May 26, 2009 by ajay
I didn’t stay long enough to catch the announcement of the winners among the beauteous sagalas that graced the Flores de Mayo 2009 last May 24 at the Mall of Asia. So here they are: (via Unilever Philippines)
Shown (from left) are: Anna Marie Burgos, awarded Miss Cream Silk; Janina San Miguel, crowned La Flor de Manila; Reissa Ileto, bagging the night’s most coveted Rosa Mystica; Andrea Abesamis, as the Reina de las Flores; and Glennifer Perido, as Miss Ponds.
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Category My Manila, Philippine Festivals | Tags: Bellissima Filipina,Flores de Mayo,Mall of Asia,MOA | 1 Comment
May 16, 2009 by ajay
A fiesta of designs and colors! This is my short description of the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon which I was finally able to attend with a tour group this year. Unlike last year when the event was spoiled by rains, this year’s fiesta was blessed with eternal sunshine and was crowded with visitors, more than ever.
It was simply amazing to see the creativity of the town of Lucban on this occasion, and if only for this, they deserve to be flocked by people from all over who see in the Pahiyas a showcase of the ultimate Filipino fiesta. With the Pahiyas, town natives give thanks for a bountiful harvest and pay homage to their patron saint San Isidro de Labrador. This explains the presence of design elements like vegetables, fruits and grains being stringed together to create delightful artworks!
Category Philippine Festivals | Tags: Lucban,Pahiyas Festival,Philippine fiesta,Quezon | 6 Comments
April 26, 2009 by ajay
If you’re a resident of Manila or just happen to be dropping by, make sure to visit the next Aliwan Fiesta. Since this year’s edition is over, we congratulate the organizers and the participants for making the event such a beautiful attraction – rains, traffic and all 
Simply amazing were the floats which reflect Filipino artistry and ingenuity. What you can see here: the vibrant colors of the islands, the expert use of indigenous materials, and lovely festival queens atop the floats with dancers and musicians swinging to the beat of the rhythm.
Winners have been announced in the million-peso extravaganza and proclaimed first place in the Float Design competition was the entry from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
I took a picture of the winning float yesterday, which was simple yet exquisite. The figures in native Filipino costumes are actually moving and rotating to show they are dancing.Laoag was also the winner last year.
Category Philippine Festivals | Tags: Aliwan Fiesta,costumes,float parade,Philippine festival | 4 Comments
April 25, 2009 by ajay
Holy schmoly, it’s my first time to cover a festival in the history of this blog. This is the Aliwan Fiesta Grand Parade which was held today (April 25) at the CCP Complex grounds and then culminating at the Quirino Grandstand.
The erratic weather threatened to dampen the festivities, as it was raining in Manila for the past few days. So my mantra was to shoot while the sun was out and then leave early, before it became cloudy or dark.
If you’re a tourist or even a Manila resident, you’d surely have fun watching a sampling of Philippine festivals. Aliwan is not to miss because almost all regions of the Philippines’ 7107 islands are represented. The costumes and floats are colorful and elaborate. You’d also have an idea of the religious and folkloric undertones behind the festival. Most of all, you’d feel alive because of the beat of the drums, the chanting and the dancing. Enjoy these first batch of pictures. Photos may not be reprinted without permission from annalyn.net
This maiden in white represents the wetlands of Candaba, Pampanga. The swamp of Candaba is known all over as a refuge of more than 80 species of migratory birds, some of whom are considered rare.
Category Philippine Festivals | Tags: Aliwan Fiesta,costumes,Philippine festival | 2 Comments
