Aliwan Fiesta: Islands of festivity, islands of opportunity

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is not called the “Fiesta Islands” for nothing. Filipinos live their lives by a calendar that is full of religious feast days, historical commemorations, and joyful days of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests on land and sea.

Filipinos are fun-loving, have a sense of drama as well as a penchant for pomp and pageantry. These are clearly reflected in the myriad ways festivals are celebrated. 

Fiestas may be large, organized, regional events or small town happenings. They can be manifestations of religiosity or faith, and are oftentimes also an expression of gratitude for the abundance of nature. 

A culture of memory is prevalent, and so, too, is the pride in Filipino craftsmanship and local lore. In these islands of opportunity, Pinoys have made each celebration a festive occasion to share theatrics, excitement, food, music, and a renewal of relationships.

Visitors are most welcome at Filipino fiestas, and every tourist should make it a point to attend one. Summer often provides the perfect excuse to do so. 

It is somewhat unfortunate, though, that in an island country such as the Philippines, domestic tourism can often be prohibitive. However, every year, the public gets the chance to catch a glimpse of the country’s most popular festivals all in one setting — the Aliwan Fiesta. 

Now on its ninth year, Aliwan Fiesta is presented by Manila Broadcasting Co. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay, and the National Parks Development Committee.

About 5,000 delegates representing various regions will gather in the metropolis on April 14-16 to showcase Filipino design ingenuity and craftsmanship together with a regional products bazaar, all of which culminate in a grand parade which will be graced by their different muses vying for the title of festival queen. 

But the real draw is the festival dance competition, where provincial contingents present fabulously choreographed routines in full costumed glory as they highlight the best of the best in a grand showdown for the million-peso championship prize.

From the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio City showcases its myriad blooms for which Panagbenga has become immensely popular. Laoag will be represented by the Pamulinawen Festival, while Bangued, Abra will showcase the Miki Festival. 

Pampanga fields the Ibon-Ebon Festival of Candaba. Bulacan’s regional Singkaban celebrations will be represented by two entries — Guiguinto’s Halamanan Festival and Hagonoy’s Desposorio festivity. 

Oriental Mindoro folk will present the quaint revelry of the Pandang Guitab Festival, even as Batanguenos’ gastronomic pride will be showcased in the Calacatchara Festival.

Proving that the competition will be intense, the Bicol region showcases the Sosogon Festival of Sorsogon, while Catanauan, Quezon will feature the revelry of Boling-Boling.

Jointly representing Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival are Ati-Ati champion Tribu Pan-ay and Kasadyaan champion Tribu Pantat.

Seeing action from Mindanao will be the Jesus Soriano National High School for Davao’s Kadayawan; Tapayan Central Elementary School for the Kapamagayon Festival of Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao; the Kalimudan Festival of Sultan Kudarat; the Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City; the Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao; the Lembuhong Festival of Uswag, Surallah, South Cotabato; and the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. 

For the National Capital Region, Pasig will send its Pakalog Festival, while Manila residents hope to field the Buling-Buling of Pandacan.

For details about this year’s participants and line-up of activities, log on to www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.