Dinagyang Festival Secures Back-to-Back Win, Pasigarbo Festival Reigns as Reyna ng Aliwan 2024
Aliwan Fiesta reached its grand conclusion on its last day with the much-awaited Grand Parade and Awarding Ceremony. Held infront of the Aliw Theater, this year’s festivities once again showcased the vibrant colors rhythmic dances, and stunning queens that define the country's various festivals.
The grand parade kicked off at Star City, where participants from all regions of the Philippines gathered to showcase their festival prowess. The parade route included a brief stop for a 2-minute performance in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), followed by a full-scale presentation in front of the Aliw Theater. Each contingent brought their unique stories to life through dance, music, and floats, embodying the spirit of unity amidst diversity.
Following the parade was the most-awaited Awarding Ceremony hosted by the dynamic duo, Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper of Love Radio Manila. The event kicked off with a hype as Tom Taus and Tanya Chinita took the stage and performed songs for the crowd, including the Aliwan Fiesta theme song.
Rocksteady also delighted the crowd with their hit songs and some renditions before the much-awited awarding of winners.
Here are the best of the best for this year's festival!
For the Float Competition, Bahay Pangisdaan of Muntinlupa City, Lamin O Bidadari of Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao Del Norte, Ilwan A Inaul sa Kutawato of Cotabato City, Maguindanao Del Norte, Adat Betad sa Maguiranun of Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto Bulacan placed as this year's runners up.
Meanwhile, Republica Filipina Fiesta of Malolos Bulacan was awarded as 3rd runner-up and Panagkakadua-An from San Felipe, Zambales bagged the 2nd place for the Float Competition.
This year’s Best in Float is Guinakit from Cotabato City, Maguindanao Del Norte
Reyna ng Aliwan also recognized the Netizens' Choice awardee, the Best in Festival Costume awardee, three 2nd runners-up, the first runner-up, and Kiara Wellington's successor as Reyna ng Aliwan 2024.
Netizens' Choice Awardee, Juliana Louise Martinez of Niyogyugan Festival of Pagbilao, Quezon Province
Runners up – Nicole Grancio of Sunduan Festival of Paranaque City, Michele Angela Okol of Lakbayaw, Mariel Bogert of Sinulog Festival of Cebu City
1st runner-up and Best in Festival Costume Awardee- Ameera Almamari of Tagultol Fishing Festival of Atimonan, Quezon Province
And the new Reyna ng Aliwan is Mia Loureen Tamayo of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival, Cebu Province!
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the street dance competition winners, where special citations, runners-up and the this year's festival champions were awarded.
Pride of Place – Panagbenga Flower Festival from Baguio City represented by the University of Cordilleras Center for Creative Productions
Best in Music Accompaniment – Tultugan Festival from Iloilo Province represented by Maasin, Iloilo
Best in Costume – Iloilo Dinagyang Festival represented by Tribu Pan-Ay
Runners-up: Antipolo Maytime Festival from Antipolo City represented by San Isidro National Highschool Bukluran Dance Troupe Kaogma Festival from Baao, Camarines Sur represented by Baao Cultural Street Dancers Panagbenga Flower Festival from Baguio City represented by the University of Cordilleras Center for Creative Productions Halamanan Festival from Guiguinto, Bulacan represented by Brgy. Sta Cruz Halaman Dancers Cagsawa Festival from Daraga, Albay
5th Place – Sinulog Festival from Cebu City represented by Banauan Cultural Group 4th Place – Niyogyugan Festival from Pagbilao, Quezon represented by Pagbilao Street Dancers 3rd Place – Meguyayan Festival from Upi, Maguinaldo Del Norte represented by Kibucay National Highschool 2nd Place – Tultugan Festival from Iloilo Province represented by Maasin, Iloilo
And this year's Street Dance Competition Champion is the Dinagyang Festival, marking their back-to-back victory as they successfully defended their championship from last year.
As Aliwan Fiesta concludes another successful celebration, participants and festival-goers cherished happy memories and a stronger sense of cultural pride. Maraming salamat sa pakikiisa at pakikisaya sa pinakamalaking pista ng taon! See you all on Aliwan Fiesta 2025!