ALIWAN Fiesta, the “festival of all festivals” organized by Manila Broadcasting Company, is back after a hiatus of 3 years (because of the pandemic) and returns to the vibrant streets of Pasay City from July 13 to 15.
Among the multitude of captivating events in this cultural extravaganza, the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant stands out as a celebration of beauty, diversity, and the rich heritage of the Philippines.
After conducting Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen for three years on the virtual platform, the face-to-face Reyna ng Aliwan returns, yielding 18 contestants from various regions, each representing their unique customs, traditions, and talents. Through this pageant, the multi-faceted aspects of Filipino culture and festival tourism are proudly exhibited, providing a platform for young Filipinas to showcase not only their physical beauty but also their intellectual prowess.
Reyna ng Aliwan has earned a preeminent status in the realm of beauty pageants in the country and has acted as a launching pad for many Filipinas to achieve success on both national and international stages.
Over the years, the communities that participate in Aliwan Fiesta have produced a remarkable number of queens who have achieved prestigious national and international titles.
The official candidates this year are: Erika Marie Sawma, Antipolo Maytime Festival; Deniece Allen Ayon, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City; Doreen Pageu Ahuja, Dayang Dayang Festival of Pasay City; Kiara Liane Wellington of Talisay, Cebu, reigning Sinulog Queen; Niña Athena Ariza, Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City; Mariela Bianca Acob, Tan-ok Ni Ilokano Festival of Ilocos Norte; Melanie Grace Gillamac, Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island, Cebu; Mary Ann De La Cruz, Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Raisa Kabugatan, Taga Giik Festival of Taguig; Kisha Honey Panis of Tacloban City, Pintados Festival of Leyte;
Ashley Misaki Francisco, Hamaka Festival of Taytay, Rizal; Kristine Billy Tabaday, Ayat Festival of La Union; Natalya Margaret Lindsay, Tagultol Fishing Festival of Atimonan, Quezon; Shane Pia, Himaya-an Festival of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Polyanna Martina Manalo, Anihan sa Ambling Festival of Magdalena, Laguna; Ghenesa Marie Mueller, Udyakan Festival of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental; Michaela Reen Egay, Tuna Festival of General Santos City; Patricia Marie Mendoza, Pasayahan Festival of Lucena City; and Jazminum Marciano, Kangga Festival of Mogpog, Marinduque.
The pageant unfolds tonight at the Aliwan Fiesta stage in front of Aliw Theater. Awarding and coronation of winners will be held tomorrow night, after the awaited street dancing competitions and parade of festival floats.
Neeve Comanda who represented Panagbenga Festival and has reigned as Reyna Ng Aliwan since 2019, will crown her successor.
