To Be Young and Free in DINAGYANG FESTIVAL!

Take a Break! 

January marks the start of the year and it also catapults the festive season in the entire Philippine archipelago! 

The Feast of the Black Nazarene opens it all, followed by the Sinulog Festival in Cebu held in honour of the Sto. Niño. Smaller celebrations also take place in different cities as a tribute for the Child Saint.  But in the city of Iloilo, a joyous and spirited celebration is also held, filling major streets with loud music as the marauding revellers come in droves with their colourful costumes and props! 

I was still a young boy when I first witnessed Dinagyang Festival.  We used to live in Iloilo that time.  Since then, I never had the chance to go there to be part of this annual Ilonggo merry-making! 

But on my 3_th birthday, I decided to go to be young and free again, just like my childhood days.  And it was a great decision! 

ALIW NA ALIW SA ALIWAN FESTIVAL 2011

Every town or city in this country has its own festivities! And most of them are deeply rooted in religious and farming traditions...

In Manila, city dwellers get a glimpse of these festivities from around the country in the annual ALIWAN FESTIVAL. A number of organizations (from various towns/cities) take part in this colorful and merry spectacle to parade their local traditions, beautiful boys and girls, products, artistry and culture!

The parade starts at the Quirino Grandstand and ends in front of Aliw Theatre at the CCP Complex. It's good to see people braving the mid-afternoon heat just to witness this event. The mood is festive and relaxed.

I waited for the parade (floats, costumes, etc.) at Aliw Theatre. I was hoping to get clear pictures with natural light... Unfortunately, the parade arrived early evening and the lights were not strong enough from our position. Anyway, I had fun and it was a great opportunity to experience this kind of grand festivity even in an urbanized city...