Reyna ng Aliwan 2015 Press Conference at Hotel Jen Manila

The search for festival queen heats up this summer’s celebration of the annual Aliwan Fiesta, with 21 young ladies representing various festivals all over the country  vying for the title of  Festival Queen, or Reyna ng Aliwan 2015  in glittering ceremonies that will be held on April 24 and 25.

Last April 23, these girls paraded at one of the cafe of Hotel Jen and was introduced to the media. Manila Broadcasting Company, which produces the annual cultural extravaganza in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cities of Manila and Pasay, has released the list of this year’s candidates.

Jenny Aito will represent Pasay City.  Baguio is fielding Christine Joy Picardal, while the province of Isabela will be represented by Jaymie Lou Palermo.  Carrying the colors for Bulacan will be Genesis Jasmine Baul for Guiguinto  and Vianca Louise Marcelo for Malolos.  Quezon province is likewise sending two candidates:   Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Candelaria and Ashanti Shane Ervas for Catanauan.

The Visayas are also pitching solidly for the crown.  Cebu will send Sinulog festival queen Julienne Hazel Penserga together with Gazini Christiana Ganados for the Palawod festival of Bantayan.  Iloilo will field Dinagyang festival queen Ariane Gabriela and the Paraw Regatta’s Angela Yagaya.  Camilla Mae Zanisi is representing Bacong,Negros Oriental, with Lalaine Iligan as the Sandurot festival muse of Dumaguete.  First-time Aliwan participant Samar is sending Cyril Valera.

From Mindanao,16-year-old Catalina Oralde will herald the beauty of the Zamboanga Hermosa festival, while Jezza Mae Lim carries the colors of General Santos City’s Kalilangan festival.  Doll-like Stephanie Joy Abellanida is the Halad festival muse from Midsayap, North Cotabato, with Normina Tomas representing the Shariff Kabunsuan festival of Cotabato.

Cebu has brought home the Reyna ng Aliwan crown for the past six consecutive years and has earned greater accolades with the triumphs of Miss Earth Jamie Herrell (2013 Reyna), BB. Pilipinas Supranational Rogelie Catacutan  (2011 Reyna),  2014 Bb. Pilipinas Mary Jean Lastimosa (2008 Reyna), 2013 Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez (2012 Reyna), and 2012 Miss Tourism International Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2010 Reyna).

This year’s pageant night, to be hosted by former Miss Earth Karla Henry and MBC’s Val Victa, will be held on April 24 at the outdoor stage in front of the Aliw Theater, with the coronation night following the grand parade on April 25.

Aliwan Fiesta 2015 is a project of Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Cities of Manila and Pasay, with support from Globe Telecom, Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, Tanduay Rhum, Dazz Dishwashing Paste, Coca Cola, Dunkin Donuts, My Juiz, M. Lhuillier, Cherry Mobile, Fukuda, and the Atrium Hotel.