Tribu Katbalaugan wins Aliwan 2016

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Gleaming with championship smiles, the jubilant members of this city's Tribu Katbalaugan arrived home yesterday bringing with them pride and honor as back-to-back champion in the country's grandest Festival of  Festivals, the Aliwan Fiesta 2016.

Showcasing the city's Manaragat Festival, the more than 400-strong Tribu Katbalaugan contingent with its explosive and dynamic dance routine successfully defended its title against seven other contingents including the early crowd favorite, the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City.

"We prepared not just for the known contingents, basically Tribu Katbalaugan was ready to face all of the contingents who participated in this year's Aliwan Fiesta. That is the spirit we have. We do not belittle anyone during the competition, we always regard them as one of the best so that we perform also with our best," said Tribu Katbalaugan chief choreographer Princess Janell.

Aside from winning the Championship Title this year, Tribu Katbalaugan also romped away with the Best in Musicality and Best in Costume awards, while its Festival Queen Lou Piczon landed as one of the three 2nd runner-up winners in this year's Reyna ng Aliwan competition.

Tribu Katbalaugan landed first runner-up during the Sinulog Festival 2016 in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Step Uy Tan lauded the winning streak of the city contingent for two consecutive years in national event.

The mayor said the second title of Tribu Katbalaugan in the Aliwan national competition continues to highlight the persistence of the city to be noticed not just locally but internationally as well, complementing on the local government's effort in inviting investments as the city is gaining development momentum.

"The kids are truly inspiring, I cannot say a word but thank them for the effort and sacrifices they have shared in bringing pride and honor to the city. Be assured that the city government will always support them in their desire to inspire us Catbaloganons," Tan told The Freeman.

The mayor also reiterated her gratitude to the private sector who have been supporting Tribu Katbalaugan in the Aliwan Fiesta, including the Sinulog Foundation of Cebu.

Second place in the 1016 Aliwan Fiesta went to Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival, while Meguyaya Festival of Maguindanao landed 3rd, Sagayan Festival of Mindanao was 4th, and Niyog-Niyogan Festival of Quezon Province placed 5th.

Cebu City's Sinulog Festival Queen Cynthia Thomalla was adjudged Reyna ng Aliwan 2016. (FREEMAN)