Sinulog festival queen is 2013 Reyna ng Aliwan

MANILA, Philippines - Jamie Herrell, representing the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, was hailed as this year’s Reyna ng Aliwan in glittering ceremonies at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, capping the 2013 Aliwan Fiesta.This is the fifth consecutive year that a Cebuana took the title, following wins by Sian Elizaberth Maynard (2009), Rizzini Alexis Gomes (2010), Rogelie Catacutan (2011) and Angeli Dione Gomez (2012). 

The 18-year-old Fil-Am student of University of San Jose Recoletos, who was also adjudged Best in Festival Costume and Miss Unique Smile, did not expect to win as competition was tight between her and half-Nigerian Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Emily Victoria Oke, who emerged first runner-up and Best in Swimsuit. Others who made it to the Top 5 were Gaile Anne Surriga of GenSan’s Kalilangan Festival (who was also named Best in Evening Gown), Langub festival muse Shella May Kumarasammy of Mabinay, Negros Oriental, and the rep of Sinulog Sang Kabankalan, Joahnna Carla Saad. 

In the festival dance competition, Iloilo Dinagyang’s Tribu Panayanon won this year’s million-peso prize, while Bahandi Han Eastern Visayas of the Lingganay Festival, Alang-Alang, Leyte won in the float design competition.

The 2013 Aliwan Fiesta was presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and CCP, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism along with the cities of Manila and Pasay.