ILOILO City – There will be no Aliwan Fiesta this year, thus Tribu Paghidaet, champion of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival tribes competition, and Tultugan Festival, winner of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan contest, will not perform in the event.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) executive director Joyce Ann Clavecillas said they received a letter from the organizers of the Aliwan Fiesta stating the event will not push through.
On January 8, the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) announced its decision to postpone the Aliwan Fiesta 2025, citing logistical challenges.
“After careful consideration, MBC Media Group has decided not to hold the Aliwan Fiesta this 2025. The proposed schedule of this year’s event falls between the Holy Week and the May 2025 midterm elections, creating logistical challenges for all stakeholders. We greatly value your understanding and ongoing support,” MBC stated.
Despite this, Clavecillas assured that the Dinagyang Festival winners will still have opportunities to perform on international stages.
Tribu Paghidaet is set to perform in New Zealand in November. Clavecillas noted that performers from New Zealand previously showcased their talents in Iloilo City during the Dinagyang Festival, solidifying the cultural exchange between the two.
Additionally, the group has been invited to perform at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, tentatively scheduled for June. Department of Tourism Region 6 director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez extended the invitation to showcase the Dinagyang Festival at the international event.
During the program prior to the Dinagyang Ati tribes competition on January 26, IFFI president Allan Tan officially announced the international showcases.
“I would also like to thank the regional director of the Department of Tourism, Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, for inviting the Dinagyang Festival to Osaka, Japan, to join the World Expo 2025. Our Dinagyang is set to take the international stage in June 2025, and we are excited to showcase our culture, strength, and the resilience of the Dinagyang warrior to the world. Let us celebrate our culture and unity,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Maasin, Iloilo’s Mayor Francisco Amboy confirmed that the Tultugan Festival has also received an invitation to perform in New Zealand this November.
To recall, Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School represented the Dinagyang Festival in Aliwan Fiesta 2024, emerging as champion, while the Tultugan Festival of Maasin secured the first runner-up spot./PN
