Five years after reaching Hall of Fame status in the Aliwan Fiesta streetdance championships, Lumad Basakanon representing the Sinulog of Cebu bagged the prize for the fourth time, besting contingents from around the country.
The Meguyaya festival of Upi, Maguindanao, took second place while the T’nalak festival of Sto Niño, South Cotabato, emerged third.
Pamulinawen festival of Laoag placed fourth and the Caragan festival of Mabalacat, Pampanga, came in fifth overall.
In the float design competition, Bambanti festival of Isabela won the top plum with the Utanon festival of Dalaguete, Cebu, coming in second; and Indayog ti Sabsabong of Baguio depicting the Panagbenga, won third place.
Steffi Aberasturi made it a twin victory for Cebu when she bested 16 other candidates for the Reyna ng Aliwan crown, giving the province its sixth straight win in the annual beauty pageant.
Shaira Lenn Roberto of Bulacan emerged first runner-up, while Michelle Monte of Iloilo, Hazel Mae Trasmonte of Kabankalan, and Maria Gigante of Bantayan Island were named second runners-up.
Those who missed the grand summer spectacle can watch the Aliwan Fiesta TV Special, which will air on May 20 at 7 p.m. over PTV 4.
The 2014 Aliwan Fiesta was presented by Manila Broadcasting Co., Star City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, with support from TM, Tanduay Rhum, Pride, Unique Toothpaste, Coca-Cola, Dazz, Alaska Krema, My Juiz, Cherry Mobile, M. Lhuillier, Fukuda, Mr. Donut, GES Lights, Bayview Park Hotel, Columbia Digital and the Philippine Star.