The search for festival queen livens up this summer’s celebration of the annual Aliwan Fiesta, as the different participating festivals send their respective muses to vie for the title of Festival Queen, or Reyna ng Aliwan 2016 in glittering ceremonies that will be held on April 15 and 16.
Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City, which produce the annual cultural extravaganza in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cities of Manila and Pasay, have released the list of this year’s candidates.
Angelica Gabriel of Pasay City will represent the Dayang-Dayang festival, while Andrea Fe Gomez of Baguio is this year’s Panagbenga festival muse. Coralin Resurreccion of Sariaya carries the colors of Quezon Province’s Niyugyugan festival, with Rechelyn Dionco representing the Boling-Boling festival of Catanauan, and Airish Mae Yamamoto being fielded by Laguna’s Anilag festival.
From the Queen City of the South is Cynthia Thomalla of Cebu, this year’s Sinulog festival queen. Likewise turning on the Visayan charm is Dumaguete’s Renelyn Deguit (Buglasan festival of Negros Oriental).
Lou Dominique Piczon is the Manaragat festival muse from Catbalogan, Jhoanne Tañada of Iloilo represents the Dinagyang Festival, with fellow Ilongga Christel Marie Layson representing the Paraw Regatta.
Mindanao will have Reasel Ann Halagna for the Zamboanga Hermosa festival and Jeanebeth Sedavia of Midsayap, North Cotabato (Kalivungan festival).
The pageant night will be held at the outdoor stage in front of the Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex on April 15, with the coronation night following the grand parade on April 16.
Aliwan Fiesta is supported by Globe Telecom, Tanduay, Alaska, Coca Cola, Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, Shield Bath Soap, Columbia Candies, Cherry Mobile, Fukuda, AICS, GES Led Lights, Bayview Park Hotel, Robinsons Place Ermita, and Hotel Jen.