MAKATI CITY, Philippines—The 2021 search for the Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen marks a big day for the 12 finalists on Sept. 11. Not only will the first online segment stream today, but the online poll also starts on the same day.

Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen, a virtual celebration of Filipino beauty and Philippine culture, is again organized by the Manila Broadcasting Co. (MBC) this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the annual celebration of its annual Reyna ng Aliwan at the sidelines due to the restrictions on physical activities and mass gatherings imposed by the government.

MBC President Ruperto Nicdao Jr. explained that the Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen is a separate entity from the Reyna ng Aliwan competition.

Angeli Gabrielle Therese Estrada of Puerto Princesa City replaces Krishia Mae Abad of Tarlac City./FACEBOOK PHOTO

The 12 finalists in this year’s competition will compete in different contests spanning five weeks. Two wildcard delegates were named to take the place of those who withdrew their participation in the virtual pageant.

Just recently, Angeli Gabrielle Therese Estrada of Puerto Princesa City replaced Krishia Mae Abad of Tarlac City. Earlier, Keith Arboleda of Echague, Isabela, replaced Dean Dianne Balogal of Baguio City

MBC also launched the official commencement of the poll for the Netizens’ Choice Award on Sept. 11.

The public is invited to visit the DZRH website to cast their votes. Only one vote per candidate will be accepted each day for every registered account. Votes will be accepted until Oct. 3.

On Sept. 11, the delegates will showcase their places’ delicacy, product or festival in the “Pride of Place” segment. On Sept. 18, they will take part in the “Talent and Skills” competition.

Keith Arboleda from Echague, Isabela, replaces Dean Dianne Balogal of Baguio City./FACEBOOK PHOTO

On Sept. 25, the finalists will present their respective community projects, their involvement in it and dreams for it in the “Queens for a Cause” segment.

On Oct. 2, the 12 delegates will take part in the evening gown competition, and take questions from a panel of jurors for the question-and-answer portion.

The 2021 Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen will be crowned on Oct. 9. She will take home P50,000, and the same amount will also be awarded to her chosen charitable program in her city or municipality.

MBC’s roster of beauty ambassadors from the Reyna ng Aliwan competition includes ladies who eventually made their own mark on the national and international arena, including 2018 Miss International first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, 2014 Miss Earth Jamie Herrell, 2014 Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez, 2018 Miss Eco International Cynthia Thomalla, and 2018 Miss Asia Pacific International Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel.

Last year’s Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen contest crowned law student Jannarie Zarzoso.

All phases of the competition, including the awarding and coronation night, will be available on the Aliwan Fiesta Facebook page, and the various MBC digital platforms. Catch the streaming every Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Oct. 9 coronation ceremonies will also be seen on DZRH TV.