Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, once again celebrate the country’s biggest and most popular festivals the way we Filipinos love it – as a series of grand visual spectacles now known as the Aliwan Fiesta, which opens to the public on April 25-27 at the CCP Complex.

Aiming to show local and foreign audiences the richness and diversity of Filipino culture in a single venue, Aliwan Fiesta harnesses the power of Philippine festivals to showcase how religion, culture, and tradition are woven in the fiber of our existence. Traditional fiestas, which are held annually to commemorate the foundation of a town or province, or honoring its patron saint, are brought together en masse to highlight the Pinoy’s indomitable and ebullient spirit, together with his mien for creativity and innovation.

Gathering together champion street dance contingents from the different regions, along with a bevy of beauties, and master craftsmen who painstakingly construct floats using the most arresting mechanical and technical ideas, Aliwan Fiesta has invited local government units to bring to the fore local pride through their artistic talents, resources, and produce – all depicting traditional folklore. Fabulous prizes are at stake in this much-awaited event, which features the best of these fiesta islands.

Competing in this year’s festival dance category are the Bodong Festival of Pinukpok, Kalinga (represented by St Teresita High School); Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, Benguet (represented by Baguio City National High School);  Halamanan festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province (represented by the town of Pagbilao); Antipolo Maytime festival (represented by San Jose National High School); Sambalilo festival of Cavinti, Laguna; Manggahan festival of Guimaras  (represented by Hubon Guimarasnon); Buraburon festival of Burauen, Leyte (represented by Tribu Buraburon); Pasaka festival of Tanauan, Leyte (representing the Pintados-Kasadyaan festival); Meguyaya festival of Upi, Maguindanao (represented by Sabaken National High School); Tarakuku festival of Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao (represented by Kabuntalan National High School); and the Kapatagan festival of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur.

Participating floats include YKalinga; the Palakaya of Navotas; Para Aqui from Paranaque; Bangka de Muntinlupa; Dayang Dayang of Pasay City; Singkaban of Bulacan;
Halamanan of Guiguinto; Pamilya from Catanauan, Quezon; Buhay at Kulturas sa Lungsod ng San Pablo; the Tagultol Fishing Festival of Atimonan, Quezon; IPI 60th Year-Sinulog – Cebu; Tacloban Through the Years; Panuluganen from Cotabato City; Siniratan a Laminan from Sultan Kudarat; Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao; Kapasiti a Lemba from Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao; Kuyog a Kang’lal from Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao;
Sarimanok from Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur; and Palabuni-bunyan from ARMM.

Aliwan Fiesta 2019 opens on April 25 with a three-day shoppers bazaar along Sotto Street at the CCP Complex, and a Pasakalye concert featuring Ben & Ben, Juan Karlos, This Band, and Extreme Lab.

23 lovely young ladies representing the different festivals all over the country then take to the outdoor stage in front of the Aliw Theater on April 26 for the Reyna ng Aliwan Pageant night, with guest performers Christian Bautista and Jason Fernandez. Festivities will culminate with the grand parade and streetdance showdown, which kicks off at Quirino Grandstand at 4 pm on April 27, traversing Roxas Boulevard enroute to the CCP Complex, and capped by the awarding ceremonies at 9 p.m., with musical numbers by Vin Abrenica, 6 Cycle Mind and MBC deejays Tanya Chinita, Ganda Wanda, and Lyka Barista.

This year’s edition of the much-awaited grand festival of champions is supported by Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, White Rose Cojic Whitening Soap, Smart Dishwashing Paste, Star Wax, Tanduay, TM, Dunkin’ Donuts, Symdex D, Asian Institute of Computer Studies, Senokot, GES Led Lights, Whiteflower, and Nature Spring Mineral Water.

For details, check out Aliwan Fiesta official Facebook page, or log onto HYPERLINK “http://www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph” http://www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph