THE COUNTRY’S most popular festivals field their regional champions on April 14-16 during the Aliwan Fiesta, a competition of street dances.
Defending its title will be 2015 national street dance champion Tribu Katbalaugan, depicting the Manaragat Festival of Catbalogan City.
The Samar group will be challenged by six-time Aliwan Fiesta champion Iloilo, which will be represented by 2016 Dinagyang Festival winner Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School and 2013 Aliwan champion Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo National High School.
From Luzon, Quezon province is fielding its Niyogyugan Festival champion contingent from the town of Dolores. Laguna is sending the Anilag Festival team from Santa Rosa.
Pinsao National High School will represent Baguio City’s Panagbenga Festival. Students from Bernabe de la Fuente Sr. National High School of Upi, Maguindanao will perform Meguyaya Festival of the Te’duray.
Catanauan, Quezon’s frenzied pre-Lenten Boling-Boling Festival will join Aliwan Fiesta anew, while Datu Piang’s Performing Arts Guild will showcase the Maguindanaoan Kappa Malong for the Sagayan Festival.
This year’s Aliwan Fiesta begins on April 14 with the opening of a Shoppers Bazaar along Sotto Street at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex.
The evening’s celebration centers on the Aliwan Music Jam, featuring top concert artists such as Callalily, Banda ni Kleggy, Luke Mejares, Acel and DJ Tom Taus along with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) disc jockeys Papa Jack of 90.7 Love Radio and Tanya Chinita of 101.1 YesFM.
On April 15, the loveliest festival muses from around the country compete in Search for Reyna ng Aliwan, which will be hosted by 2014 Miss Earth/2013 Aliwan Festival Queen Jamie Herrell together with DZRH Television’s Dennis Antenor Jr. Paolo Valenciano and Alex Medina will render special musical numbers.
Grand parade and streetdance championship will kick off at Quirino Grandstand on April 16 at 4 p.m., and will traverse Roxas Boulevard up to the Aliw Theater grounds at the CCP Complex, where the showdown will be held.
Awarding ceremonies will be hosted by Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper of 90.7 Love Radio.
Guest entertainers include Aegis, Abra, Kris Lawrence, Ronnie Liang and Bet ng Bayan’s Hannah Precillas and Kai Atienza.
The 2016 Aliwan Fiesta is presented by MBC, Star City and CCP. Call 8326125, 5553477. Visit www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.
