As early as 12 in the mid noon, I was already striding my way to Aliwan Fiesta in Quirino Grandstand from United Nations Avenue under the scorching heat of the sun. It was almost unbearable. I knew that program kicks off 4 in the afternoon. Yet because I wanted to score the best vantage point near the performance area, I trusted my melanin. Two hours before the program actually started, I was standing among with the few photographers at the designated area.

I’ve been in the Aliwan Fiesta last year roaming around with the delegates. This time, I wanted my eyes and my lens to witness the entire spectacular show no matter what. Forget about the handful on the spot photography contests since a larger herd of both professional and amateur photographers flock the event. No way I could beat a sniper zoom lens. The only things I got that time were a lens kit, a packed sardines for my lunch, bottles of water and lots of patience. For the love of blogging.

Aliwan Fiesta

Aliwan Fiesta is informally tagged as the Festival of all Festivals. It fittingly claims the country’s Grand Festival of Champions because it gathers some of the best festivities in the country to display the unique culture, artistry and creativity of the regions. Now on its 12th year, the colorful event is organised by the Manila Broadcasting Company.

The municipalities compete for prestige and prize in each of the three categories: the cultural street dance, the festival float and Reyna ng Aliwan, a beauty pageant of the muses. This year, PhP 1,000,000 has to be given away for the Grand Champion in the cultural streetdance and PhP 500,000 for the Best Festival Float.

With all pride, contingents showcased their respective flamboyant float, beautiful muse that embodies their identity, and engaging folk dance interpretation of their festivity. The parade started from Quirino Grandstand and culminated at the Aliw Theater for the Reyna ng Aliwan Coronation Night.

A total of 14 street dance groups including the comeback of the Hall of Famer Sinulog Festival of Cebu and 17 larger-than-life floats painted the Roxas Blvd a festive mood and hue. A number of marching bands also graced the event.

Tuna Festival of General Santos

Caragan Festival of Mabalacat, Pampanga

My personal favorite performance that draws natural happiness

Bato Art Festival of Luna, Isabela

Bambanti Festival of Isabela

Kalivungan Festival of Matalam, North Cotabato

Inikadatu Festival of North Cotabato

Adivay Festival of Benguet

Panagbenga Festival of Baguio

Google Maps Rover Dude

A rovering guy with multiple angle camera for Google Maps

Guest Marching Bands

Will the next Aliwan Fiesta introduce a new category of competition for marching bands?

Boling-Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon

Kids paint their bodies on-the-spot

Definitely the loudest delegate of them all

Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan

Singkaban Festival of Bulacan

Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, Ilocos Norte

A narrative dance of influence and lifestyle in cockfighting

Sinulog Festival of Cebu

The much awaited comeback of a Hall-of-Famer, and in-hiatus Dinagyang Festival’s tough rival in the competition

Pandang Gitab of Oriental Mindoro