Festive merry-making is one of the most defining traits of the Filipino.  Our buoyant spirit, which readily manifests itself even in the most mundane circumstances of everyday life, bursts into unbridled proportions during local feasts.  This is why fiesta-hopping has become a convenient excuse for traveling throughout the islands to savor our myriad cultures.

When the Aliwan Fiesta unfolds last April 22-24, local residents and foreign  tourists alike witnessed once more the cornucopia of sights and sounds that has made the event a popular destination during the summer months.  Now on its eighth year under the aegis of Manila Broadcasting Company and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Yes!Tourism committee of SM Mall of Asia, as well as the cities of  Pasay and Manila,  it is a grand cultural extravaganza that brings together the country’s most popular festivals, showcasing Filipino revelry to the max.  

Contingents from different festivals all over the country have pulled all stops to showcase the best of the regions.

Banate, Iloilo presented a lively choreography showcasing how blue crabs have become a gourmet delicacy through the Kasag Festival.    South Cotabato pay tribute to the T’nalak Dreamweavers through their float.     The people of Sarmiento in Parang, Maguindanao reenact the Buklod festival to show the harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians in their community.  Tanauan, Leyte’s Pasaka Festival manifested the townsfolk’s strong resolve to surmount all odds while clinging to their faith,  and will highlight skimboarding as the town’s claim to fame.  

From the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio City’s Panagbenga, they showcase the myriad blooms for which the City of Pines has become famous.  The people of Marilao, Bulacan who celebrate the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, presented a harvest festival called Halamang Dilaw, anchored on the yellow tumeric ginger variety which is in demand for culinary specialties.   Kabalen from Mabalacat, Pampanga’s Caragan Festival celebrated traditional Aeta culture.   Fiesta time in Tondo, Manila which is anchored on the Santo Nino, gave a preview of the Lakbayaw festival, even as  Tribu Paghidaet of the Dinagyang festival portrayed the life of the Atis prior to their introduction to the Santo Nino

From Penablanca, Cagayan, a dance depicting the movements of a native bird that plays a vital role in their harvest rites called the Kiling-Kingan festival.  Cebu has opted to represent the Sinulog festival with a stylized float using indigenous materials and calling it the King of Kings.   The delegation from Pasig City presented the Pakalog festival, celebrated on New Year’s Eve, which focuses on the lifestyle of the early residents of Santolan district.   Cotabato has prepared a colorful flotilla called Ipat, displaying traditional heirlooms of the sultanate.  Masbate’s Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival showcased Bicolano culture, traditions, and values.  The grand festivity of Pakaradyan – a Maguindanaoan word for celebration --  was depicted by the townsfolk from Malapatan, Saranggani .  

Bulacan’s renowned regional Singkaban tradition was highlighted in tandem with the lush vegetation of Guiguinto’s Halamanan festival.    To showcase the Padang-Padang festival, students from Parang National High School featured a dance anchored on a Maguindanaoan epic.   Iloilo and Guimaras, who jointly host the annual Paraw Regatta was also represented.    Cotabato City, in turn, will display the betrothal rituals of the Kanggulagna.  

Caloocan City recreated historicity its Monumento Shrine, to support its contingent showcasing delicious mangoes in the Maypajo festival.  The delegation from Catanauan, Quezon recounted their pre-Lenten merry-making in the Boling-Boling Festival,  just as the Chavacanos treat audiences to the Subanon rituals in the  Zamboanga Hermosa festival.   The municipality of Shariff Aguak joined the event with their float called the Kagkawing sa Maguindanao, named after one of their most elaborate festivals.  
Kick off point of the street dance competition was held behind the SM Mall of Asia,  enroute to the Aliw Theater outdoor stage at the CCP Complex, where a star-studded awarding ceremony and fireworks display capped the festivities.

Aliwan Fiesta 2010 Streetdance competition winners are: Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City as the Champion, 2nd Place awarded to Zamboanga Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City and the 3rd Place given to Kasag Festival of Banate, Iloilo

Aliwan Fiesta 2010 Float competition champion was awarded to Cotabato City.