This travel wasn't planned, Jean, my high school classmate, messaged me to witness this grandest festival battle in the Philippines. We were thinking that today April 20, 2017 is the street dancing competition and unfortunately we're wrong but it's fine because this day is the Tugtog ng Aliwan 2017, where the contingents from different regions in the country compete with their unique and distinct sounds using their native instruments. Since it's unplanned, I don't my have my DSLR camera, so these photos were captured using my not so expensive phone.
Manaragat Festival from Catbalogan Easter Samar
Inaul Festival from Datu Piang, Maguindanao
Manggahan Festival from Guimaras
Timpuyog Festival from Kiamba, Sarangani
Dinagyang Festival from Ilo-Ilo
Thousands of people gathered by the Aliwan Theater, waiting for the start of the event but had rain showers for more than an hour before it started. The longest performance was more than five minutes, so the total performance of the contingents lasted for less than two hours. For unfortunate reasons, we were unable to finish the whole event. I will be uploading the videos on YouTube for you to hear the great sounds from different musical instruments around the Philippines. Schedule of Events: April 20, 2017 - Tugtog ng Aliwan 2017 | April 21, 2017 - Reyna ng Aliwan 2017 | April 22, 2017 - Grand Street Dancing Competition.