013!
BY JANE FRANCIS S. QUINABO / PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES CHRISTER FRANCISCO JUNE & JULY 2013
BALIKBAYAN MAGAZINE
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