Aliwan Fiesta 2010 Day 2

Yesterday morning I woke up very early to shoot the Aliwan Fiesta dancers during the Unang Hirit TV Show aired at GMA7. Present during the 3-hour TV show are the Halamang Dilaw of Marilao Bulacan, Kilingkilingan Festival of Penablanca,Cagayan, Lapay Bantigue of Masbate, Boling-boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon, Pajotan Festival of Caloocan and Buklod Festival of Parang Maguindanao.

Shooting during Unang Hirit is a big effort. Imagine waking up very early in the morning. But what I like abut shooting during the GMA morning show is that there are only few photographers in the area, and the sunlight is not so harsh, compared to the afternoon streetdance parade.

Lapay Bantigue, Masbate

Before the Unang hirit ended, the Aliwan Festival Queens also paraded in their colorful festival costumes. The ladies all looked so stunning in their festival attire.

After the Unang Hirit show, I went home for a quick nap. By 10AM I went back to Aliw Theater to watch the blocking rehearsals of Kasag Festival from Banate Iloilo. Kasag was declared champion during the Kasadyahan competition in dinagyang 2010. The group was also declared as 1st runner up during the Aliwan Fiesta 2009.

Buklod Festival, Parang Maguindanao

Marc joined me in watching the rehearsals. I was totally blown away by the group’s routine. Sobrang ganda! The Wow Factor is just everywhere!

We then had lunch in Harbour view and had the chance to make a quick mailbox check. We went back to Aliw Theater at 2PM for the blocking rehearsals of Paraw Regatta. Last February I was in Iloilo to judge the streetdance competition of Paraw Regatta. so I was really excited to learn that the group is also coming over to Manila to compete.

However, I was a bit disappointed at what the group showed during the rehearsals. Looking at what happened yesterday, Paraw has the smallest chance of winning the Aliwan crown among the three groups sent by Iloilo. (The other contingent is Dinagyang Festival).

Kasag Festival blocking rehearsal

After the rehearsals I went home for a much-needed rest. Last night was the pageant presentation of the Aliwan Festival queen, but I no longer went back, as I was dead tired already.

Later today at 4PM is the grand Streetdance competition and float parade featuring 17 festivals from various parts of Luzon Visayas and Mindanao. Streetdance will start at the back of Mall of Asia and will wind up along Sotto Drive in front of Aliw Theater.

If you wish to watch the event, please come very early to get a good viewing spot. This event is free of charge.

For my fellow Ilonggos, please WEAR RED SHIRT to support our festivals!

Check the aliwan fiesta 2010 contingents here