Send off parade for Aliwan contingents on Friday
Traffic in the city's major streets will be affected on Friday with the holding of a send off parade for the two competing tribes for this year's Aliwan Fiesta to be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds on May 1-3, 2008.
The motorcade for two competing tribes, namely, Tribu Paghidaet of Lapaz national High School, the 2008 grand champion of the Dinagyang festival, and Tribu Saad of Leganes, this year's champion for the Kasadyahan festival, will start at Plaza Libertad at 2:00 pm.
The parade will pass by Rizal Street, Iznart Street, Ledesma Street, Infante Avenue, Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave., El 98 Street, Jaro, E. Lopez, Jaro, Luna Street, Lapaz, Bonifacio Drive, Iznart Street, J.M. Basa Street and Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
City Tourism Office head Ben Jimena said Tribu Paghidaet and Tribu Saad of Leganes will be part of the almost 25 festivals coming from all over the country participating in the Aliwan Fiesta. The grand prize winner for the festival will receive P1 million.
Jimena said the city is not only aiming for the cash prize but the honor and pride being named as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines for two consecutive years by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.
The performance of the winning tribes will give the spectators the idea on why Dinagyang got the title for two consecutive years. "What is important is to be able to showcase Dinagyang to other people who were not given the chance to witness the festival in Iloilo City."
While, Ms Dinagyang Vena Supeña Ardales will vie for the Reyna ng Aliwan title. The city will also join in the float competition which will have a grand prize of P500,000. This year's theme for the Dinagyang float is "Señor Santo Nino: Essence of Dinagyang."
Jimena also said Iloilo will offer Ilonggo delicacies like biscocho, batchoy and various Dinagyang souvenirs in the trade bazaar within the CCP complex. The participating festivals in the entire country are given the opportunity to showcase their goods aside from their respective festivals.
Aliwan Fiesta is the annual cultural event initiated by the Manila Broadcasting Company. It features dance presentations reflecting the culture of the each region or city.