The Pride of Aliwan Fiesta 2011

Over 5,000 dancers, musicians, and artisans gather in Manila to compete for the annual Aliwan Fiesta. Think of the most celebrated festivals all over the Philippines, including the streetdancing, costumes, and vibes. They're all here in Manila to showcase their winning performances. And the best part - we can watch it for free! ^_^


Im thankful Dom invited me to witness it this year. Else, tatamarin na naman ako pumunta. We arrived in Quirino Grandstand 2 hours prior the event, just in time to mingle & talk with the participants, and take photos of course.

(as the competition proper started, Dom and I jumped over the bakod, looked for a good seat, and just watched the performances)

Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga

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Kampamagayon Festival

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Sosogon Festival of Sorsogon City

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Lembuhong Festival of South Cotabato

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Calacatchara Festival of Batangas

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Ibon Ebon Festival of Candaba, Pampanga

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Tribu Pantat, Kasadyahan Festival of Iloilo

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Kalimudan Festival of Sultan Kudarat

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Kalilangan Festival of General Santos

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Pakalog Festival of Pasig City

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Every performance is a feast in the eyes, but this one's the most outstanding. My jaw dropped upon watching them. Super showmanship!

all eyes on Dinagyang

all natural hair -wigs not needed!


in character agad siya!


yosi break muna


men from the province look very appealing, agree? ^_^


the winning getup - head over feet

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Aside from the colorful costumes and props, and the impressive performances - it's more overwhelming to know that:
- the participants have arrived in Manila as early as April 7. That's 9 days prior the competition.
- they reached Manila via bus! (very long road trip from Mindanao, grabe!)
- public schools around the metro become their temporary homes. (not very comfortable at all)
- their respective local governments sponsor their food and fare.
- the kids have daily allowances.
- the kids cant roam around Manila yet, not until the competition is over. (sana nakapag-OceanPark sila before going home)
- a teacher is assigned to 7-8 students, and she's liable if that student made a mistake while performing (seryoso talaga sila to make this perfect!)
- incomparable dedication makes everyone of them a winner.
- winning the competition is never about the prize - it's all about the PRIDE.

my Iloilo, my city
my Dinagyang, my Pride
winner of Aliwan Fiesta 2011

No wonder, Dom and I got interested to be part of their winning team!

Dong Ho Eskapo

Thank you Dom! Next time yung real thing na! Or if not, please invite me to your future trips - down south, yes? Salamat at Ayu-ayu! =)

1st part of audition palang - failed na! =)

waves to Sidney Snoeck and Enrico Dee, nice meeting you!
please let me know if anything needs to be corrected here