Ilonggo's talent has once again stood out!

The renowned Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City triumphed as the Grand Champion in Aliwan Fiesta 2023 street dance competition.

The festival was represented by Tribu Parianon who showcased exceptional dance moves and extravagant props backed with traditional instrumentals. The dance troup also paid homage to Santo Niño or the Holy Child Jesus.

The main performance was held in front of the Aliw Theater, Pasay City during Aliwan Fiesta's Grand Parade held on Saturday, July 16.

Tribu Parianon took home a tremendous cash prize of ₱1.5 million.

This marks the seventh win for the Dinagyang festival.

It won the title back-to-back from 2010 to 2013 and in 2017.

Meanwhile, Cebu City's pride Sinulog Festival placed second and Guimaras's Manggahan Festival conquered the third place. They received ₱750,000 and ₱300,000 cash, respectively.

Halamanan Festival of Guiginto Bulacan emerged as fourth runner-up and took home a cash prize of ₱150,000.

The last and fifth spot was secured by Negros Occidental’s Kadalag-an Festival and they took home ₱100,000.

The following festivals were named as runners-up, and each will receive ₱50,000:

• Kangga Festival of Mogpog, Marinduque

• Panagbenga Flower Festival of Baguio City

• Ayat Festival of the province of La Union

• Binabayani Festival of Masinloc, Zambales

• Antipolo Maytime Festival of Antipolo City

Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, Benguet clinched the special awards for Best Folkloric performance.

Manggahan festival of Guimaras was the recipient of Best in Costume, and the Sinulog festival of Cebu for Best Musical Accompaniment.

Each street dance troupe received ₱10,000 cash prizes.

Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde served as the chairman of the board of judges for this year’s Aliwan Fiesta street dance competition.

The members consist of CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan; Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Arts Dance Company Dance Director/Choreographer Ferdinand Jose; National Dance Commission Head Josie Guillen.

Also part of this year’s judges are CCP former President Nestor Jardin; CCP Director for Dance Ronnie Mirabuena; former Dance Master of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group Marciano Viri; festival curator Chris Millado; and Philippine Normal University (PNU) Chairman Technical Committee for Physical Education Larry Gabao.