'Aliwan' = place that entertains. Considered as the Philippines' grandest and mother of all Fiestas! :-)

No extra budget for local travel? Come instead to the heart of Manila on May 1-3, 2008 to witness and experience the local fiestas of selected
(can't accomodate them all!) Philippine provinces all in one venue! The last day will feature a grand parade of streetdances and floats vying for
the Grand National Championship starting at the Quirino Grandstand, moving along one lane on Roxas Boulevard, and culminating a few kilometers away at the Aliw Theatre near the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A must-see event for local and foreign tourists alike! :-)

Parade participants numbering around 5,000 consisted mostly of elementary and high school students from all over the country.

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ANECDOTE: It rained hard around 3:45 pm - lasting for about an hour - even before the Grand Parade started. Fortunately I was able to capture
the participants rehearsing and/or while in their relaxed moments - the calm before the literal 'rain' storm, so to speak - basically scenes you
don't normally see covered prior to their performance-level image before the media. The list of participating groups and competition winners
may be read here: https://pbase.com/carinoza/fiesta_pt_2008 .

Ironically that same overcast sky provided a good opportunity to take pictures smoothly as it makes the color stand out ('mas matingkad ang
labas ng kulay') and gives a more softer skin tone - as opposed to a sunny sky wherein shadows can spoil a picture if esp. you don't use flash.

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NB: All images Copyright © Cariñoza - Worldwide. Prints and use are available - contact: Pbase.carinoza@yahoo.com