Manila, Philippines - With organizers of the Aliwan Fiesta laying out half-a-million pesos for the grand prize winner of the float competition, the county’s finest artisans from north to south of the archipelago set out to mine local folklore and indigenous traditions in crafting the mammoth full-size mobile dioramas that drew tourists to the highly colorful cultural extravaganza.
The event was produced by Manila Broadcasting Co., Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Yes! Tourism Committee of SM Mall of Asia, along with the cities of Pasay and Manila.
Biday a Pinangasturian which was crafted by the townsfolk of Buluan, Maguindanao, emerged as this year’s champion, with Cotabato City’s Kumpit sa Kutawato coming in second, and Bulacan’s Singkaban taking the third prize.
Runner-up honors went to Baguio City’s Panagbenga; the Sarimanok of Parang, Maguindanao; Calaca, Batangas’ Calacatchara float; the Kudungan of Sultan Kudarat; Cebu’s Sinulog float; and the entry of Zarraga, Iloilo on behalf of the Pantat Festival, champion of Iloilo’s Dinagyang-Kasadyahan.
Collectively, the float parade of Aliwan Fiesta emitted a blaze of kaleidoscopic color as the participating festivals reflected their own community spirit.
Now a major tourist draw, the festival was supported by Smart Talk & Text, Poten-cee, Medicol Advance, Alaska, Dunkin Donuts, Buscopan, Wings Detergent, My Juiz, Dazz, Hanabishi, M. Lhuillier, Aqua Best, Bayview Hotel, the Atrium Hotel, Sony, and the SM Supermalls.
For more details, log on to the official festival website at www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph.