Aliwan Fiesta 2013

Seventeen colorful contingents and 14 amazing floats, I guess, that's how most of us will summarize the recently concluded battle of the champions, Aliwan Fiesta 2013. But did you know that there's one thing left, it was a gazillion of fun, surprises and spectacles too!

Seventeen colorful contingents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindandao battle it out yesterday at Manila and Pasay Cities for the annual celebration of Aliwan Fiesta. Organized by Manila Broadcasting Company for 17 years now, this celebration aims not only to promote our festivities to other countries, but also to invite the local tourist to see their own country.

I've seen to a lot of festivals since I started traveling, but I guess nothing beats this one because not only it takes place here in my own city, Manila, but also it never fails to gather the best of the best to bring fun and surprises to everyone who attend this gathering.

And this year, the 17 contingents are composed of former grand champion, returning competitors and newbies! Well, why won't you join a contest that gives you Php 1 Million and the bragging right to be called the best of the best, right?

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival

Mango Festival of Zambales

Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte

Ang Tipulo of Antipolo, Rizal

Dalaksagaw of Manila City

Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao

Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao

Adivay Festival of Benguet

Mahaguyog Festival of Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Boling-Boling of Catanuan, Quezon

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City

Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City

Sagayan Festival of Buluan, Maguindanao

Dinagsa Festival of Muntinlupa City

Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City

Kalivungan Festival of Midsayap, North Cotabato

Padang Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro

Out of these 17 really amazing contingents, I have some personal favorites after watching them all at Quirino Grandstand. But I won't share it anymore for I don't make some more issues... remember, its more fun in the Philippines! Hahaha!

And without further ado, here is the list of this year's winners!

Runners-up

Mango Festival of Zambales

Ang Tipulo Festival of Antipolo City

Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte

Sagayan Festival of Buluan, Maguindanao

Pandang Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro

4th Runner-up

Adivay Festival of Benguet

3rd Runner-up

Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao

2nd Runner-up

Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao

1st Runner-up

Kalivungan Festival of Midsayap, North Cotabato

GRAND CHAMPION

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City

Congratulations to all the winners, as well as the contingents who supported this cause and the organizers who never get tired of promoting the beauty of this country!

Til next year! Happy Rammmpa, to everyone!