Aliwan Fiesta 2011

Tuesday, 19 April 2011 08:00
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Dubbed as the Philippines’ festival of champions, Aliwan Fiesta, now on its eighth year, once again filled the air with excitement as contingents from all over the country gather together in a much awaited street dance competition all eyeing for the one million peso grand prize.

Colorful costumes and props, combined with great energy, live drum beats and great dance performances never fails to awe and capture the heart of everyone present in the Aliwan Fiesta. Cheering for one’s favorite and applause has filled the air every time a Festival is presented on the floor.

From the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio City showcases its myriad blooms for which Panagbenga has become immensely popular. Laoag was represented by the Pamulinawen Festival, while Pampanga fields the Ibon-Ebon festival of Candaba.

Bulacan’s regional Singkaban celebrations was represented by two entries – Guiguinto’s Halamanan festival and Malolos’ Desposorio festivity.  Residents of Oriental Mindoro presented the quaint revelry of the Pandang Guitab festival, even as Batanguenos’ gastronomic pride was manifested in the Calacatchara festival.

Proving that the competition was intense, the Bicol region showcased the Sosogon festival of Sorsogon.

Jointly, Ati-Ati champion Tribu Pantat and Kasadyaan champion Tribu Pan-ay represented Iloilo’s Dinagyang, while three-time champion Cebu is sending the Abellana National High School to depict the Sinulog.

Seeing action from Mindanao were the Jesus Soriano National High School for Davao’s Kadayawan,  Tapayan Central Elementary School for the Kapamagayon festival of Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao, Tribu Teduray for the Kalimudan festival of Sultan Kudarat, the Lembuhong festival of Uswag, Surallah, South Cotabato, the Padang-Padang festival of Parang, Maguindanao, the Kalilangan festival of General Santos City, and last year’s second-placer – the  Zamboanga City National High School depicting the Zamboanga Hermosa festival.

For the National Capital region, Pasig send its Pakalog festival.

April 16, 2011 highlights the Aliwan Fiesta which marked the grand parade of floats and street dance competition that kicked off at the Quirino grandstand with a bang, and moved towards Roxas Boulevard to an outdoor stage in front of the Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex, where the awarding ceremonies were held.

Winners for the Streetdancing Competition are:

5th Place: MINSCAT Calapan and Baco Catholic School Pandang Gitab Festival of Lightsl (Oriental Mindoro)

4th Place: Calacatchara Dance Group Calacatchara Festival (Calaca, Batangas)

3rd Place: Uswag Surallah Lembuhong Festival (Surallah, South Cotabato)

2nd Place: Dinagyang-Kasadyahan Festival (Zarraga Iloilo)

CHAMPION: Tribu Pan-ay Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City)

 

Biday a Pinangasturian Float

Winners for the Float Competition are:

3rd Place: Singkaban Fiesta (Bulacan)

2nd Place: Kumpit sa Kutawato (Cotabato City)

CHAMPION: Biday a Pinangasturian (Buluan, Maguindanao)

 

Truly, year after year, Aliwan Fiesta never failed to entertain us with great performances, and has been a constant reminder of who we are as a Filipino. Our culture, traditions and practices will keep us grounded and appreciative on what we had and what we have become as a people and as a nation. Be a proud Filipino!

Aliwan Fiesta was presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay.