Aliwan Fiesta takes to the streets of Manila and Pasay once more on April 11-13. Twenty street-dancing contingents from all over the country will compete.
Their dances will be based on folkloric inspirations but contemporized and updated. Each contingent will deliver a six-minute vignette.
Eagerly anticipated is the performance of Lumad Basakanon of Cebu’s Sinulog, which returns to the competition following a four-year hiatus after being elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning three consecutive crowns, 2006 to 2008.
The rivalry among the country’s top festivals will intensify.
Early-bird entries include the Mango Festival of Zambales, Padang-Padang festival of Parang, Maguindanao, Baguio’s Panagbenga, Zamboanga Hermosa festival, Mahaguyog festival of Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Pandang Gitab festival of Oriental Mindoro.
Iloilo, Leyte and Negros Occidental will be fielding their respective regional champions from Dinagyang, Pasaka and Kabankalan Sinulog festivals, respectively.
The Adivay festival of Benguet, Ang Tipulo of Rizal, Dinagsa festival of Muntinlupa and Dalaksagaw from Manila are also joining. Other local feasts, such as the Boling-Boling of Catanauan, Quezon; Iloilo Paraw Regatta; Kalivungan festival of North Cotabato; Kalilangan festival of General Santos City; Sagayan festival of Buluan, Maguindanao; and Meguyaya festival of Upi, are likewise expected to compete again this year.
Aliwan Fiesta 2013 kicks off on April 11 with the opening of Shoppers Bazaar along Sotto Street featuring products from the regions.
At 6 p.m., the Festival Costume Competition, where candidates for Reyna ng Aliwan will be featured in a catwalk show, will take place on the front lawn of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
This will be followed by a band concert in front of Aliw Theater.
On April 12, Festival Queen finals night will take place at the Aliw Outdoor stage at 7 p.m.
On April 13, the grand parade and street-dance showdown will commence at Quirino Grandstand at 3:30 p.m., making its way to Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex, where awarding ceremonies immediately follow.
Aliwan Fiesta 2013 is supported by Smart Communications, Tanduay, Alaska, My Juiz, Cherry Mobile, Coca-Cola, 7-11, Hanabishi, Republic Chemicals, Unique Toothpaste, Pride Detergent, M. Lhuillier, Dunkin’ Donuts, Sulit.Com, Solaire, Manila Ocean Park and Islands Souvenirs.
For details about this year’s participants and lineup of activities, call 8326125, 5553477; e-mail siarcega@mbcradio.net; visit Aliwan Fiesta 2013’s official Facebook page or website www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.