TACLOBAN CITY – The highly urbanized city (HUC) of Tacloban under Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez bagged the best float award in the recently concluded Aliwan Fiesta 2017 – an annual cultural event organized by a radio network which gathers all Philippine festivals in one venue.
The city’s ‘Flores de Mayo’ inspired float created by local artists Daniel and Nick Guarino was named champion in the Aliwan Festival held in CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City last April 20, besting other entries from around the county.
The float’s intricate design, which made use of native materials, draws inspiration from ‘Flores de Mayo,’ an annual religious event highlighted by beautiful maidens and arches bedecked with flowers.
Happening every May and devotedly observed by Taclobanons, the event memorializes the finding of the true Cross by St. Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine.
Meantime, Sangyaw Festival’s Venisse Charm Costibolo placed 2nd runner-up in the Reyna ng Aliwan Contest.
Personnel of the City Tourism Office headed by Tourism Officer Celica Quebec and staff of the City Tourism Office (CTO) paid Mayor Romualdez a courtesy visit to present the achievement meant to promote homegrown artists and Tacloban culture on the national scene.
The CTO took home P500,000 cash prize.
Every May 30 the city government stages a grand Santa Cruzan with the participation of the different city barangays, during which a Reyna Elena is selected from among the participating maidens.
The event has already become a tourist and crowd drawer. (HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO)
