Malipayong Piyesta (Happy Fiesta), Ilonggos!
Iloilo City's Dinagyang Festival triumphed as Aliwan Fiesta 2024's Street Dance Competition Grand Champion, represented by Tribu Pan-ay from Fort San Pedro National High School.
The performances were executed and judged in front of the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on Saturday, June 29, marking the final day of this year's Aliwan Fiesta.
The tribe safeguarded their spot as the defending champions for the Street Dance Competition, winning the grand prize money of P1.5 million; and accumulating additional awards such as the Best in Costume, and the winner for the Tugtog ng Aliwan.
Tribu Pan-ay's performance shows the Ilonggo's strong devotion to the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus). In the heart of Iloilo City, Dinagyang Festival is held yearly as a way to commemorate their rich culture and history. Deriving its name from the Hiligaynon word "Dagyang," meaning merry-making.
The Festival is currently known as the country's best festival, considering its eight championships.
Meanwhile, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Iloilo secured the second place spot, earning P750,000.
Securing the 3rd place, is the Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, earning P300,000.
In 4th place, is the Niyogyugan Festival of Pagbilao, Quezon Province. And in 5th place, is the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City who earned P100, 000.
The festival runners-up recognized this year and received P50,000 were:
• Maytime Festival of Antipolo City
• Kaogma Festival of Camarines Sur
• Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City
• Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan
• Cagsawa Festival of Daraga, Albay
Special awards were also given to each festivals namely:
• Panagbenga Festival as the Pride of Place, earning 100,000
• Tultugan Festival as the Best in Music Accompaniment, earning P10,000
• Dinagyang Festival as the Best in Costume, earning P10,000
The much-awaited awarding ceremony continued with the announcement of winners for the Float Competition on the same night.
The reigning champion is the Guinakit Festival Float of Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, winning P750,000.
Annouced as second place was Panagkakadua-an Festival Float of San Felipe, Zambales, winning P300,000. Lastly, Republica Filipina-Fiesta Republica Festival Float of Malolos, Bulacan came in 3rd place, winning P100,000.
The runners-up mentioned who won a total of P25,000 were:
• Bahay Pangisdaan Festival Float fom Muntinlupa City
• Lamin O Bidadari Festival Float from Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte
• Ilwan A Inaul sa Kutawato Festival Float from Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte
• Adat Betad sa Maguiranun Festival Float from Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte
• Halamanan Festival Float from Guiguinto, Bulacan
This year's Aliwan Fiesta reveled in the country's cultural display and pleasure for colorful celebrations. It was organized by the MBC Media Group, supported by Pride, Unique, Smart, Star Wax, Shield, Charm, White Rose, Tanduay, Dunkin, Bingo Plus, MX3, Rexona, Sunsilk, Absolute, Summit, AICS and Bayview Hotel.
