In 2018, Leyte dominated the Aliwan Fiesta by winning all three (3) of the major competitions, namely: Best Float by Tacloban City; Reyna ng Aliwan by Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City represented by Ms. Chelsea Fernandez; and Best in Street Dancing by Buraburon Festival of Burauen, Leyte. And in 2019, Leyte yet again swept the winnings in three’s: - Tacloban City won its third-in-a-row BEST FLOAT earning them a grandslam title thanks to Sir Nick Guarino; - On its second attempt after winning 2nd Place in 2003, Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte took home this year’s BEST IN STREET DANCE title earning them as one (1) of three (3) festivals from Leyte to ever win the championship crown following Buraburon Festival (2018) and Buyogan Festival (2009); and - Although Buraburon Festival of Burauen, Leyte failed to set a back-to-back win this year, it managed to win three (3) awards, namely: BEST IN COSTUME, BEST MUSIC, and a Second Place in the BEST IN STREET DANCE. In the history of Aliwan Fiesta for Eastern Visayas, Catbalogan City’s Manaragat Festival has so far won two (2) championship titles in 2015 and 2016; while other festivals like Mayaw-Mayaw Festival of Pinabacdao, Samar won 3rd Place (2015); Buyogan Festival won 2nd Place (2012); Lingganay Festival of Alang-Alang, Leyte won 3rd Place (2012); Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos, Leyte won 3rd Place (2007); and Sarakiki-Hadang Festival of Calbayog City won 3rd Place (2003). Although Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City has won the most number of championship titles in Aliwan, only Lumad Basakanon representing Sinulog Festival of Cebu City has ever been recognized in the Hall of Fame of Aliwan Fiesta having won three consecutive championships in 2006, 2007, and 2008. No festival contingent in Eastern Visayas has even been awarded with a Grand Slam distinction but Eastern Visayas is now being known as the home of the best of Philippine festivals after securing different wins of different festival contingents not only in Aliwan but in other festival competitions as well. Cheers to Eastern Visayas! (Credit to the owner of the photos) #aliwanfiesta #easternvisayas #infiniteescapes #itsmorefuninthephilippines https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw1FNJxHBbV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1g4fgvmbqk0hz
