A gathering of Philippines 7,107  islands diverse cultural heritage. It is showcased through music and colorful dancing that shows not only our unique Filipino traditions but also on how we celebrate the roots of our faith, thanksgiving and our ancestors plight to keep peace in our land. From dancing with the Sto. Niño, war dances and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest,  Aliwan Fiesta is considered as Philippine’s grandest fiesta, also dubbed as the “Mother of All Fiestas”.

Held every April  in Manila, this has been running successfully since 2003. It is my third time to watch and it still has me excited every time. Where else can you celebrate and watch the best festivals celebrated, not only in one, but in multiple parts of the Philippines. It is also a major promotion to the vast diversity of cultures and traditions the Philippines has to offer.

ALIWAN FIESTA 2013 STREET DANCE COMPETITION CONTINGENTS

• Mango Festival | Zambales

When: 4th week of March

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 Runner-up in the Festival Dance Competition

In celebration of producing one of the world’s sweetest and most delicious mangos, the townspeople of Iba, Zambales, holds its annual thanksgiving festivities for a bountiful harvest.

• Padang-Padang Festival | Parang, Maguindanao

When: 3rd week of August

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 4th Place in the Festival Dance Competition

“Padang Padang”  refers to rugged or steep ridges and scattered small hills of Parang. It is a celebration of unity and peace among Muslims and Christians.

• Mahaguyog Festival | Sto. Tomas, Batangas

When: 3rd of February

The festival is a celebration and promotion of Sto. Tomas’ main products mais (corn), halaman (plant), gulay (vegetables) and niyog (coconut) which the term “mahaguyong” is derived .

• Pasaka Festival | Tanauan Leyte

When: August 14

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 Runner-up in the Festival Dance Competition

It is a yearly thanksgiving festival for the progress and good health of the people of Tanuan. “Pasaka” is a Waray word meaning invitation to progress, health and luck.

• Adivay Festival | Benguet

When: November

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 5th Place in the Festival Dance Competition

“Adivay” is an Ibaloi term meaning for coming together is a celebration of Benguet’s thanksgiving and unity. It is also an event to promote the different products their place has to offer.

• Ang Tipulo | Antipolo, Rizal

When: 1st week of May

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 Runner-up in the Festival Dance Competition

Formerly “Sumaka Festival”, now changed to the abundant growing trees of “Tipulo” (breadfruit) which the city name is derived. The concept of their dance is from the famous anthem “Tayo na sa Antipolo” and the town festivities depicted by National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo in his painting of Antipolo.

• Dalaksagaw | Manila

When: every January

Dalaksagaw is an acronym for “dasal, lakbay, sayaw, at sigaw”. The dance is represented by Manila’s Baseco Compund is a celebration to honor the Sto Niño.

• Meguyaya Festival | Upi, Maguindanao

When: 2nd week of December

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 3rd Place in the Festival Dance Competition

“Meguyaya” is a Teduray word meaning “Merrymaking and Thanksgiving”. It is a celebration for the abundance and prosperity by the hardworking Teduary people in the municipality of Upi.

BEHIND THE SCENES

THE GRAND CHAMPION