By Lizbeth Ann Abella/Philippine News Agency
TACLOBAN CITY — The town of Tanauan, Leyte takes pride for its recent win in the country’s grandest festival – the Aliwan Fiesta, besting 13 other contingents in the country.
Local government officials and parents welcomed home, through a ceremony Wednesday afternoon, the 500 performers, props men, and trainers, three days after winning the prestigious festival in Pasay City.
“I sincerely congratulate and thank you for what you have done. It was a very competitive contest with the participation of best festivals in the country. That was a battle of champions in the Philippines,” said Mayor Pelagio Tecson in his speech during the welcome party at the town plaza.
“According to organizers, we have a very nice story and you’re able to translate the story beautifully and artistically. It was executed very well,” Tecson added.
Tanauan’s Pasaka Festival was adjudged the grand champion in the festival dance category as representative of Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Leyte province. Tribu Buraburon of Burauen, Leyte, last year’s Aliwan Fiesta grand champion, garnered the second place.
The Pasaka Festival street dance performance featured “the culture of Tanauan, faith in the Almighty, and our resiliency after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan),” said Mayor Tecson.
Aliwan Fiesta is an annual gathering of the country’s most popular cultural festivals organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Star City, in cooperation with the cities of Pasay and Manila.
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