By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Aliwan Fiesta will not take place this year due to scheduling conflicts, as confirmed by MBC Media Group. The proposed timeline, falling between Holy Week and the May 2025 Midterm Elections, posed logistical challenges for organizers and stakeholders, leading to the event’s cancellation.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) Executive Director Joyce Ann Clavecillas said the organizers officially informed them of the decision.
The cancellation means that the winners of this year’s Dinagyang Festival Tribes Competition and Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan will miss the chance to compete in the national event.
Despite the setback, Clavecillas assured that the Dinagyang winners would still have opportunities to perform on prestigious international stages.
A cultural showcase is scheduled for November in Auckland, New Zealand, while the group has also been invited to perform at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, this June.
This year’s Dinagyang Tribes Competition was won by Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, while the Tultugan Festival of Maasin claimed the championship in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
In 2024, Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School won the championship at the Aliwan Fiesta, with the Tultugan Festival of Maasin securing the first runner-up position.
The Aliwan Fiesta, a renowned event showcasing the best festivals from across the Philippines, has long been a platform for celebrating Filipino culture and artistry.
Meanwhile, IFFI President Alan Tan shared updates on preparations for the international performances.
The foundation is working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6, led by Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, to finalize travel documents and facilitate visa processing for the performers and their manager.
For the Osaka trip, an initial delegation of 30 members is planned, though the final number is still being determined.
Similarly, the number of delegates for the New Zealand performance will depend on the host country’s capacity to accommodate the group.
While the cancellation of Aliwan Fiesta 2025 is a disappointment, the Dinagyang winners remain set to bring their artistry to international audiences, keeping the spirit of Filipino culture alive on global stages.
