In a burst of vibrant colors and rhythmic beats, the grand parade of Aliwan Fiesta 2023 took the streets of Pasay City on July 15th, Saturday, captivating the audience with a mesmerizing display of cultural celebrations from across the Philippines.
The procession showcased the awe-inspiring talent of street dancers and the beauty of floats carrying the esteemed Reynas ng Aliwan candidates.
Cultural streetdance
The grand parade commenced with the mesmerizing performance of the Dinamulag Mango Festival from the Province of Zambales, represented by the spirited Ibaile Street Dancers. Their lively dance moves and colorful costumes set the tone for an exhilarating spectacle, captivating the onlookers from the very start.
Stepping up the excitement was the Kadalag-An Festival of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, presented by the dynamic Victorias City Sidlak Kadalag-An Dancers. Their synchronized movements and infectious energy drew cheers from the crowd, infusing the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm.
The energy continued to soar with the Hamaka Festival of Taytay, Rizal, presented by the spirited Indak Hamaka Dance Company. Their enthusiasm and synchronized movements brought the festival's spirit to life.
The celebration of culture and heritage continued with the Binabayani Festival of Masinloc, Zambales, presented by the talented Masinloc Street Dancers. Their vibrant costumes and spirited dance moves showcased the rich traditions of their region, leaving the audience in awe of their performance.
The Saduratan Festival from Buldon, Maguindanao Del Norte, took the stage with a captivating dance performance by the talented Kultura De Original group. Their synchronized routines and colorful costumes painted a vivid picture of their cultural heritage, earning applause and admiration from the spectators.
The vibrant Manggahan Festival of Guimaras Province, represented by The Hubon Balsahan from the Municipality of Sibunag, graced the parade with their joyful presence. Their dance performances and fruit-inspired costumes paid tribute to the island's rich agricultural heritage, leaving spectators with a taste of Guimaras' unique charm.
Adding to the spectacle, the Kangga Festival from the Local Government Unit of Mogpog, Marinduque, delighted the spectators with their vibrant dance performance.
The Antipolo Maytime Festival of Antipolo City, presented by the Maharlika Dance Troupe, continued the celebration with their awe-inspiring performance. Their synchronized movements and colorful costumes paid tribute to the city's unique blend of tradition and spirituality, drawing admiration from the onlookers.
Highlighting the parade were two iconic festivals. The Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, presented by the exuberant Tribu Lumad Basakanon, mesmerized spectators with their vibrant dances and traditional costumes.
Meanwhile, the enchanting Panagbenga Flower Festival of Baguio City, presented by the talented Pinasao National High School Sakusak Ensemble, delighted the crowd with their graceful performances.
The Ayat Festival of the Province of La Union, performed by Tawid A Balitok, showcased the region's vibrant culture through their colorful costumes and lively dance routines.
The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, presented by Tribu Parianon, took the audience's breath away with their awe-inspiring dance moves and elaborate costumes. Their dedication to honoring the Santo Niño and their precise choreography left spectators in awe of their devotion and skill.
Floats showcasing Reyna ng Aliwan 2023 candidates
Accompanied by the graceful Reyna ng Aliwan candidates Natalya Margaret Lindsay and Patricia Marie Mendiola, the Tagultol At Tagayan Float from Atimonan, Quezon, added an extra touch of elegance to the parade. Their presence, representing the Tagultol Festival and the Pasayahan Festival of Lucena City, respectively, further enhanced the grandeur of the event.
TINGNAN: Miss Pasayahan Festival Patricia Marie Mendiola at Miss Tagultol Fishing Festival Natalya Margaret Lindsay. | DZRH Digital #AliwanFiesta2023 #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/CCvIIUFnLM
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
As the procession unfolded, the Daradiat O Bangsa-Rajahmuda float from Mother Kabunatalan, Maguinadano Del Norte, emerged with a regal presence. Accompanied by Reyna ng Aliwan candidates Kiara Liane Wellington and Melanie Grace Gillamac, representing the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City and the Palawod Festival of Bantayan, Cebu, respectively, their float captivated the audience.
TINGNAN: Ang makulay at magarbong float ng Daradiat o Bangsa Raguiamuda mula sa Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte. | DZRH Digital #AliwanFiesta2023#StreetDanceParade#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/fjKA9JJeQU
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
The Sigkel Sa Igan float carried the charismatic candidates Ashley Misaki Francisco of the Hamaka Festival of Taytay, Rizal, and Erika Maie Sawma representing the Antipolo Maytime Festival of Antipolo City. Their presence added a touch of grace and beauty to the procession, drawing admiration from the onlookers.
TINGNAN: Ang mga ipinagmamalaking floats ng:
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
-Sigkel sa Igan ng Sultan Kudarat
-Pangengedong ng Maguindanao del Norte
-Sipa sa Manggis ng Cotabato City
-Tagultol Fishing Festival ng Atimonan, Quezon | DZRH Digital #AliwanFiesta2023 #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/D5lRDzjUVg
The Sipa Sa Manggis float featured the graceful Polyanna Martina Manalo representing the Anihan Sa Ambling Festival of Magdalena, Laguna.
The procession continued with the Pangengedong float, carrying Kisha Honey Panis representing the Pintados Festival of Eastern Visayas.
This was followed by the Salakot float from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Del Norte, carrying Nina Athena S. Ariza representing the Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban, Leyte, and Mariela Bianca Acob representing the Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival of Ilocos Norte. Their regal presence and graceful movements captured the essence of their respective festivals, showcasing the grandeur and cultural diversity of the Philippines.
The Kangga Festival float carrying Jazminum Marciano celebrated the region's rich cultural heritage with a spirited performance, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
The procession reached its grand culmination with the Salakab Float of Muntinlupa City. Doreen Pagcu Ahuja represented the Dayang Dayang Festival of Pasay City, while Raisah M. Kabugatan represented the Taga-Giik Festival of Taguig City. Their presence added a touch of elegance and cultural diversity to the parade, reflecting the richness of Philippine festivals.
TINGNAN: Ang floats ng Salakab ng Muntinlupa City at Lapat Festival ng Calanasan, Apayao na sumasalamin sa kanilang mayamang kultura. | DZRH Digital #AliwanFiesta2023 #StreetDanceParade #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/9vURIAXjgc
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
Meanwhile, the Lapat Festival of Calansan, Apayao, brought their lively float, accompanied by Kristine Billy M. Tabaday representing the Ayat Festival of Bacnotan, La Union, and Deniece Allen Ayon representing the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City.
The procession concluded with the Renamentaw Mapalaw float from Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao Del Norte, carrying Shane Pia representing the Himaya Festival of Himaymaylan City, Negros Occidental, and Ghenesa Marie Mueller representing the Udyakan Festival of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Their presence added a touch of grandeur and cultural significance to the closing moments of the parade.
Ang magarbong floats ng Renamentaw Mapalaw mula sa Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte at Halamanan festival mula sa Guiguinto, Bulacan. | DZRH Digital #AliwanFiesta2023 #StreetDanceParade #FloatCompetition #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/0OUZXR6VcB
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
With the grand parade reaching its grand finale, the Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan, took the spotlight. Their float, carrying Mary Ann Dela Cruz, showcased the beauty and diversity of local flora, symbolizing the importance of nature in Philippine culture.
The Aliwan Fiesta 2023 grand parade celebrated the rich tapestry of Philippine cultural heritage, uniting different regions in a mesmerizing display of music, dance, and creativity. As the echoes of applause and cheers reverberated through the streets, it became clear that this extraordinary celebration had left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed it.