Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Float Competition Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Congratulations to the winners of the float competition!


ALIWAN FIESTA 2018 BEST FLOAT
#12 Fiesta Tarakloban Float

2ND PLACE WINNER
#8 Sinilatan Float

3RD PLACE WINNER
#5 Kapasiti Float


RUNNERS-UP
#2 Ipi-Sinulog Float
#9 Catanauan Float
#10 Abra New Day Float
#11 Tagultol Float
#6 Bangsa Maguiranun Float
#7 Biton Float
#4 Singkaban Festival Float


Pasay City has taken pride in being called the “gateway to the Philippine Islands” and “the travel city,” where visitors get the first taste of the world-renowned Filipino hospitality in its happy combination of modernity and traditional folk culture. The main frame of the float for their Dayang-dayang festival is an amakan – woven bamboo material representing unity and harmony, traits of its citizenry, which have made the city progressive. The image of the Señor Sto. Niño symbolizes a people welcoming visitors with warmth, generosity, and kindness. The three pillars laden with beads, sinamay and rattan accessories represent the major awards given to Pasay for good governance, literacy, and as a luminary. Pasay: The Travel City, Where the Fun Begins” through the Dayang-Dayang festival!

Star City Float  - with festival queens :  Joanna Marie Rabe (Dinamulag Mango festival of Zambales);  Bianca Iraham (Zamboanga Hermosa festival);  Jackie Ruth Urongan (Sinalug festival of Zamboanga ddel Norte); Arl Banquerigo (Munato festival of Sarangani);   Novie Leonerio  (Tuna festival of General Santos City);  Elizabeth Bills  (Kalilangan festival of General Santos City); 

International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, with the support of the city government of Cebu once again dazzles Aliwan audiences with the float for the Sinulog festival, honoring their patron Señor Santo Nino  Aboard is Reyna Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon – the first Cebuano Christians – atop a carved balangay which represents craftsmanship  and seamanship during pre-colonial times.  Depicted is the fluvial procession honoring the sacred image of the Holy Child, who continues to manifest Himself in the lives of devotees seeking His favor for blessings, healing, protection, and patronage.  The float also depicts a feast of thanksgiving, enriching both faith and culture, where everyone dances to the beat of the drums and delights in the rhythm, while joyously shouting Viva Señor Santo Niño, Viva Pit Señor!  Ladies and gentlemen, the IPI-Sinulog festival float with their festival queen Shaila Mae Rebortera!

The Halamanan festival is an awesome and elegant celebration in the town of Guiguinto, Bulacan, held every third week of January and timed with the feast of the town’s patron San Ildefonso.  The festival puts a premium on ornamental flowering plants, which are the town’s main products.  It pays tribute to the renowned landscape artists of Guiguinto, as well as those who create topiaries, bonsai, and figure plants.  The costumes in the town’s dance festival are also inspired by the colorful flora which have found creative manifestations in the hands of gardeners and horticulturists.  Long live Guiguinto’s  Halamanan festival, with their festival queen Micaela Manuel! 

The Singkaban festival is an annual celebration in the province of Bulacan, which features various activities highlighting the rich culture of the province.  It is anchored on the art of whittling called “singkaban”.  Their float depicts the Kneeling Carabao festival of Pulilan, held each year on May 14 in tribute to San Isidro Labrador, wherein the carabao are made to kneel in front of the church.  Bulacan’s renowned whittlers have shaped the wood into various designs, complemented by folded leaves called “puni,” which decorate the homes during the festival in Pulilan along with fruits, vegetables, and plants.  Indeed, the Kneeling Carabao festival as rendered by Bulakeño craftsmen in the art of Singkaban is a sight to behold in rightful thanksgiving or a bountiful harvest.   From the province of Bulacan – the Singkaban festival float with their festival queen Lady Justerinnie Santos!

The municipality of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao chose to highlight the traditional Sagayan headdress on its float called the Kapasiti.  Sagayan warriors preceed any procession in Maguindanaoan culture – be it a parade on foot or one featuring vehicles.  The procession, called “kuyog” shows the warrior’s face covered by a red kerchief, symbolically warding off evil.  Spirits are represented by the floor yellow, and the kerchief prevents eye-to-eye contact with the unseen.  Maguindanaoans believe that a Sagayan warrior sees his opponents through the Kapasiti headdress.  He has to continually shake his head as further deterrent to evil spirirts.  From Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao – the Kapasiti float!

From the town of Mother Kabuntalan in Maguindanao comes the Bangsa Maguiranun float, which alludes to a land of lasting peace among the royal houses, brought about by inter-marriage between the Sultan of Unayan and the daughter of Rajah Buayan.  The couple resided in Tarakuku which has been renamed Mother Kabuntalan.  The float depicts the tradition called Daradiat, during which a fluvial parade is held.  On their beautifully decorated float we see intricate heirlooms and a rendering of the mythical Sarimanok, crafted by the oldest sculptor Kuban Gumacad.  Twin cannons from the Sri Vijayan empire of Malacca are also featured, along with dabakan drums.  At the center is the ornately decorated  bedchamber called the Lemba, all decked in authentic ornamental cloths that reflect the history of Ranao and Maguindanao.  A kulintang ensemble plays the rhythmic music throughout.  From Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao – the Bangsa Maguiranun float!

The town of Upi, Maguindanao presents their float called Biton, which depicts the traditional Teduray basket.  It is woven from a thin and light bamboo variety called “pawa,” the commonly used rattan variety called “uway,” and the “nito” vine favored by indigenous folk.  The squarish round basket is used to carry harvested corn, rice, vegetables, and other crops, and later strapped on the forehead when carried by Teduray women.  From the tri-people of Upi, Maguindanao and crafted by the people of barangay Bugabungan – the Biton float for the Meguyaya festival!

The richly exotic culture of Cotabato City is presented in this year’s Aliwan via the Sinilatan – a flotilla centered on a colorful ornamental umbrella carried during a royal coronation, a wedding parade, or other special occasions.  Heavily embroidered,  the umbrella symbolizes royalty in Maguindanaoan culture.  The ornate flotilla is adorned with traditional décor like the pandala flags, likos, the bagyontay, and the split cut stripe alluding to the three royal houses.  The Kawai ritual is also enacted, wherein a piece of gold is caught to signify the consent of a bride to a wedding, and the acceptance of the groom into the family.  Sagayan dancers and a kulintang ensemble complete the tableau.    From Cotabato City --  the Sinilatan float!

Manila Broadcasting Company Float  - with candidates for Reyna ng Aliwan:  Sharifa Akeel (Kalimudan festival of Sultan Kudarat);  Chrislyn Jabonero  (Kalivungan festival of North Cotabato);   Maristela Santiago  (Antipolo Maytime Festival);  Keziah Bartolome  (Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival);  Joanna Marie Watamama  (Pintados de Passi festival); Joyce Marie Sebio  (Binirayan festival of Antique); Ashanti Shaine Ervas (Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province;

The Boling-Boling festival of Catanauan showcases a festival anchored on the art of merry-making, which townsfolk indulge in before the Lenten season begins.  The pyramid structure on the float signifies the face of Catanauan, particularly the wildness of the revelry, which gives way to their strong spirituality,  heightened these days by socio-political concerns of the people and the rest of their countrymen.  Boling-Boling manifests the people’s  craziest dreams and desires without inhibition.  Materials used on the floast are local products artistically crafted in numerous designs.  From the Boling Boling festival – the Catanauan float with their festival queen Ella Mariz Cayabyab!

The float of the Abrenian Kawayan festival showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Ilocano and Tingguian, as rendered in bamboo and other local materials.  Abra New Day, as the float is called, depicts Abra after celebrating its centennial year.  It features the Bangued Dapil – the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, which is one of Abra’s main agricultural products.  Basi wine, vinegar, molasses and muscovado are some of the by-products of sugarcane.  The float also showcases the La Paza Abel Abra – a burgeoning loom weaving industry based on the colorful Abel.   From Bangued – the float called Abra New Day for the Abrenian Kawayan festival, with their queen Chanel Mistyca Corpuz!

A sanctuary beneath Lamon Bay is the inspiration of Atimonan’s Tagultol float.  It features a colorful display of marine life and the underwater kingdom using artistic rendering of corals, whale sharks, sea urchins, jelly fish, and other sea creatures.  Adding life is a 14-foot statue of Atimonan’s famous landmark – the mermaid --  embellished with coconut shells.  Atimonan  is home to the biggest artificial reef in the country, hence coral growth is promoted.  A whale shark regularly visits the seabed precisely because of the coral reef.  On the float, a huge net is crafted from woven coconut husks, with abaca as the waves of the sea;  the fiber is also used on the town’s official seal together with sinamay and vines.  On the whole, Atimonan’s float makes creative use of various coconut by-products, from copra, to the spathe, the sheath, palm ribs, and the fruit.  After all, the economy of Quezon province is anchored on the coconut, which for them is indeed the tree of life.  Once again, the Tagultol float from Atimonan Quezon with their festival queen Radhell Berbon! 

Tacloban has derived inspiration from  its patron’s fiesta in designing their festival float.  Celebrated every year on the 30^th of June in honor of the Sto. Niño de Tacloban, it commemorates the miraculous return of the image 129 years after being lost at sea – an event that also marked the end of a cholera epidemic in the town.  The central figure on the float is the venerated image of the Sto. Niño, enclosed by the “taklub” – a fishing implement from which Tacloban got its name.  At the head of the float is a representation of the E-jeepney, a concession of the city, slowly rising and modernizing from the ravages of another disaster – super typhoon Yolanda.  The canopied platform at the center represents the San Juanico bridge.  Completing the tableau are extension platforms laden with regulation fiesta fare such as the lechon.  The tailend carries the Rose of Tacloban, reminiscent of generations of beauty queens.  Tana Pamatron Kamo Ha Tacloban with the Fiesta Tarakloban float with Sangyaw festival queen Chelsea Fernandez! 

Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Streetdance Competition Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here are the winners for the street dance competition! 🎉

MAIN AWARDS
✔️

Aliwan 2018 Street Dance Champion

#16 Kasadyaan Festival

2nd Place Winner
#7 Manggahan Festival

3rd Place Winner
#12 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

✔️4th Place Winner
#10 Meguyaya Festival

5th Place Winner
#1 Binirayan Festival


✔️

✔️
✔️5 Runners-up
#17 Pandang Gitab Festival
#11 Bato Art Festival
#3 Pandan Festival
#8 Panagbenga Festival
#14 Abrenian Kawayan Festival

SPECIAL AWARDS

✔️Best Music
#16 Kasadyaan Festival

✔️Best Costume
#7 Manggahan Festival

✔️Pride of Place Award
#14 Abrenian Kawayan Festival

The province of Antique, known for its tagline “where the mountains meet the sea,” mirrors the rare resources  and diverse ways of living in the countryside.  First-time participants in Aliwan, the town of Caluya traces the story of one man who sources out his living in the middle of the night, exploring the dense waters  so he can bring home palatable viands for his family.  Amid lush green coconut trees, we are introduced to the Antiqueños’ delicacy – the tatus or coconut crabs, along with other flora and fauna,.  They also highlight the famous hand-woven patadyong, with its multi-colored hues, the crystal clear waterfalls and mystical rivers that speak of intertwined beliefs and traditions.  In the quaint greeting “kruhay” welcoming visitors to Antique, we  are embraced buy a warm and generous people.  Represented by Tribu Tatusan – here is Antique’s Binirayan festival! 

In 1991, a group of native aborigines called Aetas feld the mountains of Iba after the devastation brought about by ther volcanic eruption of  Mt. Pinatubo.  They lost their homes and livelihood.  Their faces reflected their sorrow asnd hopelessness.  As they travlled, their leader “Mang:” and his wife “Ga” saw some seeds scattered along the path.  Awed by what they found, they called their tribesmen, to gather the seeds.  When they reached the town of Iba, they were given land to till and live inb.  They planted the seeds they gathered, which, after several years, grew and produced much fruit that were smooth, big, and very sweet.  They called this “Mangga” after their chieftain and his wife.  Their children were named “Dina” and “Mulag” – children who were much bigger than normal aetas.  From then on, they called the fruit Dinamulag.  The mango variant became known all over and eventually provided economic prosperity to the town.  Every year, they give thanks for the abundant harvest and to their patron St. Augustine.  From Iba, Zambales – the Dinamulag Mango Festival!

The need to revitalize  the municipality of Mapandan in Pangasinan brought forth the town’s Pandan festival.  A brainchild of their former Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr, who is now Vice Governor of the province, it has inspired the townsfolk to discover and develop artistic talent while promoting the pandan industry, thereby creating more jobs and generating greater income by enticing investors.  The different barangays take part,  strengthening their unified effort to assert their identity and independence as a community.   The champion goes on to take part in other provincial competitions as well as in festivals throughout region 1.  Represented by Tribu Pandan,  let us witness the Pandan festival !  

Every month of April, the municipality of Balud in Masbate celebrates its agro-industrial fair featuring the Pangumagat festival.   The term is derived from the words “panguma” meaning “farming,” and “panagat” which means “fishing.”  Since the place is surrounded by water, most of its townsfolk are fishermen.  Adventurous, strong, and self-reliant, they are proud of the richness of the ocean, and their excitement after a good catch brings out their sense of humor and cheerful disposition.  Farmers, in turn, feel a lot of joy with the scent of abundant farmland.  Tourists are also drawn to the spectacular glassy surface of the water and the shimmering white sand of its beaches, complimented by the gentle breeze aglow with fireflies at dusk.  Their thanksgiving feast honors the Almighty for His unceasing guidance and bountiful blessings.  Here is the Pangumagat Tribe presenting the Pangumagat festival!  

The Dumagat are one of the ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, sharing the same roots as Aetas, Mangyan, and Negritos.  Studying the Dumagat allows us to trace our anthropological history as they were among the first groups of people who crossed land bridges in Asia.  The term “dumagat” comes from the term “rumakat” or “lumakad,” meaning “to walk, ” indicating that they arrived by land and not by sea.  They are now divided into two  -- the remontados or fair-skinned Negrito mestizos, and the pure Agta who live in the mountains of the Sierra Madre and in populous towns of Rizal and Quezon provinces.  There is a big Dumagat population in the town of Montalban, also known as Rodriguez, Rizal -- whose culture is based on hunting, farming, and fishing.  Dumagat people are very loving, have a strong sense of community, and care a lot for mother nature, on whom they depend for their survival.   Ladies and gentlemen – the Rodriguez Dumagat festival ! 

The term Dulansangan is a contraction of the phrase “dula sa lansangan,” referring to the street theater performances which are part of the annual Fiesta Republica, celebrated by the city of Malolos on January 23.   Dulansangan begins with a parade about the Malolos Congress.  The different participants come from various towns in Bulacan and other places throughout the country that figured prominently in our struggle for independence.  The groups portray various events that happened in their respective areas,  within the realm of  history.    Dulansangan aims to remind audiences of our nationhood,  and the important role that Malolos played in the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.   Please welcome Fiesta Republica!

Guimaras is an island province southeast of Panay, and northwest of Negros in Western Visayas.   It is blessed with white sand beaches, vast agricultural land, a panoramic view of the hills, picturesque coves, and offshore islets.  It consists of five municipalities – Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, Sibunga, and San Lorenzo.  It is known for its Manggahan festival, a yearly celebration anchored on the bountiful mangoes dubbed as the sweetest in the world.  The festival’s  representatives  portray dances featuring several steps involved in rice farming and mango production.  It also depicts the development of the province into a must-see destination.  With its tagline being “the province that fits your taste,” Guimaras takes pride in presenting Hubon Mangunguma for the Manggahan festival! 

Panagbenga is a month-long flower festival celebrated in Baguio every year, in thanksgiving to the Almighty Kabunyian for a bountiful harvest.  The term is of Kankanaey origin, meaning "time to bloom".    Held in February,  the festival is highlighted by a parade of floats that are covered mostly with flowers, and a streetdancing competition anchored on an Ibaloi dance of celebration.  Aside from boosting the economy through tourism, the festival is offered to the people with the ultimate goal of imparting the culture and heritage of the Cordilleras.  Depicted by this year’s champion St Louis University – the Panagbenga festival!

One of the most popular tourism events in Bacoor, Cavite is the Bakood festival – an annual celebration in honor of the town’s patron saint St Michael the Archangel.  Spiced with a generous dose of service-oriented and fun-filled events,  it instills a sense of pride among townsfolk.  The highlight is the grandest marching band parade in the country, featuring 55 ensembles, which gave Bacoor the reputation as the Marching Band Capital of the Philippines.    The name Bacood, derived from “bakod” - the Tagalong word for fence - alludes to its role as a former suburb of Paranaque, and constituting the boundary between Kawit and Silang.  Bacood used to be covered with thick groves of bamboo from what is now Zapote, Las Piñas to sitio Talaba.  A visit to the town is a real treat, with superb gastronomic delights such as fresh oysters, 101 ways of cooking mussels called tahong, and the famous Digman halo-halo.   Here is Teatro Baile de Bacoor presenting the Bakood festival!  

Meguyaya is a teduray term for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, which the people of Upi, Maguindanao celebrate annually.   Their god Tulos, the great spirit who created all things, abundantly blessed their land with verdant mountains, fertile soil, and a cooler climate.  The town produces acres and acres of corn, as far as the eyes can see – from the plains to the mountainsides.  However, one day, worms attacked their cornfields, and stalk borers left them devastated.  Using traditional clappers and native rituals, they tried eradicating the pests but failed.  With the help of Christian settlers and modern farming methods, they learned to use organic pesticides, bringing back the bountiful harvests.  From Bagabungan National High School, please welcome the Meguyaya festival!  

The local government of Luna, Isabela brings us an old Ilocano tradition revitalizing an appeasement ritual called “Atang”.  Even among the sophisticates, there persists a belief in the existence of dwarves called  “kaibaan” or “ansisit,” – tiny, unseen spirits that proliferate among trees, rocks, and abandoned places, who, when befriended,  exercise mythical powers like cooking endless supplies of rice for humans.  When harmed, even innocuously, through a careless act when passing through their domain, they cause rashes or irksome maladies.  When this happens,  a  healer called “mang-aatang” is asked to cure the illness through a ritual offering  using grated coconut, husks, shells, or even poultry and cigarettes.  Garbed in the famous abel iloko while celebrating life and bounty, here is Tribu Antatet  depicting “Atang” for the Bato Art festival!

Inspired by the richness of the culture and heritage of Panay, this group zealously conceptualized the barter of Panay with grandeur and fervor, reenacting history in a confluent pageantry of color, music, and dance.  The early inhabitants called the Ati indulged in hunting, fishing, and foraging edible plants from the wild.  Living in close-knit communities, they were ruled by the chieftain Datu Marikudo and his wife Manluantiuan.  Interaction with other ethnic groups changed their way of living, especially when introduced to the concept of trade.  The arrival of the 10 Bornean datus led by Datu Puti  first terrified the inhabitants of Panay, but initially agreed to barter their land for a golden salakot.  Manluantiuan also asked for the golden necklace of Datu Puti’s wife, in exchange for a cavan of crabs, a wild boar, and fully grown deer.  With the arrival of the Spaniards and the introduction to the devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus, the Atis’ expression of thanksgiving took on an added dimension.  From Iloilo City National High School, here is Tribu Panayanon for the Iloilo Dinagyang festival!

From the  words, “niyog”and”yugyog,” the Niyogyugan Festival  combines all the colourful fiestas of the different towns in Quezon Province.  Celebrating the “Tree of Life,” Niyogyugan pays tribute to the coconut industry’s glorious past, which bore fruit in the form of lambanog distilleries, oil millers, heritage houses, and the vast resort-plantations. The provincial government created the festival  to move, shake and bring back the vigor and dynamism of the industry and to promote the products, places, talent and creativity of Quezonians.  Crowd-drawing activities such as the  Sayaw ng Niyog, Karosa ng Niyog, the Bb. Niyogyugan, and the booth competition add excitement to the week-long provincial fiesta.  With the performance of the Hambujan Dancers of Dolores, Quezon… please welcome the Niyogyugan festival!   

The Abrenian Kawayan festival is celebrated by the province of Abra in March to commemorate its founding anniversary.  Focussing on Abra’s most abundant product – the bamboo – it showcases Ilocano and Itneg, or Tingguian, cultures and traditions.  Over the years, the Tingguian have stayed in the mountains to preserve their culture.  But they have literally crossed mountains and rivers to persevere in getting an education until they become professionals, and subsequently return to their communities to help their tribe.  Challenged by socio-economic and technological advancements, they remain grateful for their roots.  Here is Tribu  Dangdang-ay proclaiming  “Raniag!  Ragsak!  Abiag!  Asenso Abreño” through the Abrenian-Kawayan festival!

The progressive town of Atimonan lies on the western shore of the province of Quezon, bound by flourishing gifts of nature and the abundance of Lamon Bay.   The creation of the Tagultol Fishing Festival 15 years ago brought new vigor to Atimonan’s cultural awareness, as well as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty and the town’s patroness Nuestra Señora de los Angeles for the bountiful catch received by fisherfolk.  The festival shows the old fishing method of “ugtol,” a Tagalog word meaning “bounce”.  Tagultol fishing consists of a rectangular stone tied to a piece of abaca string dipped in honey to make it more resilient in salt water.   The original music was composed by Francisco Laude, founder of Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Kultura at Sining  sa Atimonan.  Please welcome the Atimonan Community Dancers’ portrayal of the Tagultol Fishing festival!

In the central part of the island of Leyte is a tribe covering 77 communities that live in a land of lush forests and mountain ranges.  Their first datu was named Duygon, and he was the son of a Moro businessman from Mindanao named Dawog, who married a lovely lady named Isak.  Upon the baptism of Reyna Juana and Rajah Humabon of Cebu, Christianity spread throughout the Visayas.  Jesuit missionaries came to Leyte, converting Dawog and Isak.  Duygon was baptized and gifted with an image of the Sto Niño.  He became enamored of a gracious lady named Pitik Mingaw, but jealous men caused his early death.  Pitik Mingaw was heartbroken and wandered through the forest, until she became weak and near death herself, praying to the Holy Child for help.  Suddenly, a huge eagle flew over her, warbling “Buraburon, buraburon,” and leading her to a giant spring, which they call “burabod.”  Hence, the town of Burauen is known as the spring capital of Leyte.  Chanting Viva Senor Santo Nino, here is Tribu Buraburon for Leyte’s Kasadyaan festival!  

Pandanggitab comes from the fusion of the words Pandanggo – or Dance – and Dagitab – which means “spark, or the light of electricity.”  They represent the lanterns that Mindoro women use to send their menfolk off when they go fishing.  Their bobbing lights call out to the fishermen when they are out in the dark ocean as symbols of hope and good luck.  As a dance form, the pandanggo sa ilaw utilises oil lamps held by the dancers in glasses balanced on their heads and on the back of each hand.  From Calapan, Oriental Mindoro comes the Pandang Gitab festival!

Reyna ng Aliwan 2018 Queens

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the new Reyna ng Aliwan 2018 queens!

REYNA NG ALIWAN 2018
Chelsea Fernandez (Sangyaw Festival)

1ST RUNNER-UP
Chanel Mistyca Villamor Corpuz (Abrenian Kawayan Festival)

2ND RUNNERS-UP
Shaila Mae Del Mar Rebortera (Sinulog Festival)
Ashanti Shaine L. Ervas (Niyogyugan Festival)
Lady Justerinnie G. Santos (Singkaban Festival)

Festival queens special awards:

Ms. Friendship - Novie Shane Leonerio (Tuna Festival)
Ms. Unique Smile - Shaila Mae Rebortora (Sinulog Festival)
Ms. White Rose, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown - Chelsea Fernandez (Sangyaw Festival)
Ms. Photogenic - Ella Mariz Andrei Cayabyab (Boling Boling Festival)

The lovely Ilongga Keziah Bartolome is candidate number 1 -- .  Kez is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 3 inchers, and weighs 107 pounds.  She represents the Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival.  A senior high school student of West Visayas State University, she likes singing, reading, and swimming in her spare time.  A champion vocalist, she is also a member of Youth for Christ.  Candidate number 1 --  Keziah Bartolome.

Jackie Ruth Urongan of Zamboanga del Norte is candidate number 2.  Jackie is 23 years old, satnds 5 ft 4 inces, and weighs 110m pounds.  She represents the Salug festival.  A graduate of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, she is a network entrepreneur and is a member of the Junior Chamber International Zambonaga La Bella.  Candidate number 2 --  Jackie Ruth Urongan. 

Here to represent the Pintados de Passi festival of Iloilo is candidate number  3 -- Joanna Marie Watamama.  Ann-Ann is 18 years old, stand 5 feet 4-1/2 inches, and weighs 104 pounds.  She is currently a college student and loves dancing above all things.  Candidate number 3 --  Joanna Marie Watamama.

Representing the Binirayan festival of Antique is candidate number 4 -- Joyce Marie Sebio.  Bang is 19 years old, stands 5 ft 4 inches, and weighs 92 pounds.  A native of San Jose de Buenavista, she is a third year college student at the University of the Philippine s Visayas, and likes watching movies, as well as reading books.  She is a member of the Pangkat Lingkod Bayan and the Junior Executive Society.  Candidate number 4 --  Joyce Marie Sebio.  

The pride of Antipolo City is candidate number 5 --  Maristela Santiago.  Maristela is 19 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches, and weighs 108 pounds.  Currrently studying at La Salle College Antipolo, she likes playing badminton and watching movies.  Candidate number 5 --  Maristela Santiago.

Coming all the way from Abra is candidate number 6 --  Chanel Mistyca Corpuz, here to represent the Abrenian Kawayan festival.   Anie is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches, and weighs 123 pounds.  A student of St. Louis University, she likes reading and watching movies, she is also a member of SLU Light -- the Hospitality and Tourism Management student organization of the university.  Candidate number 6 --  Chanel Mistyca Corpuz.

Radhell Berbon is candidate number 7, representing  the Tagultol Fishing festival of Atimonan, Quezon.  Arbie is 22 years old, stands 5 ft 7-1/2 inches, and weighs 118 pounds.   A college graduate of the Quezon Educational College, she likes trekking and swimming.  Currently, Arbie is the tourism coordinator of the town of Atimonan.  Candidate number 7 --  Radhell Berbon.

From Zamboanga del Sur is candidate number 8 --  Bianca Iraham.  Ica is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches,a nd weighs 92 pounds.  She is the reigning Zamboanga Hermosa festival queen.  A 12^th grader at Western Mindanao State University, she is a junior varsity volleyball player who also loves to cook and bake.   Candidate number 8 --  Bianca Iraham. 

Representing the Kalilangan festival of General Santos City is candidate number 9 --  Elizabeth Bills.  Tzah as she is called, is 19 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches, and weighs 125 pounds.  A graduate of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, she likes playing colleybal and indulge sin leisurely reading.  Candidate number 9 --  Elizabeth Bills. 

Arl Banquerigo of Sarangani is candidate number 10.  Representing the Munato festival, Arl is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 7 inches, and weighs 127 pounds.  A high school graduate of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, she plays the drums and is also into volleyball.   Candidate number 10 --  Arl Banquerigo.

Hailing from Tacloban City is candidate number 11 --  Chelsea Fernandez.  Lovely, as she is called by friends, is 19 years old, stands 5 ft 7 inches, and weighs 121 pounds.  She is a Broadcasting major at Asia Development Foundation College, and likes to cook, sing, and dance in her free time.  Candidate number 11 --  Chelsea Fernandez.

And from Sultan Kudarat, we have candidate number 12 --  Sharifa Mangatong Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel, representing the Kalimudan festival.  Sharifa is 20 years old, stands 5’8 inches and weighs 110 pounds.   She plays softball, holds a degree in Elementary Education from the Notre Dame of Salaman College, and presently works as Human Relations Officer at the Congressional office of the Province of Sultan Kudarat.   Candidate number 12 --  Sharifa Mangatong Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel. 

Coming from North Cotabato is candidate number 13 --  Chrislyn Jabonero.  Chrislyn is 20 years old, stands 5 ft 9 inches .  A third year business administration student majoring in marketing at Southern Christian College,  she is here to represent the Kalivungan festival.  Candidate number 13 -- Chrislyn Jabonero.   

From Iba, Zambales comes candidate number 14 --  Joanna Marie Rabe, represeting the Dinamulag Mango Festival.  Jojo is 22 years old, stands 5 ft 8 inches, and weighs 110 pounds.  She holds a degree in Tourism Management from Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, and loves playing badminton, reading, cooking, and travelling.  Currently, she is a resort ambassadress at Okada Manila.  Candidate number 14 --  Joanna Marie Rabe. 

A familiar face on the Aliwan stage is candidate number 15 --  Ashanti Shaine Ervas.  Ash represents the Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province.  She is 20 years old, stands 5 ft 7 inches,  and weighs 110 pounds.  Currently in fourth year at the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 

She likes visiting museums, watching documentaries and swimming.  Candidate number 15 -- Ashanti Shaine Ervas. 

Candidate number 16 --  is Novie Shane Leonerio.  Chin is 20 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches, and weighs 108 pounds.  Representing the Tuna festival of General Santos City, she holds a degree in business management from Mindanao State University, and is vice president of the Models Association of GenSan.  She plays basketball, writes, and hosts events.  Candidate number 16 --  Novie Shane Leonerio.

Ella Mariz Andrei Cayabyab is candidate number 17 -- .  Ella is 17 years old,  stands 5 ft 6 inches.  She was named Queen of the Boling Boling festival of Catanauan, Quezon, and is a 12^th grader at the Lyceum of the Philippines.   Candidate number 17 -- Ella Mariz Andrei Cayabyab.

Candidate number 18 --  is Micaela Manuel.  Mica is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches, and weighs 100 pounds.  A student of La Consolacion University, Mica carries the colors of the Halamanan festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan.  She likes reading books, playing volleyball, and online games.  She is currently the treasurer of the Philippine Association of Junior Engineers.  Candidate number 18 --  Micaela Manuel.

Carrying on the Sinulog tradition in Aliwan is candidate number 19 --  Shaila Mae Rebortera of Talisay, Cebu.      Shai is 22 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches, and weighs 110 pounds.  Currently a Junior Dental Clinician at Cebu Doctors University, she likes reading, travelling, boxing, and carrying out outreach programs.  Candidate number 19 --  Shaila Mae Rebortera.

Representing the Singkaban festival of Bulacan is candidate number 20 --  Lady Justerinnie Santos.  Lady is 19 years old, stands 5 ft 4 inches, and weighs 110 pounds.  A student of Far Eastern University, she likes playing badminton and working out at home.  Candidate number 20 --  Lady Justerinnie Santos.