Ladies from different regions of the Philippines exuding beauty and brains will be facing off at Aliwan Fiesta 2024, slated from June 27 to 29, as they compete in the highly anticipated annual search for the festival queen or Reyna ng Aliwan.
A prominent launchpad for up and coming pageant hopefuls, Reyna ng Aliwan provides a platform for young Filipinas to demonstrate not only their peerless beauty, but also their intellectual aptitude.
The pageant, one of the three main highlights of Aliwan Fiesta which has been held since 2003, puts a spotlight on different Filipino cultures, tourism and heritage through candidates aged 16 and above representing different festivals from their hometowns.
This year’s contestants bring a diverse array of beauty and culture to the pageant. Kate Camile Ferrer Pioquinto from Zamboanga del Sur will represent the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, while Kristine Dineros from Makati City is set to showcase the Caracol Festival. Raeley Jane Villaray from Nueva Vizcaya will compete representing the Grand Ammungan Festival.
From the City of Manila, Michele Angela Okol will represent the Lakbayaw Festival, and Nicole Grencio from Parañaque City will bring the spirit of the Sunduan Festival. Prima Joy Alamban from Malabon City will share the heritage of the Tambobong Festival, and Prianka Elina Laurena Goswami from San Juan, La Union will represent the Ayat Festival.
Kate Winslet Villa from Ilocos Norte will showcase the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival, and Maria Sophia P. Reyes from Guiguinto, Bulacan will represent the Halamanan Festival. Arrabelle Mangahas from Malolos City, Bulacan will put the spotlight on Fiesta Republica, while Zarina Mayor Ayub from Iba, Zambales will present the Dinamulag Mango Festival.
Representing the Antipolo Maytime Festival is Rizty Espleguira from Antipolo City, Rizal, while Suyhen Luxnie Del Rosario from Taytay, Rizal will bring the Hamaka Festival to the stage. Juliana Louise H. Martinez from Pagbilao, Quezon Province will highlight the Niyogyugan Festival, and Ameera Sulaiman Said D. Almamari from Atimonan, Quezon Province will showcase the Tagultol Fishing Festival.
From Lucena, Quezon Province, April Joy Tañafranca will represent the Pasayahan Festival. Angel Jed Zaragoza Latorre from Iloilo City, Iloilo will bring the vibrant Dinagyang Festival to the stage. Mariel Bogert from Cebu City, Cebu will represent the Sinulog Festival, while Mia Loureen Tamayo from Cebu Province will highlight the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival.
Segments in the program include a festival costume competition culminating in a grand parade, a swimsuit segment, and an evening gown presentation wherein contestants will answer questions from the judges.
Because of the show’s availability for viewing on digital platforms, audiences can also assess contestants with the same criteria the judges will use: 35% for Personality, 35% for Beauty and Poise, 20% for Costume, and 10% for Overall Impact, for a total of 100%.
The winner shall take part in promotional activities for Aliwan Fiesta and other MBC Media Group events, and shall not join any other beauty pageant until she relinquishes her crown to her successor. Representing the Sinulog Festival, Cebu’s Kiara Liane Wellington who was crowned Reyna ng Aliwan last year, represented Aliwan Fiesta as part of the MBC Media Group delegation at various festivals nationwide.
Other winners have gone on to compete and win titles both domestic and international, namely: Vera Eumee Reiter, who bagged Mutya ng Pilipinas; as well as Mary Jean Lastimosa, Rogelie Catacutan, and Ahtisa Manalo, who became Binibining Pilipinas title holders; Jamie Herrell and Karla Henry who won Miss Earth; Rizzini Alexis Gomez and Angeli Dione Gomez, who won the Miss Tourism International crowns; Cynthia Thomalla, who was hailed as Miss Eco International; and Sharifa Aqeel who won Miss Asia Pacific International.
Aliwan Fiesta 2024 is organized by the MBC Media Group, Group in partnership with the City of Pasay, the City of Manila and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and promises an exhilarating extravaganza of music, dance, and cultural displays. The event is also supported by Pride, Unique, Smart, Star Wax, Shield, Charm, White Rose, Dunkin Donuts, Bingo Plus, MX3, Rexona, Sunsilk, Lady’s Choice, Knorr Sinigang, AICS, Bayview, Tanduay, Absolute, and Summit.